Scania secures its largest retail coach order in 20 years

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Four of the six 10.8-metre Scania Irizar i6 coaches supplied to City Circle UK in 2013
Four of the six 10.8-metre Scania Irizar i6 coaches supplied to City Circle UK in 2013

City Circle UK’s order for 16 Irizar i6 coaches follows a six-vehicle order in 2013

Scania has secured an order for 16 Scania Irizar i6 12.9-metre coaches from City Circle UK. Scania said the deal represents its largest order from a retail customer for at least two decades and has been won due to the outstanding performance of six 10.8-metre Scania Irizar i6 coaches supplied to the Hayes, Middlesex-based operator in 2013.

Based upon Scania’s proven K-series 6×2*4 tri-axle rear-steer chassis, the new vehicles will feature Scania’s 410 horsepower engine which meets the Euro 6 emissions standard using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology.

Each vehicle will be equipped with 53 luxury reclining seats with leather and extra-padded flaps, seat-back tables, magazine nets and footrests. Other interior equipment includes a centre sunken toilet/washroom and a Frenzel kitchen at the centre continental exit.  Reversing and road cameras and integrated satellite navigation equipment are included, as are Durabright aluminium wheels and extra dark tinted double-glazing.

City Circle UK Managing Director, Neil Pegg, said: “Following Scania’s flexibility and willingness to produce a 10.8-metre Scania Irizar i6 for delivery in 2013 from scratch, I have been delighted with how the six vehicles have performed over the first 18 months of their lives.

“I had the opportunity to evaluate the new Euro 6 13-litre Scania engine with the tri-axle Irizar i6 body this season. It has performed superbly and driver and passenger feedback has been excellent.

“I have been so impressed with the performance of the Scanias, the complete package that was on offer and the flexibility and drive to find the best solution possible for my vehicle requirements for next year that I was delighted to agree this business with them.”

Scania’s General Manager of Retail Sales, Martin West, said: “We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with City Circle UK since its first order for Scania two years ago, and we are delighted to now supply our product to this highly respected operator’s front line fleet.

“We were pleased when Neil agreed to take our first Euro 6 tri-axle this spring on long-term evaluation, and together we have been monitoring the new technology closely. Both City Circle UK and ourselves have been highly impressed, not only with its faultless six months of operation, but also the efficiency and performance of the new SCR-only Scania 13-litre engine.

“We look forward to delivering the vehicles next spring and playing a part in City Circle UK’s future success.”

City Circle UK will deploy the 16 vehicles on an increasing programme of tours around the UK and Ireland for incoming tourists, and corporate charter services in both London and Edinburgh.