Alexander Dennis 'looking ahead' with brand identity refresh
Alexander Dennis (ADL) has announced a new brand identity to emphasise "agility and innovation" as it continues on the journey towards zero-emission mobility.
The changes include new logos for the ADL and Plaxton Brands and a new visual identity across "all brand touchpoints".
The manufacturer says the new identity shows that the company is "at the forefront of its industry and firmly looking ahead". Explaining the reasoning behind the design, it says the colour gradient of the monogram symbolises the brand's "ability to respond to customers' individual requirements, while the wordmark acknowledges the heritage of the company name and recasts it in a contemporary style".
ADL's aftermarket support has also been rebranded as AD24. That covers spare parts, field service, call centres, workshops and training, and their accompanying online platform.
The change in identity is the brainchild of Group Marketing Executive Marina Matošević. "Over the past year, we’ve had a very collaborative process involving team members across the entire business in which we analysed and determined who we will be as a company in the next 10 to 20 years," she says. "This forward-looking spirit is distilled in our new identity.
"We have assembled a brilliant team of brand ambassadors in every business function who will support colleagues in the roll-out, and if their excitement is anything to go by, this new brand identity will be the start of a brand new chapter for ADL as we continue to ensure that investment in cleaner transport benefits our communities as much as the environment."
The new logos will be rolled out over the coming months and replace the existing brand identity, in place since 2004.
Says Paul Davies, ADL President and Managing Director: "This is a defining moment for Alexander Dennis as we position ourselves even more clearly to our customers, suppliers and stakeholders.
"Our new brand identity sets out the values by which we measure ourselves. We exist to move people by designing, manufacturing and supporting the most reliable buses and coaches in the market. We use technology to be cleaner, greener, quieter and the choice for transport companies around the world. Our strong heritage proves that we will continue to deliver, time and time again."
The announcement of the new brand identity coincides with the official opening of the manufacturer's new Trident House facility in Farnborough.
The new centre will take forward the company's zero-emission agenda, with a hub housing "experts from across the business in engineering and test and development" and other business teams.
“Our people are our most precious resource and even in these very challenging times, we have invested in creating a modern, bright working environment to benefit our valued team members, providing them with the space, support and services they require to be able to do their jobs to the very best of their abilities," adds Mr Davies. "Trident House underlines our commitment to the UK market and to the recruitment and retention of the essential highly skilled jobs that will underpin the transition to zero emission mobility.
"We are incredibly proud of our history with Dennis having been established in 1895. Trident House is a positive reinvigoration of the Dennis brand which always has been synonymous with chassis innovation and engineering expertise. Our heritage and proven track record will play an important part in continued our business growth, both domestically and internationally, as well as providing a strong differentiator for Alexander Dennis compared to new market entrants."
The centre was officially opened by Paul Soubry, NFI President and CEO at a company-wide ribbon cutting ceremony. There will be a museum on site, honouring the heritage of the Dennis brand.
Trident House is named in honour the Dennis Trident low-floor chassis.
Passenger adds flexible recurring ticket payment app capability
App and website provider Passenger has introduced a flexible, recurring ticket payment app capability for bus operators and local authorities to accommodate the growing prevalence of hybrid working.
The subscription element allows customers to automatically purchase tickets on a recurring basis, either for themselves or as a gift for others. Operators may also create bespoke ticket packages to suit their own needs, such as a ‘carnet’ of 10 day passes per month.
Says Passenger Head of Product Greg Hepworth: “Our new subscription facility combines flexibility with convenience. Bus users do not need to spend time mulling over when to purchase their next ticket, and the specific timeframe in which they need to travel.
“Instead, they have a quick, easy-to-use solution at their fingertips that takes all the stress out of planning - and it can easily be chopped and changed to suit their individual needs. We are pleased to continue supporting bus operators with a variety of digital ticketing solutions which prioritise a seamless customer experience.”
The app-based subscription capability is now available as part of the Passenger Premium package for operators.
Switch Mobility launches e1 bus for mainland European markets
Switch Mobility has unveiled its all-new Switch e1 battery-electric single-decker. The 12m bus is designed specifically for the mainland European market and it will deliver a claimed range of around 390km from 389kW/h of onboard energy storage.
Prototypes of the Switch e1 are being built at the OEM’s Sherburn in Elmet factory in Yorkshire, but production models will be constructed at its newly founded premises in Valladolid in Spain. The monocoque design makes the Switch e1 “one of the lightest 12m buses in Europe” and it tips the scales at under 10,800kg unladen.
The Switch e1 uses NMC battery chemistry, which Switch Mobility says contributes to its light weight. ZF hub motors are fitted and CCS2 charging is via either AC or DC. The manufacturer says battery replenishment can be undertaken in less than seven hours on AC and under three hours via DC.
Up to 93 passengers can be carried in the fully low-floor layout, while Switch says that the interior utilises an 'open' design that incorporates reading lights and under-seat lighting, USB charging points and a large passenger information monitor. Significant work has also gone into the cab area, it adds.
Says Switch Mobility Vice Chair and CEO Dr Andy Palmer says: “We are proud to continue innovating the sector with not only one of the lightest widely available buses in Europe, but our first fully electric bus designed specifically for the European market.
“The Switch e1 is the result of learning from the 30 million electric miles that our buses have covered, delivering a state-of-the-art transport solution designed with a customer first mindset. Switch continues to enable cities to meet net zero targets, allow operators to maximise efficiency while minimising costs, and ensure that drivers can passengers experience unrivalled comfort.”
Although Switch has no plans to bring the Switch e1 to the UK, learnings from its design process will factor into future product work here. Find out more in the June issue of routeone, to be published on 15 June.