Van Hool T coach range to be retained under VDL ownership
Confirmation that the Van Hool T range of coaches will largely continue in production under VDL ownership has been received after several months of uncertainty.
A new VDL Van Hool website and brochures with branding from both businesses show that the T15 Acron two-axle and T16 Astron and T17 Astron tri-axles remain on offer in left- and right-hand drive alongside the established TDX21 Altano overdecker and TDX27 Astromega double-decker. A T17 Acron and TDX25 Astromega will also be built in left-hand drive only.
The EX range is not mentioned on the new website. It is understood that the EX will come to an end after deliveries of residual coaches conclude. The 10.8m T11 Acron is similarly absent, suggesting that it too will not be retained.
Commenting on the development, a VDL spokesperson has told routeone: "Our position since the acquisition has been that we continue to carry the Van Hool brand. That has not changed.
"The models on our new VDL Van Hool website are the models we are now continuing with. Just two of the chosen models are not right-hand drive."
A confirmed future for the T line-up represents a turnaround from a position shared with Van Hool customers in the UK earlier in 2024 after VDL purchased parts of the Van Hool coach and bus business out of bankruptcy.
At that time, at least one customer was told that the T16 Astron would be dropped and that a risk existed of the T range in its entirety coming to an end. More recently, that position looked to have been reversed after strong hints were heard of a future for the T after all.
It is understood that a decision by VDL to take the latter option came in recognition of the T range’s versatility across multiple use cases, including those at the top of the market. The line-up debuted in late 2022.
The new website indicates that sales of Van Hool coaches are currently being handled centrally from the manufacturer's premises at Koningshooikt in Belgium, that formed part of the sale to VDL.
However, it advises that “if available,” enquirers will be passed to local sales points. VDL Bus and Coach UK has been handling pre-delivery work on T coaches that are for delivery to buyers here.
VDL Van Hool will attend Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November, where it is to show a T16 Astron and a TDX21 Altano.
Burnham visits Mellor as TfGM indicates UK focus for bus orders
Seven more Mellor small buses will enter service on the third tranche of bus franchising in Greater Manchester from January 2025, with Mayor Andy Burnham (pictured, centre) having recently visited the manufacturer’s plant in Rochdale to inspect those vehicles.
They will join 21 Strata models on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter underframe that are already in service on existing franchised routes. The seven further buses are part of what Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says is “hundreds of new vehicles being manufactured in the UK” for the Bee Network.
The contracting body adds that franchised bus services in Greater Manchester are creating “a new model for driving economic growth and boosting the UK’s homegrown manufacturing industries.”
Those words follow concern from Alexander Dennis about other orders with public subsidy that are being fulfilled outside the UK, although not all the buses on order for franchised services are being built here.
In visiting Mellor in Rochdale, Mr Burnham met some apprentices who have seen positions created thanks to the orders for Bee Network buses. The procurement has supported 15 new apprenticeship roles at Mellor.
“I was particularly pleased to meet the young apprentices with bright futures ahead of them and who are benefitting thanks to the Bee Network. As we develop our plans to transform technical education through the MBacc, we want to encourage even more young people into the industry," he says,
Such transformation includes work underway to create “clear pathways for young people into diverse, skilled careers offered by creation of the Bee Network MBacc pathway,” TfGM adds.
The Mellor apprentices are following an 18-month programme in collaboration with Hopwood Hall College. They will rotate across various departments at Mellor and are the first cohort of recruits under the new Woodall Nicholson Apprentice Scheme. It will lead to a qualification as a vehicle converter.
Suggesting that Bee Network new bus procurement is now focused on UK builders, Mr Burnham says that the region is “proving how investment in public transport supports economic growth, not just in Greater Manchester but across the UK, with franchise contracts and bus orders helping to secure jobs and deliver new ones – like those at Mellor.”
Of other UK manufacturers, Alexander Dennis is building 415 buses for the Bee Network. Wrightbus is manufacturing 162.
TfGM adds that the Mellor small buses delivered and an order will work services that “were often not prioritised by operators before franchising, with companies tending to target busier, more profitable routes.”
Meet the Brand: Irizar UK Ltd
We catch up with Julie Hartley from Irizar UK Ltd to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand V19
Tell us a bit about your company?
Irizar UK is based in Nottinghamshire and is UK is the sole supplier of Irizar Integral coaches, powered by DAF, in the United Kingdom.
Coaches offered cover the full range of sectors, ranging from the iconic Irizar i8, the ultimate in comfort and style for corporate charter, sports teams and continental touring, the versatile and elegant Irizar i6S Efficient, a coach that can cover all the bases for touring and day trips, private hire and contracts, the Irizar i6, offering style and frugality for contracts and private hire and the workhorse Irizar i4, a low height coach offering high capacity with kerb appeal. All models can be built to full PSVAR compliance.
Coaches are supported by a comprehensive and multitiered aftercare offering. Irizar UK continually looks for the most effective way to ensure our customers receive the highest quality care.
We have a team of field service engineers alongside full access to the DAF dealer network . To further support this we also have a 24/7 helpline should assistance outside of working hours be required.
Irizar UK's Parts Centre is located in Worksop in partnership with Masterpart. We have a very experienced team that are on hand to advise, and we always hold a vast stock of genuine Irizar parts to ensure our operators are able to access exactly what they need without delay.
iService is a digital platform enabling customers of Irizar Integral vehicles to access extensive information specific to their vehicle. The platform allows the user to obtain Technical Documentation, the Parts Catalogue / Eshop and also Maintenance material.
Irizar Training Courses are available to all owners Irizar Integral vehicles at three technical levels to ensure that customers are familiar with all the systems aboard their vehicle.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
Irizar coaches are distinguished by their legendary design, quality of build and technical innovation, ensuring passenger comfort, driver appeal and minimised operating costs.
At EBE 2024, Irizar UK is exhibiting its technologically advanced range of coaches, alongside an Irizar ie Tram, 100% zero emission bus.
The iconic i8 is available in three lengths in the UK, 12.4m on two axles and 13.2m and 14.07m on three axles. The flat floor enables different configurations, including conversion for sports teams in style and 2+1 seating for the ultimate in comfort for long distance touring and corporate charter.
With the Irizar i6S Efficient, our most Efficient coach to date, consumption and emissions have been reduced up to 13% from the previous version, weight is down to 950 kg and the aerodynamic coefficient is 30% lower, assisted by the fitment of digital camera vision system. The i6S is available from 10.8m to 14.07m in length, with 2 heights dependent on specification.
The Irizar i4 coach offers significant features that mainly focus on a major reduction in weight and optimal axle load distribution. The ultimate workhorse, the 12.9m version can accommodate 59 seats on a 2+2 seating basis and 70 seats where 3+2 seating is utilised, making it ideal for school applications.
The Irizar ie tram gives the appearance and features of a tram with the flexibility of a city bus.
The 12m version on display this year is opportunity charged with depot charged and 18 metre variants also available. The ie tram creates a real stepped change in the image of the bus.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Euro Bus Expo offers a unique environment to engage with the bus and coach industry at large.
With operators, suppliers and industry stakeholders travelling from across the UK and beyond at converging at the exhibition, many conversations can take place, ideas mooted, and relationships built.
Operators are able to experience first hand a variety of different products, comparisons can be made and decisions taken.
There is no other environment that creates such a melting pot of people and ideas, in a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.