Yutong importer extends passenger carrying options with Chinese-base minibus
Doncaster-based Excel is converting the first 11-seat (plus driver) LDV minibus for Pelican DAF, a sister Pelican Engineering Group company to Wakefield Europort-based Pelican Bus & Coach, the Yutong importer. Key markets for the minibus are wheelchair access operation, schools and colleges, private hire and feeder work for coach operators.
Based on an LDV R80 LWB van, the first minibus will have nine M2 Phoenix Blenheim high-backed seats mounted on a mix of low-profile and quick release low profile tracking, an Inboard AMF Brun wheelchair lift, carpet-trimmed side casings and saloon ceiling, four double USB sockets and two speakers. Front seats are being re-trimmed to match those in the saloon.
The LDV van is now manufactured in China by SAIC Motor Corporation (formally Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), the sixth largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. Power comes from a 136hp VM Motori engine built in Italy coupled to a six-speed Hyundai manual gearbox.
“Suspension and gearing has been specifically optimised for UK operation,” says Pelican which is backing the product which also comes with a five-year or 200,000km warranty and five year roadside assistance, with 24/7 service support.
“Harris Group in Ireland is the importer for the British Isles,” explained Pelican Managing Director, Richard Crump. “We were appointed an agent at the CV Show last year and already have three LDVs in our own fleet. One is the Yutong service van, another is a parts van and our MAN breakdown van is one as well. From our own experience LDV has proved to be very reliable and is just as fuel-efficient as the competition. We believe that SAIC is another Chinese manufacturer that’s here to stay.
“This is a very price competitive vehicle and we’re offering the complete range, a chassis cab and three van sizes that Harris is importing. In the first quarter of 2017 we hope to sell around 30. The Excel conversion will test the minibus market and will be priced at £24,950 including a power lift. With ramps it would be £22,950. While the range is currently Euro 5, Euro 6 will be introduced next year.”
Richard added that two 3,500kg GVW electric options, a medium roof, 5.7m van and 5.62m chassis cab, will also be available. Pelican is already talking to local authorities about its Yutong E12 all electric bus, particularly for Park & Ride operation and one has expressed interest in zero emission lighter-weight commercials for city centre use as well. While there is a 450kg weight penalty with the electric LDVs, payload is still 950kg and 900kg for the van and chassis cab respectively.
Based on a two-hour full charge, lithium battery capacity is 56kWh and using the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) as a guide, half loaded each would have a range of around 129 and 127 miles.
