Two more Yutong GT12 arrivals for Lee's Coaches of Durham
Lee’s Coaches of Durham has added a further pair of Yutong GT12 models to its fleet, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
They follow two previous GT12s supplied to the operator earlier in 2025. The additional coaches are to support a busy tour programme.
Each vehicle is to the customary GT12 specification including USB and 240-volt power sockets, adaptive cruise control, mood lighting, a Bosch entertainment system, wi-fi, and much else.
Power comes from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 450bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
Pelican Area Sales Manager Amelia Crump (pictured, right) completed the deal, while UK Coach and Truck Sales Manager Simon Collins has thanked Lee’s Coaches for its further business. “We are thrilled to continue supporting its growth with these additional vehicles,” says Mr Collins.
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Rainbow Line takes delivery of an AOS Grand Toro midicoach
Rainbow Line of East Ham has welcomed an AOS Grand Toro midicoach, supplied by EVM UK.
It is a 37-seater and finished in iridium silver. The vehicle has a powered plug door with a three-stage step and a front-mounted Cummins B4.5 engine driving through an Allison automatic gearbox.
Each passenger position reclines and is finished in synthetic leather. Three-point belts and aisle-side armrests are included. The driver’s seat is trimmed in cloth.
A multimedia system is integrated into the dash, including radio, MP3, SD card, USB, DVD and Bluetooth inputs along with a hand microphone.
A reversing camera is also incorporated into the Rainbow Line vehicle, as is dual dash and saloon air-conditioning. The latter vents via passenger service units on the underside of the luggage racks. Convector heaters complement the climate control and a Webasto coolant pre-heater is fitted.
On the exterior, double-glazed side windows are in a privacy dark smoke. The rear boot gives extensive luggage space, which is furthered via lockers on both sides. A two-year or 200,000km warranty conversion completes the product.
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VDL Bus Group launched to capture two 'complementary' brands
The VDL Bus Group identity was launched at Busworld, with that organisation capturing the VDL and Van Hool complementary brands.
Described as an “integrated” company, it has brought together the former VDL Bus and Coach and VDL Van Hool operations. The latter was formed in 2024 when VDL purchased parts of the former Van Hool coach and bus business after its collapse.
Alongside the first two VDL Futura 3 coaches as part of that model’s global launch and a VDL Citea CLE-135 battery-electric bus, a pair of Van Hool coaches were displayed on the VDL Bus Group stand in Brussels.
Material shows how Van Hool coaches for the European market have gained revised model descriptors to bring them more into line with the established VDL approach, including an indicator of length within that terminology.
Of the line-up launched as the T range by Van Hool and retained under VDL ownership, Acron models are now known as the THD-125 and THD-143 for the two-axle 12.5m and three-axle 14.3m examples, with the latter built only in left-hand drive.
Astron super-high coaches are now the TSD-134 and TSD-143, while the established Altano overdecker is the TOD-144 in its right-hand drive configuration and TOD-146 for left-hand drive.
The Astromega double-decker is now the TDD-142 in right-hand drive, with left-hand drive applications met by the TDD-131 and TDD-141. For North America, the CX45 sees no change.
On the VDL Bus Group approach, Managing Director Marc van Doorn notes how each of the Van Hool and VDL brands have their own identity and focus.
Across coach and bus, the group expects to close 2025 on over 1,000 deliveries. Mr van Doorn says it wants to grow that number next year, although he adds that conditions in the United States market are challenging. Van Hool coaches will continue to be built at the plant in North Macedonia that came with last year’s purchase.