AOS Isuzu Grand Toro midicoach gains interior and exterior refresh
A refresh of the AOS Isuzu Grand Toro front-engined midicoach has been completed that dealership EVM UK hopes will allow already strong volumes for the cost-effective model to grow further under the Grand Toro 2 moniker.
One of the first of those updated vehicles will be on the EVM stand at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November. EVM has also worked with maker Anadolu Isuzu to make more minor changes to the larger, rear-engined Visigo, and it will be a further part of a large EVM stand at the trade show to present the dealer's full vehicle range.
EVM Managing Director Danny McGee says that Grand Toro 2 overhaul has been underway for around 12 months. Key to external change is removal of the previous electric slide-out step along with improvement to the rear-view mirrors.
They are now to a gullwing style and colour coded, while a lower offside mirror has been added. Locker doors have a better latching mechanism to ease opening, while the wheel trims are improved. The driveline of a Cummins B4.5 engine coupled to an Allison six-speed automatic gearbox remains unchanged.
Internally, the window pelmets now include LED lighting and USB-A and USB-C charging points. Curtains are pleated and the interior (including the cab) has lost grey plastics with the introduction of a satin black colour that EVM says will resist dirt better.
Seats now have diamond stitching, height adjustable three-point belts and carbon fibre effect armrests tops. Privacy glass is darker than before, and aisle and steps carpeting is heavier duty. The driver’s seat has been replaced with a higher-specification Isringhausen model.
The Grand Toro 2 remains available in various configurations with up to 37 seats. With a courier position that drops to 35, to which PSVAR compliance or readiness can be added. EVM can also supply the model with two or four saloon tables, which reduce capacity to 33 or 31 passengers, respectively.
Warranty on the Grand Toro 2 is two years or 200,000km, but packages beyond that are available at additional cost. Those are three years/200,000km; three years/300,000km; four years/300,000km; and five years/400,000km.
EVM began supplying AOS Isuzu vehicles in 2022. Mr McGee says that 100 are now on the road in the UK and Ireland. The 8.5m Grand Toro accounts for most of those, although availability of the Visigo has restricted its impact. That position will improve in 2025 and EVM expects that the 9.7m midicoach will grow its numbers from then.
“We have no specific target for the Grand Toro 2 in 2025, but I see it sitting at around 75 units per year,” Mr McGee continues. “It does not compete with the Visigo or other models in that area, but fits the former Plaxton Cheetah and Indcar Next niche.”
Around 75 AOS Isuzu vehicles across the Grand Toro 2 and Visigo are on order for EVM. The Visigo updates include changes to the interior colours, new mirrors, and use of the Sege 410 seat that is seen in various other products sold by EVM.
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Meet the Brand: MiX by Powerfleet
We catch up with Sandra Albers from MiX by Powerfleet to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand 230
Tell us a bit about your company?
MiX by Powerfleet, part of PowerFleet, is a global leader in AIoT-driven SaaS solutions for fleet operations across various industries, including public transport. Our innovative solutions integrate data from vehicles, assets, and AI devices to deliver real-time insights that help organisations enhance safety, fuel efficiency, and regulatory compliance. With over 30 years of experience, we empower businesses to transform their operations by unifying disconnected data and converting it into actionable intelligence. Powerfleet’s global presence and people-centric approach enable organisations to improve fleet performance, reduce costs, and advance sustainability goals.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
At Euro Bus 2024, MiX by Powerfleet will showcase our latest innovations: Powerfleet Unity and Vision AI. Powerfleet Unity is a groundbreaking platform that unifies fleet data from vehicles, AIoT devices, and third-party systems, providing real-time insights to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Vision AI is an advanced video telematics solution designed to enhance driver safety through real-time monitoring and AI-driven insights. It uses dual-lens cameras and artificial intelligence to detect risky driving behaviours such as fatigue, phone use, or distractions, offering alerts to help reduce accidents and improve safety performance.
At our booth, visitors will experience a live demo of Vision AI. Buckle up and experience the demo as you test visual cues like yawning and phone distraction that the dashcam camera detects and alerts. Participants can also enter a raffle for a chance to win an exciting prize. Visit Stand 230 to explore our solutions and join the demo!
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Exhibiting at Euro Bus 2024 is a fantastic opportunity for MiX by Powerfleet to connect with key stakeholders in the bus and public transport sector. As the industry faces growing demands for improved safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability, our solutions - such as Powerfleet Unity and Vision AI - provide the tools needed to meet these challenges. The expo offers us a platform to demonstrate how our technology can help public transport operators optimise operations, enhance passenger safety, and meet regulatory requirements. It also allows us to build relationships, showcase our innovations, and contribute to the future of public transport fleet management.
JHM Butt's Exclusive Show Offer
JHM Butt & Co Ltd have been your one stop shop for garage equipment and workshop tools since 1971. We are delighted to be showcasing our range of commercial garage equipment at Euro Bus Expo 2024.
Between our staff, we have hundreds of years of experience with helping garages and commercial workshops operate, whether it is site planning, renovation, equipment or simply providing spanners.
We are offering a significant price cut on our best-selling Mobile Columns, a special offer for show visitors. We are offering a set of 4 for £19,995, with a free pair of Axle Stands which are worth £685.
We wanted to bring something special for the show, which is why we are making such a big deal about this one-off offer, exclusive for Eurobus.
At 8000kg per column, giving the set a 32-tonne capacity overall, they are capable of lifting almost any commercial vehicle in your workshop.
These columns are simple to manoeuvre; you simply use the pump to hydraulically elevate them so they’re on the wheels, quickly adjust the forks, slide them into position, and press the lever to lower the columns back to ground level. The adjustable wheel pick-up forks accommodate a range of tyre diameters, from 600-1250mm.
Using microchip technology to raise and lower the columns in a synchronised fashion, these lift columns are simple to use. The lifting system is battery-powered, meaning that there are no wires causing limitations and potential trip hazards.
This is a great deal for some quality mobile columns, with an added bonus of some wheeled, tall axle stands absolutely free!
We have other offers on commercial equipment, including a Wheel Alignment System, Battery Booster Packs, ThinkCar Diagnostics, an Oil Drainer and more. come and see us to chat with the team about these deals.
See you at the show!