NEC Show Preview: Manufacturers

Vehicle manufacturers and converters large and small will be showing their latest products and developments. CBW takes a look at what will be on offer

Alexander Dennis Ltd
Stand J50

Alexander Dennis (ADL) will be showcasing a range of buses and Plaxton coaches. On the ADL stand will be an Enviro200 single-decker destined for a major English operator, which will show some of the features and options available on this and other ADL buses. Alongside the Enviro200 will be an imposing Plaxton Panorama double-deck coach. Combining capacity with accessibility, the Panorama can be fitted with up to 87 seats in a touring or express coach configuration, making it an economic choice for large groups. The fully flat lower saloon floor means that no wheelchair lift is required, making entry quick and easy, and wheelchair access can be configured through the front or centre door. [wlm_nonmember][…]

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In the outdoor area an autonomous Enviro200 will be demonstrated. Developed in partnership with technology experts Fusion Processing, and supported by bus operator Stagecoach, this bus has already successfully operated in autonomous mode in bus depots.

Also in the outdoor area, and available for test rides, will be a fully electric BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-decker. Bodied for the UK market by ADL, the bus features BYD’s proven battery technology.
In addition, a Plaxton Panther to touring specification will be on display in hall 19, whilst finance and leasing specialist Dawsongroup will exhibit a Plaxton Leopard coach and an Enviro400 double-decker on its stand, J10.

Arriva Bus & Coach
Stands E31/G10

Arriva Bus and Coach has moved to a larger stand at this year’s Coach and Bus UK in order to showcase a range of vehicles from its exclusive UK partners – Van Hool and Temsa – including the much-anticipated launch of two new models.

The brand new Temsa HD12 and MD9 will be unveiled for the first time at this year’s show giving visitors the opportunity to take a look at the remodelled coaches. Both the HD12 and MD9 have a restyled front, side and rear profile as well as redesigned headlights and rear lights. The coaches feature an upgraded wiring system and enhanced suspension while the HD12 also boasts the next generation DAF engine. The interior has been redesigned with a host of new features including step edge lighting and new interior lighting plus an LCD dashboard in the HD12. Both models will be on the stand with the MD9 in the livery of Pulham’s, plus an additional HD12 in the outside viewing area in the livery of New Bharat Coaches.

Also on display will be two Van Hool coaches – a TX Altano and an EX15M, and the vehicles on display this year will showcase the renowned Van Hool quality across both the TX and EX range of coaches. The TX Altano will carry the livery of Sharpes of Nottingham who have bought the coach to celebrate their 15th anniversary and add another high-specification vehicle to their premium fleet. The EX15M will be displayed in the livery of Bibby’s of Ingleton – another hugely-respected operator in the UK coach industry.

As well as the new coaches on display the larger Arriva Bus and Coach stand at this year’s show will feature a dedicated aftersales area where the team will be on hand to discuss a range of services including new bespoke maintenance packages and field support.

B.A.S.E. Ltd
Stand N1

Having launched the MOBIpeople brand in the UK in 2014, the team from BASE (based in Leyland, Lancashire) are pleased to be back at Coach & Bus UK 2019 exhibiting three vehicles from the now well-established European bodybuilder, based in Coimbra, Portugal.

“This year we’re delighted to have had the chance to expand the MOBIpeople Explorer range once more, this time with a high-floor vehicle on an MAN chassis due to client demand. We have now sold over 150 MOBIpeople vehicles since its launch into the UK market and we see this as another significant step forward in allowing us to offer additional specifications from the growing MOBIpeople portfolio,” said Nick Dodgson, General Manger at BASE.

BASE will be displaying the first high-floor Explorer 360 (which is to be delivered to Pontefract-based operator Poppleton’s in December) at Coach & Bus UK 2019. It has been built on an MAN RR2 19.420 chassis paired with a fully automatic ZF Ecolife Gearbox. With 53 seats, a centre-sunken toilet, just under 15m3 of luggage space, a wheelchair lift and the ability to carry four wheelchair users, this vehicle offers a considerable amount of versatility for the operator. This will be the fourth MOBIpeople to be added to their fleet.

Also on show will be a 9.1m MOBIpeople Midi Explorer based on the MAN TGL 10.220 chassis, with 34 seats and an automated 6-speed gearbox, belonging to Burns Coaches of Ellon.

The third vehicle to be displayed on BASE’s stand is a MOBIpeople Explorer 330 based on a Scania K320 chassis with a fully automatic ZF Ecolife Gearbox. This vehicle, belonging to Ellisons Coaches in Swindon, has 74 Prime passenger seats and will be the fourth MOBIpeople to join their fleet. Since its launch at last year’s Euro Bus Expo the Scania MOBIpeople has been a success and has been proven to compliment the offering that was already previously available from the Portuguese bodybuilder.

The team looks forward in welcoming everyone at stand N1.

Brian Noone Ltd
Stand A5

Based in Maynooth, near Dublin, this family-run company has been in the motor industry for over 50 years. The latest DAF-powered model having been reviewed in CBW just a few issues ago, Brian Noone will be showcasing the best of its Envoy and Turas range of high-quality minicoaches. For smaller applications, the Envoy and Turas 500 provide luxury, style and class, whilst the larger Turas 700 and 900 are able to accommodate up to 29 and 33 passengers respectively, with ample luggage space. Stylish top quality interior options include wood effect finishes, tables, LED mood lighting, and a host of other features to impress.

Dawsongroup Bus & Coach Ltd
Stand J10

Commercial vehicle rental, hire and leasing specialist Dawsongroup will be showcasing products from a number of suppliers at this year’s show. Dawsongroup is able to provide vehicles from UK manufacturers such as Alexander Dennis, Plaxton and Optare, as well as specialist accessible vehicles. It provides services to commerial operators, local authorities, community transport providers as well as schools and care homes.

From Alexander Dennis, Dawsongroup will be exhibiting an example of an Enviro400 86-seat double decker bus, alongside a new 72-seat, 12.8 metre Volvo B8R Plaxton Leopard coach.

In addition, there will be a chance to view the latest EVM Elegance 16-seat Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based minibus, and Ford Transit Trend also with 16 seats, whilst the stand will also feature a double coach seat to demonstrate an Alfatronix on-board media unit.

EVM
Stand D1

Now celebrating it’s tenth year in business, EVM’s success is built on core values of creativity, commitment and enthusiasm, keeping customers’ desires at the heart of everything it does. EVM manufacturers bespoke Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses and minicoaches from 8 to 22 seats in low and high-floor variants and accessible options. The company’s focus remains innovation and the production of quality products built at its modern manufacturing facilities in Kilbeggan Co. Westmeath, which enables EVM to cost effectively be flexible with customer requirements as well as ensure maximum quality. This year, EVM is showcasing the latest versions of its Grand Tourer, X-Clusive and Avantgarde minicoaches, which are fitted with between 16 and 22 seats, plus the latest incarnation of the successful Cityline low-floor minibus.

EVM’s sales team will be on hand at the show to highlight the many and varied bespoke options available, whilst an additional EVM Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus will be on display on the Dawsongroup stand (J10).

GM Coachwork
Stand E2/5

As a specialist in vehicle conversion, GM Coachwork understands that no two people have the same needs and the right wheelchair vehicle is one that is tailored precisely to the end user. The company offers expert advice and guidance and offers no-obligation home demonstrations of all of its wheelchair accessible vehicles to help its customers choose one that’s right for them. GM also offers a variety of modifications to improve customers’ own vehicles in terms of accessibility and manageability for both drivers and passengers.

GM Coachworks uses vehicles from all the leading manufacturers and can use its experience to suggest the vehicle best suited to a customer’s requirements. Once chosen, the customer can then tailor the fittings and features as required: Seating – from 9 to 17 seats, with a choice of seat type and materials. Doors range from simple manual ones to fully automatic driver operated plug doors, and can be fitted with fold out, kick out or electrically operated steps. Air conditioning and luggage racks are amongst the further options available.

Harris Auto
Stand A5

Harris Auto will be presenting a wide selection of its models at the show, including the Higer Super 9, AOS Isuzu Visigo, LDV minibuses and the latest Crusader range.

The Super 9 has been designed in Ireland for the Irish and UK markets, which brings stability and reassurance with assured parts and technical assistance. The basic specification of the vehicle was predetermined by what the bus and coach industry wanted in a midi-sized coach. Many of the parts used are from internationally renowned suppliers with dedicated supply routes in Ireland and the UK, making parts supply simple – not just today but also into the future and includes products such as a Cummins engine, ZF gearbox, Firestone airbags, Spheros AC system, and Isringhausen driver’s seat.

For those with smaller needs, the LDV MiniB range offers practicality with a variety of customisable options, whilst the AOS Visigo provides further options in the midi-coach sector, with many features fitted as standard including powered lockers, reversing sensors, CCTV systems, double glazing and much more. Visit Harris on stand A5 to discover more about the wide range of vehicles on offer.

Ilesbus
Stand N4

Ilesbus is one of Turkey’s largest minibus converters, and specialises in Mercedes Sprinter and Iveco Turbo Daily vehicles. A recent entrant to the UK market, Ilesbus now has a purpose-built showroom in Pyle, near Bridgend, South Wales, and offers its Accessible, Tourist and Economy 1, 2 and 3 models based on the standard Mercedes Sprinter, with a range of options of configuration and equipment. For those requiring higher specification vehicles, the manufacturer can offer a choice of Renaissance and Harmony models, again with a wide variety of options and features available.

Operators seeking larger vehicles also now have the option of the Calista, which is available in a number of configurations on Mercedes and Iveco chassis, and which offers seating for up to 36 passengers plus courier. Wheelchair accessible variants are also available, as well as features such as a continental door and toilet.

Irizar UK Ltd
Stand F1

Spanish manufacturer Irizar, which has its UK base in Worksop, is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, and will be presenting three of its award-winning coaches – all of integral construction, all powered with DAF’s MX range of OBD-D engines. The line up will be headed by a 55-seat i8, which besides the usual high specification and equipment will feature a Masats KS8 wheelchair lift over rear axle on the nearside, providing access to four wheelchair spaces. The 14-metre tri-axle is powered by the latest 530hp Euro VI engine, and fitted with a ZF Traxon automated gearbox.

Alongside this, Irizar will be displaying a 12.9 metre long version of its i6. This will be fitted with 53 seats, and will also have a ZF Traxon gearbox, this time mated to a 408hp Euro VI engine.

The third vehicle to feature on Irizar UK’s stand will be a 13.6 metre tri-axle i4 laid out with 80 seats in a 3+2 style, and intended to offer a real alternative to the traditional double decker on school journeys.

King Long Europe UK Ltd
Stand N2

Birmingham-based King Long Europe UK will be showcasing the latest vehicles from well established Chinese manufacturer King Long, which produces buses for its home market and exports to many other countries around the world, having manufactured over 400,000 vehicles since its inception in 1988. The latest C9, C10, C12 and C13 coaches offer a wide variety of standard and optional features to suit all operating requirements and budgets as well as offering a pleasant travelling experience for passengers and driver alike. Visit KLEUK on stand N2 to find out more about its wide range of local buses, interurban and tourist coaches.

London Hire
Stand E30

Accessible vehicle rental firm London Hire, which specialises in providing accessible minibuses up to 32 seats, as well as cars and patient transport vehicles, will be showing a brand new, fully electric wheelchair accessible minibus this year. The EV80 Minibus M1 is a lightweight vehicle with nine seats and boasts an urban range of 100 miles with its 100kW electric motor, providing access to LEZ and ULEZ areas. A second electric minibus will be available for ride and drive experiences in the outside demonstration and test area.

Mellor Coachcraft
Stand L20

UK-based vehicle manufacturer Mellor will be showcasing its latest fuel-efficient Strata and Strata Plus low-floor buses. Based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Strata range offers excellent fuel economy and low cost of ownership compared to larger single deck vehicles. To highlight this, Mellor recently launched a cost of ownership calculator showing the significant saving that can be achieved.
This can be found at: tco.mellor-coachcraft.co.uk

The Strata range has been engineered to enhance the passenger journey experience, providing comfortable passenger seating and a large low floor section space for wheelchairs. In addition, Strata and Strata Plus carry the Low Emission Bus (LEB) certificate and qualifies for BSOG rebates as part of the LCEB scheme.

Mistral Group
Stand A22

One of the UK’s leading providers of public service buses and coaches for sale and rental, Mistral’s customer base is spread across the whole of the country. Built on the principles of flexibility and choice, Mistral gives operators the ability to run vehicles from manufacturers such as Alexander Dennis, Plaxton and Mellor, whose products feature innovative designs meeting the latest standards. Mistral offers operators the option to buy or rent, having the facility to arrange asset finance if required for vehicle purchase or via attractive bus rental packages that are often structured to reflect the underlying contract that the operator has. With knowledgeable teams located strategically around the country to provide the best service levels, Mistral is well placed to be able to advise on the best option for businesses.

Moseley (PCV) Ltd
Stand K1

Five vehicles will be on display on Moseley PCV’s stand, which will feature four full-size coaches – two VDL Futura FHD2s and two Beulas-bodied VDLs – and an Iveco mini coach.

The largest vehicle available to view on the stand will be a 13.5 metre VDL Futura FHD2 135.410 MX Integral coach for A.W. Eastons Coaches Ltd of Stratton Strawless in Norfolk, powered by a DAF MX11-2100, 300kw/410hp Euro VI engine and ZF 6AP2300B Ecolife gearbox with retarder and fitted with alloy wheels. On the inside, it will be equipped with VDL Class 500 luxury reclining seats trimmed with leather headrests and mood lighting; drinks fridges and a servery are also provided, along with a Bosch SmartLine entertainment and PA system. A second VDL Futura FHD2 in the form of a 129.370 MX Integral 12.9m coach for Bayliss Executive Travel of Eythorne in Dover will also feature, similarly equipped to a high standard.

The first of two Beulas coaches is a 12.2 metre VDL SB4000 CYGNUS for Yelloway Coaches Ltd. of Oldham, Lancashire. Featuring Beulas’ ‘new design front,’ the vehicle will have double glazing, pneumatic luggage lockers and alloy wheels, whilst the interior will be finished to a high specification, with 53 SEG VIP Sultan seats trimmed in leather. A Bosch Professional Line audio and visual system will provide on-board entertainment. A 13 metre long VDL SBR4000 BEULAS AURA to a similar high specification finish will also be on display.

The fifth vehicle presented by Moseley will be a 29-seat Iveco Daily 70C18 EEV Indcar Wing 8.49m midi coach for Westway Coach Services Ltd. of Molesey, London.

Nu-Track Ltd
Stand E2/7

Nu-Track has been designing and manufacturing specialist vehicles for the welfare, education and PSV markets since 1991, and the range now includes wheelchair accessible coachbuilt buses, minibuses, school buses, courtesy vehicles and mobile libraries, all tailor-made to suit the specification and budget of the customer.

Lightweight construction is used to maximise fuel economy, whilst bonded glazing adds strength. Nu-Track offers a range of narrower-width vehicles to suit operation in rural and restricted urban areas such as the Nu-Vive with a seating capacity of up to 33, as well as a range of low- and high-floor minibuses such as the City Lift and City Dash, right up to the MAN-based Pulse with a capacity of up to 43 seats or 10 wheelchairs.

Pelican Bus & Coach
Stand E40

Pelican will be exhibiting a number of its increasingly popular Yutong buses and coaches on its stand, three of which will be zero emission electric vehicles. Inside on stand E40, a TCe12 electric 12 metre coach will be available for viewing. This will be finished in an as-yet-unannounced customer livery, as will an E10 electric single deck bus produced to TfL specification. Meanwhile in the outside ‘zero emissions zone’ area a further E10 electric bus will be available for test drives.

Additionally, a Yutong GT12 53-seat, 12-metre long high-specification luxury coach with DAF Euro VI diesel engine will be on display on Pelican’s stand, again in customer livery.
A 34-seat TC9 9-metre coach with on-board toilet destined for a customer will feature in the indoor display area.

Stanford Coachworks Ltd
Stand E2/4

Based in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, and with a national dealer network, Stanford Coachworks has almost 15 years of experience in the minibus sector, and provides a range of standard and custom built minibuses. The manufacturer is able to offer a wide range, through collaboration with many big names including Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Fiat and Citroen. Stanford’s standard minibuses include options such as sat-nav, drinks machines, entertainment systems, LED lighting, toilet facilities, climate control and boot space. Furthermore, a range of interior options for upholstery, flooring and roofing provide a bespoke and quality environment. Visit Stanford in the miniplus area to find out more about the full wide range of products available, as well as the company’s ‘VIP’ Vehicle Improvement Programme refurbishment options for existing vehicles.

Treka Bus
Stand E2/6

Treka Bus will be presenting its Everyday minibus at this year’s show. The Everyday is a small, accessible minibus available in both M1 and M2 configurations. With a weight as low as 3.5 tonnes, it can be driven on a standard car driving licence, and has the capacity to carry up to 14 passengers, with up to four wheelchair positions available. Wheelchair access can be provided either by means of an under-floor or internally-mounted wheelchair lift, according to customer requirements.

TBC Conversions
Miniplus area, stand E2

TBC Conversions, an Integrated Partner of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, will be attending this year’s show with one of its new model Volkswagen Crafter CR50 LWB Maxi minibuses. The accessible minibus features a fully flat 8-track floor, wipe clean interior panels and stylish ceiling-mounted LED lights. The vehicle on show has a maximum capacity of driver plus 15 passengers and the saloon is equipped with 14 removable seats finished in a functional but modern style. With all saloon seats on NMI quick-release legs, the vehicle provides the user with a flexible seating and wheelchair layout with the ability to accommodate up to a maximum of five wheelchair passengers. Wheelchair access is via an internally mounted lift at the rear doors and boarding for ambulant passengers is through the sliding side door which is fitted with well positioned fold out handrails and an electrically operated 800mm cantilever step. The side entrance door has been designed to assist those with reduced mobility getting in and out of the vehicle. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are available on the new Crafter model and the vehicle on display at the show features front and rear parking sensors, electrically operated and heated door mirrors as well as a VW factory fitted climate control system in the rear of the vehicle. Based in Northern Ireland and Liverpool, TBC Conversions operates across the UK and Ireland providing specialist vehicle conversions for the minibus, taxi and mobility markets.

Unvi
Stand B20

Spanish manufacturer Unvi is best known in the UK for its mini- and midi-coaches, but can offer a wide range of standard and specialist vehcles and has supplied buses and coaches to operators across the globe. At 9 metres long, and with 30 to 34 seats, the Voyager GT provides a stylish and modern option for operators seeking a mid-sized option, whilst the adaptable Touring can carry up to 45 passengers and provide up to 7.2 cubic metres of luggage space.

Volvo Bus
Stand N6

Swedish manufacturer Volvo offers a large range of vehicles to the UK and Irish market, ranging from silent electric citybuses and clean Euro VI diesels through to its state of the art 9900 luxury touring coach. Volvo will be exhibiting a 12.6 metre coach on its stand this year, which will feature 53 seats and a centre sunken toilet, with bodywork by Egyptian bodybuilding partner MCV. Volvo are able to offer a wide choice of bodywork, from major manufacturers such as Wrightbus, ADL, Plaxton, and MCV as well as its own 7900 and 9900 range of models, meaning that there are options to suit all fleets.

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