Stanford Coachworks has been working on the new MAN van to carry out its first two conversions on five tonne TGEs which have now been delivered to their new owners.
Both the Metallic Silver and Friesian Green vehicle conversions are fully wheelchair accessible and include many of Stanford’s latest features.
The Metallic Silver conversion has been specially designed to a specification for a local authority that has a long-standing relationship with Stanford Coachworks. Its fleet mainly consists of Ford Transit conversions however this time they were wanting to try something new therefore they chose a brand new five tonne MAN TGE. The vehicles are mainly used for transporting clients to and from local day centres and schools. The base vehicle is a new MAN TGE 5.180 long wheelbase in Metallic Silver. It’s fully equipped with a Euro 6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, 100kph speed limiter and tachograph.
Including the front cab passenger seat, the vehicle can facilitate up to 11 passengers or five seated passengers and three wheelchair occupants. Stanford has installed its M2 tested flat floor system which allows more space for passenger seats and wheelchair. The rear saloon seats have all been upholstered in a fabric of Stanford’s client’s choice with the bases and lower back curve trimmed in wipe clean Ambla. All of the seats include detachable NMI legs with carriage wheels for quick removal to allow space for wheelchair occupants.
A PLS underfloor tail lift has been fitted underneath the rear of the vehicle along with a bumper step to allow access into the rear saloon for wheelchair passengers. Stanford has also installed its latest SCW twin rail low entry fold out step for entrance via the side load door. The step helps assist clients when entering and exiting the vehicle due to its lower step heights. Some extra features that Stanford’s client requested were to include privacy tinted windows, Eberspacher rear saloon heating and air conditioning.
Another conversion that Stanford has been working on is a Friesian Green MAN TGE which is now complete and ready for delivery. This model is an extra-long wheelbase. Due to the vehicle being larger, it can facilitate up to 15 passengers plus driver. 12 of the 15 seats are removable via NMI legs to allow space for up to four wheelchair positions.
