Temsa plots 100 UK deliveries in 2024 as improvements continue
Temsa Sales UK expects to register 100 new coaches from the Turkish brand this year and says that it continues to develop and introduce “small but noticeable improvements” to the MD9, HD12 and HD13 models sold here.
Of that total, around half will be the 13m, two-axle HD13. 35 are due to be the slightly shorter HD12, and approximately 15 will be the MD9 midicoach, says Temsa Area Sales Manager Paul Gardner.
Mr Gardner adds that with expansion of the Temsa Sales UK team, he can devote more time to working directly with the factory in Turkey on developing those three products. “Temsa is willing to listen to what we are feeding back from customers, and we are seeing a constant stream of small but noticeable improvements,” he continues.
“Those changes could be seen as ‘1% benefits’ as they are not the work of wholesale redesign, but when they are combined, they bring significant advancement,” Mr Gardner adds.
Among those introduced recently on the HD12 and HD13 are removal of the lower offside mirror following customer feedback, while a smaller front destination display is now used to improve the forward view while retaining compliance with PSVAR where required.
From an accessibility standpoint, the interior panel of the additional door via which lift access is gained has been improved, while seat cushions are now deeper.
Panels above the signalling window and passenger door are now glazed, while later this year the digital dash binnacle fitted to the HD12 and HD13 will start to display the reversing camera feed, enabling the removal of a separate screen on the A-pillar.
Already-introduced changes have been showcased on a HD12 for Simpson’s Coaches of Rosehearty, with Mr Gardner noting that there are around 15 such uplifts on that coach.
As many as possible have been introduced to the MD9 platform “as far as that product will allow,” he continues, noting that a digital dash binnacle will be added to the midi during 2025.
Amport and District adds a further Irizar i6S Efficient integral
Amport and District Coaches of Andover has taken delivery of a further Irizar i6S Efficient integral, supplied by Irizar UK. It is a 12.9m, two-axle 53-seater and follows an earlier similar example delivered in 2023.
The newcomer has magazine nets, footrests, drop-down tables and USB charging points in the seating area along with three-point belts.
A Bosch Smart Series audio-visual entertainment system is fitted, including dual monitors, and the coach comes with a drinks machine and a toilet. It also has wood effect flooring, while the driver and courier seats are finished in leather. A rear-view camera monitoring system is installed in lieu of conventional mirrors.
Vinyls have been fitted at the factory and the coach is powered by a DAF MX-11 engine developing 408bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
It joins a mixed fleet in Amport and District, with Transport Manager Nigel Tedd paying tribute to the Irizar UK aftersales service level as a reason for the repeat business.
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Alexander Dennis returns as Premium Sponsor for 2024 Skills Challenge
Alexander Dennis, one of the world’s largest manufacturer of double-deck and lightweight buses, and the leading manufacturer of coaches and buses in the United Kingdom, has returned as a premium sponsor for the 2024 edition of the IRTE Bus and Coach Skills Challenge.
Alexander Dennis is leading the transition to zero-emission mobility with a wide range of low and zero-emission technologies and invests in its people and communities at its manufacturing and AD24 aftermarket centres across the country. As a returning premium sponsor Alexander Dennis will hold a significant role in the eagerly awaited 2024 IRTE Bus and Coach Skills Challenge.
Geoff Range, Training Instructor at Alexander Dennis, expresses his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to announce that Alexander Dennis will be sponsoring the IRTE Skills Challenge once again. This year, we are bringing our latest Enviro100EV next-generation electric bus to showcase our commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions."
In an effort to bring practical challenges to the forefront, Alexander Dennis will unveil two new challenges, one electrical on the bus and the other a body fault on our Ventura door training rig. Mr Range reveals, "We are proud to introduce two exciting challenges to the IRTE Skills Challenge this year. The first involves diagnosing and rectifying an electrical fault on a bus supplied by us. The second challenge centres around identifying and addressing a body fault using our state-of-the-art miniature bus door rig, the Ventura."
Alexander Dennis' unwavering commitment mirrors its dedication to propelling innovation within the transportation sector. This aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Skills Challenge, which aims to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding skills exhibited by professionals in the bus and coach industry.
Mr Range emphasises the significance of ongoing training for engineers, saying, "At Alexander Dennis, we understand the importance of engineers receiving up-to-date training, especially with the rapid emergence of technologies like zero-emission drivelines. The IRTE Skills Challenge provides a unique platform for engineers to demonstrate their skills and stand out in their respective disciplines."
Wishing all participating teams the best of luck, Mr Range adds, "Our challenges are designed to be demanding, encouraging teams to showcase their problem-solving abilities. We look forward to witnessing the skills and expertise on display at the 2024 IRTE Skills Challenge!"
The IRTE Bus and Coach Skills Challenge is a prestigious event that brings together top professionals in the industry to showcase their skills, share knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of the sector.