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.
First PSVAR compliant AOS Grand Toro is delivered by EVM
EVM has delivered the first PSVAR compliant example of its AOS Grand Toro front-engined midicoach. The vehicle has gone to Fylde operator Coastal Coaches, which has a second on order.
The dealership previously confirmed that PSVAR versions of both the Grand Toro and the larger AOS Visigo were in hand. An initial compliant Visigo is expected to arrive from the factory before the end of April, with EVM Area Sales Manager Matt Thompson noting that it will initially be used for demonstration purposes once prepared for service.
Mr Thompson adds that most Grand Toro stock that is to be accessible will land from Turkey in PSVAR ready condition, with items including destination displays and the lift fitted in the UK. However, some others will be fully completed at the factory.
As delivered to Coastal Coaches, the accessible Grand Toro has a 35-passenger capacity when carriage of a wheelchair user is not required. A lift is mounted immediately ahead of the drive axle, meaning that rear boot space is not compromised. When stowed, the lift sits above the central chassis rails.
EVM Managing Director Danny McGee previously said that the Grand Toro had quickly made good market headway after introduction by the dealer and converter, noting that it fits the gap left vacant since the departure of Mercedes-Benz Vario-based midicoach models around a decade ago.
At 8.52m long and 2.35m wide, the Grand Toro is powered by a four-cylinder Cummins B4.5 engine that is coupled to a six-speed Allison automatic gearbox. It is equipped with USB charging points, a multimedia unit, double-glazed side windows and various other amenities.
CT4N takes delivery of two Yutong E10s via Mistral
Finance provider Mistral Bus and Coach has announced delivery of two Yutong E10 electric buses to CT4N.
The vehicles, sourced by Pelican Bus and Coach, will be used by the Nottingham-based charitable trust on its SEGRO East Midlands Gateway shuttle service.
The service operates for employees across the 700-acre development every 10 minutes between 0500hrs and 2300hrs seven days per week.
“It was great to work alongside Yutong and CT4N to deliver these vehicles to the SEGRO East Midlands Gateway. We assisted with a tailored rental and funding package for both vehicles and the infrastructure, utilising all services from Mistral Group,” says Amy Duckworth, Group Customer Engagement Manager, Mistral Bus and Coach.
Nigel Eggleton, Managing Director of CT4N adds: “Our continued partnership with SEGRO grows from strength to strength.
"Not only have we taken delivery of two new Yutong Buses supplied via Pelican and Mistral, but we have also extended our working relationship with SEGRO for the next five years, which was a key factor in our commitment to these new buses for the Gateway Shuttle service.”
According to CT4N, the Yutong E10s offer rapid charging capabilities, regenerative braking technology, improved mileage range, wooden-effect flooring, double-glazed windows, extra leg room between the seats, mobile phone charge sockets and moquette seating which incorporates the SEGRO corporate branding.
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK, says: “In August last year we successfully bid for this vehicle supply contract. To have delivered such a customer centric vehicle in less than 7 months is a testament to the collaborative working between CT4N, Pelican, Mistral and all our UK suppliers.
The attention to detail included a new bespoke seat moquette that accentuates the warm, clean lines within the vehicle interior.”
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