Pelican Bus and Coach continues product, staff and support spend
Pelican Bus and Coach continues product, staff and support spend
Pelican Bus and Coach continues to develop the Yutong product range here. 2025 will see the GT14 tri-axle diesel coach debut as a further range expansion in that field, while 2026 will witness a notable uplift in battery warranty coverage for zero-emission products.
In the latter space, standard provision will move to a 10-year, one-million-kilometre guarantee of 80% state of health. Buyers will be able to boost that at additional cost to a warranted 15-year, 1.5-million-kilometre position based on 70% state of health.
Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie says that an improved battery warranty builds on work between the vehicle manufacturer and energy storage specialist CATL. “The batteries are tried, tested and proven, and offered by two companies that are stable and can support them,” he notes. A similar dynamic exists between Yutong and Pelican Bus and Coach.
GT14 already appears promising for Pelican Bus and Coach
In coach, the 14m GT14 will be delivered from September 2025. Up to 61 seats will be possible, with 11 cubic metres of underfloor luggage space. A batch of 10 has been ordered by Pelican, of which two were sold at the time of writing. PSVAR compliance is via a lift over the rear axles.
The GT14 is a development of the two-axle GT12 and identical in size to the battery-electric GTe14. The GT12 is a mature product and the GT14 comes following customer feedback. Power will be from the DAF MX-13 engine developing 483bhp and 2,500Nm of torque, driving through a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
The Yutong battery-electric bus range here is stable on a base level, but model development continues. The opening U11DD double-decker for First Bus arrived in time for display at Euro Bus Expo, and Pelican has developed a higher-specification example of the E9L small single-decker. That model can also now carry a maximum of 60 passengers.
Meanwhile, the first full-size E12 with 350kWh battery capacity and opportunity charging has been delivered to Stagecoach. On the battery-electric coach front. Pelican has a large number on order across the TCe12 and GTe14 via the second round of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus challenge fund. Ember, Hairy Haggis Tours and Maynes Coaches are among those customers.
Among recent investment by Pelican is in an ever-busy pre-delivery inspection area at its Castleford premises
Yutong U11DD evolving at pace
Development of the U11DD has also continued. Ian notes thar both Pelican and Yutong were receptive to operators’ comments about the layout at the rear of the lower deck on earlier examples. Those have been acted upon and the configuration there is improved.
Key to that is pushing back the initial aisle step to the drive axle area. In addition, the ceiling above the rear two seat rows has been lifted to benefit headroom, although positions there remain forward-facing. The difference is notable, although it comes with a more obvious aisle step towards the rear of the upper saloon.
Other improvements debut with the First Bus vehicles, including a bell push that illuminates when depressed and an electric handbrake. Maximum passenger capacity is now 84, although 80 is the standard. A lower 4.22m-high U11DD will arrive in around 12 months.
Across real-world operation of Yutong battery-electric vehicles in the UK, average energy usage has been tracked at 0.94kWh per km, albeit with seasonal variation.
On charging, Pelican and Yutong are currently exploring doing that at 500kW via two liquid-cooled connectors; the current maximum for plug-in is 300kW. Yutong already has 1MW charging, although the challenge there is with depot power supply.
While the GT14 is the big-ticket coach item for Yutong in the UK, other work in that field continues. Steve O’Neill has succeeded Phil Hodgson as Area Sales Manager for the South of England, while success has been maintained with conquest buyers; 44 have been won this year and a total of 162 new coaches registered for 2024 to early November.
A strong coach order bank is in place, with 159 examples across the diesel and battery-electric range in hand. GT12s for FlixBus use are prominent and that model is now pre-wired at the factory in China for hearing loop fitment as part of PSV Accessible Information Regulations compliance.
The Yutong GTe14 electric coach has gained a revised cab area including a largely tablet-based driver interface
The zero-emission GTe14 has gained a tablet-based driver interface. Pelican continues to talk to operators about the GTe14, with a prominence of enquiries in South East England.
Compared to the smaller TCe12, the GTe14 has a higher power demand for charging to be completed in a reasonable time, and that is a complication. However, the dealership remains bullish about the model’s prospects, with Ember the leader among confirmed buyers.
Support services see serious spending
While product range developments are prominent, Pelican continues to build its business areas that support vehicles in service or on order. An ever-busy pre-delivery inspection and showroom premises in Castleford, built from scratch, demonstrates the scale of growth seen for Pelican with Yutong.
The Pelican EV Automotive Training arm does not solely focus on Yutong buyers and interest in courses is strong. Parts provision continues to grow, with work to expand a dedicated warehouse in hand.
When complete, £12 million of stock will be on site in West Yorkshire with support in Paris and Dubai; £100,000 of GT12-specific parts are held in a storage facility in London. Further news of coach and bus model developments is awaited post-2025.
Euro Bus Expo 2024: A Premier Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
As the UK’s dedicated coach and bus industry exhibition, Euro Bus Expo 2024 united operators, local authorities, manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, unveil innovations, and build impactful business relationships.
Praised as “the premium networking event for the bus and coach industry,” “a fantastic showcase of innovation,” and “a must-attend platform,” Euro Bus Expo delivered unrivalled opportunities for strategic planning, business growth, and exploring the industry’s future.
The show spotlighted collaboration and innovation as critical tools in addressing industry challenges. Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, who opened the final day’s Masterclass Theatre sessions, captured the event’s spirit:
“Collaboration is at the core of the government’s bold plans for change. And that is why events like this are so important. By sharing our insight and ideas, our experience and expertise, and our questions and concerns, we can drive progress towards our shared ambitions.”
Event Director Helen Conway added: “The positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors has been incredible. Key deals were signed, innovative products launched, and invaluable connections made. From ground-breaking product launches to insightful seminars, the event showcased the industry’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to progress. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.”
The Masterclass Theatre delivered 28 thought-provoking seminars led by 47 industry experts, tackling net-zero strategies, compliance, recruitment, accessibility, and technological innovation. Just some of the highlights included:
- Robert Montgomery (BusReinvented): Emphasised the need to reduce car use by 30% to achieve Net Zero, urging the industry to reimagine services and double the UK bus fleet.
- James Howells (Don’t Travel Empty): Highlighted proactive planning to navigate industry consolidation and protect small businesses.
- Andrew Luckett (BluMarbl): Emphasised the importance of affordable opportunity charging for accelerating coach electrification.
- Adam Leishman (Ascendal Group): Advocated for balanced “win-win-win contracts” and level playing fields in bus contracting, drawing on insights from international models.
- James Backhouse (Backhouse Jones): Underscored robust compliance frameworks and transparent processes as markers of operational excellence.
- Julia Meek (Zenobē) and Luke Marion (Oxford Bus Company): Shared lessons from launching an all-electric depot, emphasising the importance of strong partnerships, and careful planning and budgeting to deliver projects.
- Spencer Miller (DVSA): Provided essential guidance on compliance, including PSVAR requirements.
Show Partner, The Confederation of Passenger Transport’s CPT Operator Forum added further depth on day two. Taking place in the Masterclass Theatre, the Forum covered sessions on AI, accessibility, and workforce strategies. Graham Vidler, CEO of CPT, reflected:
“Attendees enjoyed clear-eyed analysis of AI, open debates on accessibility, two discussions on the coach industry’s future, workforce strategies, and a blockbuster panel with DVSA, the West Midlands Traffic Commissioner, and Backhouse Jones.”
Euro Bus Expo 2024’s Masterclass sessions are now available on demand! Explore the on-demand content here: Masterclass Theatre On Demand
Among the 190+ exhibitors and 75 vehicles on display from 25 leading manufacturers and dealers, there were standout announcements:
- Irizar UK: Major orders with Eavesway Travel, Proctors Coaches, and West Coach Motors, and plans for a new UK headquarters in Nottinghamshire. MD Andrew Blundell called the show a “window of opportunity.”
- Scania UK: Secured a 42-coach deal with The Coach Travel Group.
- BYD: Debuted its B12 battery-electric bus for the UK, boasting a 310-mile range.
- Karsan: Made its UK debut with the e-JEST electric microbus, distributed by EVM.
- TBC Conversions: Launched a new accessible electric minibus and a Mercedes Sprinter model compatible with Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
- Alexander Dennis: Revealed details about its upcoming Enviro200EV range, set to launch in 2025.
- Mellor: Announced a strategic refocus on UK van conversions.
- VDL Van Hool: Made its first appearance with its updated brand identity and vehicle lineup.
The Innovation Challenge showcased transformative products and services, with visitors voting for their favourites and six finalists pitching live to a judging panel.
The Judges’ Choice Gold Award was awarded to Intangles Predictive AI, a tool that alerts fleet managers to developing vehicle faults before they escalate. Judges praised its potential to reduce breakdowns by up to 75%, cut fuel use by 10%, and lower workshop costs by the same margin.
Commenting on winning the gold, Thomas Sebastian, Managing Director at Intangles said, “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to have won. This top award reinforces our mission to revolutionise fleet management and drive transformative results for our customers. Competing against so many exceptional innovations makes this achievement all the more significant and we wish everyone who participated the very best as they continue to push the boundaries of innovation.”
ShuttleID’s Brickets solution also achieved a standout victory, winning both the Operators’ Choice Gold Award and Judges’ Choice Silver Award. Designed as a digital ticketing solution for ‘brick’ phones, Brickets was celebrated for bridging the accessibility gap in ticketing technology.
Emma Bell, Director at ShuttleID, said: “To come away with multiple awards from the first competition we’ve ever entered has gone way above our expectations. Being recognised as one of the best innovators in the industry is such an amazing achievement for all the team at ShuttleID.”
Other winners included solutions from Altro Transflor, Altertek Ltd, Ferdia, and VEV, each contributing to sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.
Judge Chloe Leach-O’Connell said: “The sheer breadth of entries, from groundbreaking technologies to innovations that truly elevate the passenger experience, is nothing short of inspiring.”
Judge Phil Hitchen agreed: “The Innovation Challenge showcased the creativity and ingenuity driving our industry forward. These solutions represent real progress toward the challenges we face.”
For a full list of entries, visit Euro Bus Expo Innovation Challenge Entries.
Exhibitors highlighted the success of Euro Bus Expo 2024, noting its exceptional footfall and potential for networking and sales.
Stefan Baguette, Group Marketing Communications Manager at Alexander Dennis, shared: “We’ve had a fantastic time. The stand has been busy every day with lots of visitors coming. It’s a fantastic get-together for the whole industry, and this one’s been no disappointment. Euro Bus Expo is the place to be – for our customers, our partners, and the industry.”
Mark Oliver, Bus & Coach Power Solutions Sales Director at Scania Great Britain, noted: “It’s been a very busy show. On Tuesday, we saw a significant increase in footfall onto the stand compared to previous years – it’s been a marked difference.”
Julie Hartley, Sales Director at Irizar UK, shared: “We’ve had a positive three days with handshakes on the stand for multiple deals. This year showed the buoyancy of the industry, and what a good place vehicle sales are in at the moment.” She continued: “We have had excellent results following the 2024 edition.”
Paul Gardner, Regional Sales Manager at Temsa, described the event as “the premium bus and coach networking event.”
Other exhibitors echoed these sentiments. John Clarfelt, Managing Director at Ticketer, stated: “This year was our most successful show.”
Honor Clough, Area Business Manager at Camira Fabrics, commented: “Euro Bus Expo is a great platform for doing business! We’ve had lots of interest and have taken orders from new and existing customers.”
Steve Braund, Marketing Manager at Totalkare, highlighted: “Euro Bus Expo is a crucial platform for us to demonstrate our support for the UK bus and coach industry. We leave with a healthy number of sales leads and orders received.”
Andrew Fraser, Sales Director at Distinctive Systems, added: “Euro Bus Expo 2024 was as good as ever, with a good number of high-quality sales leads and important networking opportunities. We’ve already booked our stand for 2026.”
Visitors to Euro Bus Expo 2024 shared glowing feedback on the event’s ability to inspire, connect, and drive meaningful business outcomes.
“Euro Bus Expo is a must-attend to explore the breadth of the industry. It’s the perfect platform to find products, make connections, and plan for the future,” said Morwenna Paz, Senior Bus Business Development Manager at Transport for London.
Terri Smith, Operations Manager at Welland Wheels Ltd, remarked: “I’m so pleased we cleared our diary for such a great display, networking, and future products. We have already made contact with five companies for new products – this forges our company forward in many ways.”
For Iain Fortune, Fleet Operations and Transport Manager at South Gloucestershire Council, the event provided unexpected solutions: “Going to Euro Bus Expo can provide solutions to challenges you didn’t know were possible.” Peter Bovington, Transport Manager at DJ Coaches, agreed: “Euro Bus Expo is a great place to find new and up-and-coming resources to make the right decisions for the future of my business.”
Robert Mason, Head of Bus Franchising at Transport UK, described the show as “a must-attend to find all the products and services and make the connections that you need to develop your business.”
The event also proved valuable for strategic planning. Don McIntosh, Director at Tally Ho! Coaches Ltd, shared: “The Euro Bus Expo experience is an important part of any five-year strategy review and the process of investing capital effectively.”
Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, summarised the show’s impact: “Euro Bus Expo is the industry’s chance to showcase the latest innovations, to network, compare suppliers, make or refine purchasing decisions, and ensure future business.”
With such resounding endorsements, Euro Bus Expo continues to be a pivotal event for professionals across the coach and bus industry.
As the UK’s sole major coach and bus exhibition, Euro Bus Expo has reaffirmed its status as the industry’s primary platform for business, innovation, and collaboration. The event returns to the NEC Birmingham from 3-5 November 2026. Exhibitors are encouraged to secure their stands early.
For further details, visit www.eurobusexpo.com.
Horizon double-deck is among three Ayats models for the UK
Ayats will offer three high-capacity models in the UK, with the Horizon double-deck and Spirit overdeck coaches on Scania chassis complemented by the Horizon Intercity interurban double-deck bus built on the Spanish manufacturer’s own underframe.
A Horizon for Turners Coachways of Bristol was on hand at Euro Bus Expo. Sales Manager Ferran Stoka Vila says that while Ayats partners with Scania UK to sell the Horizon and Spirit here, he will be very close to each deal. Ayats has arrangements with third parties for spares and service.
The Horizon and Spirit are available at various lengths and give what Mr Vila says is high scope for customisation. Including the Turners example – which is PSVAR compliant – six Horizons will be delivered in the UK by June 2025.
Meanwhile, the Horizon Intercity is available at 11.5m on two axles and at 13.4m or 14.4m in tri-axle format. In the latter configuration it will offer up to 105 seats and be powered by the Daimler OM 470 10.7-litre engine.
Two-axle examples will have the 7.7-litre OM 936, with the ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox and ZF axles standard across the Horizon Intercity range. PSVAR compliance will be available.
Two Horizon Intercitys are already on order for one UK buyer. Mr Vila says the model comes at a cost-effective price. No luggage space is provided at the rear, although he adds that the Horizon and Horizon Intercity share the same basic framework, panels and glazing.