Hints of wider Van Hool coach range under VDL as deliveries restart
Delivery of new Van Hool coaches to UK buyers has restarted amid growing suggestions that VDL – which purchased parts of Van Hool’s coach and bus business out of bankruptcy in June – will continue production of more models from that range than had been expected.
Woods Coaches of Tillicoultry has received an EX trio, and Bibby’s of Ingleton a T15 Alicron. They are the first Van Hools to arrive in the UK since a T16 Astron for DJ Thomas Coaches during April.
It is understood that several further new Van Hools are due imminently. Meanwhile, sources close to the marque have said that more T range variants are set to be retained by VDL in the long-term than had previously been anticipated.
That is backed up by communication direct to operators, although in response to routeone, VDL says that it has “not yet made decisions on what Van Hool’s product range will look like,” noting that the Dutch OEM continues to take “time and space” to reach a conclusion.
During the summer, several buyers were advised that some or all members of the T range would be dropped by VDL, with a best-case scenario floated of only those that will not compete with its forthcoming Futura 3 being retained alongside the established Altano overdecker and Astromega double-decker. VDL did not comment on those reports.
However, it has now been indicated to multiple customers that other T variants – possibly including two-axle models – will remain in production at the former Van Hool plant in North Macedonia.
One source believes that VDL has taken onboard the versatility of the T range and its ability to suit many use cases. Preparation of the coaches under delivery is being undertaken at VDL Bus and Coach UK’s premises in Barnsley.
The seeming change of tack is also said to include the T16 Astron tri-axle. Another buyer was previously advised that it had been dropped, but that looks to no longer be the case and it is expected to continue. An operator awaiting delivery of Van Hool product says that recent developments have left them “a lot more confident” in the marque's future under VDL.
The vehicles supplied to Woods include the first EX15M and EX11H examples with Allison automatic gearboxes. One 49-seat EX15M and two EX11Hs have been delivered. All are highly specified with leather seats and much else, with the EX11H pair each coming with a small kitchen and four tables.
Bibby’s T15 Alicron is a 49/53-seater with a demountable toilet and a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. It also has a camera monitoring system in lieu of mirrors. All four coaches for Woods and Bibby’s are powered by the DAF MX-11 engine.
Meanwhile, two part-complete T coaches for Parrys International remain in limbo at the former Van Hool factory in Belgium. They did not form part of the VDL purchase.
Managing Director Dave Parry says that those vehicles are thus still the property of the court-appointed curators of Van Hool, but he will soon visit the Koningshooikt plant – which is used by VDL for some non-manufacturing purposes – in a bid to gain clarity on their future.
Separately, a First Gazette notice for Van Hool UK to be struck off the register of companies and dissolved was laid on 17 September. Those steps will progress unless cause to the contrary is shown. After completion, all property and rights vested in or held in trust for Van Hool UK will be deemed bona vacantia and belong to the Crown.
Three members of the Van Hool family remain directors of Van Hool UK. The curators previously said that those individuals were not cooperating with attempts to wind up the Wellingborough business. It remains the case that any deposits paid to Van Hool UK are lost.
Yutong reaches 200,000 zero-emission vehicles delivered
Yutong has reached the milestone of 200,000 zero-emission vehicles having been delivered, which the world’s largest coach and bus manufacturer says was achieved less than 25 years after the first of those was placed into service in 1999.
Of that total, over 500 have been placed into the UK. Dealership Pelican Bus and Coach is so far the only party to offer battery-electric coaches here in the TCe12 and the GTe14 models alongside its Yutong zero-emission bus range. It has a significant further pipeline of orders for battery-electric vehicles, Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie notes.
The global parc of Yutong zero-emission vehicles includes coaches and buses in both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric form. Collectively they have covered 44.2 billion km.
“Our tried, tested and proven products continue to be at the vanguard of zero-emission technology," adds Mr Downie. "The mileages involved represent the equivalent emissions benefits as the planting of 140,000 hectares of trees.”
100 countries have received Yutong zero-emission vehicles. Across all its manufacturing in the past decade, Yutong has built over 570,000 coaches and buses, with it having invested in major development of its factory and R&D footprints in China.
Mr Downie adds that Pelican is looking forward to presenting zero-emission coaches and buses at Euro Bus Expo, which will be held at the NEC Birmingham on 12-14 November.
The dealership has indicated that the E9L small bus, E12 full-size single-deck, U11DD double-deck and GTe14 tri-axle coach will fly the Yutong battery-electric flag at the trade show, alongside diesel GT12 and TC9 coach models.
Aston Manor Coaches joins Yutong fold with new TC9 delivery
Aston Manor Coaches of Birmingham has added a first Yutong to its fleet in the form of a TC9 midi, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It is a PSVAR compliant 34-seater with a factory-fitted rear toilet. Trim is a half-leather, black and red scheme. The coach includes the standard fitments of USB and 240-volt charging points, a fridge, a Bosch entertainment system, wood-effect flooring, and alloy wheels.
Hanover destination displays and a centre-mounted lift are part of the accessibility package. The TC9 carries Aston Manor’s trademark metallic blue livery, applied at the factory in China, and its prominent logo. A cherished registration mark completes the appearance.
Power is from the Cummins B6.7 engine developing 320bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. The deal was handled for Pelican by Area Sales Manager Lee McMahon.
Says UK Coach Sales Manager Simon Collins: “We would like to thank Aston Manor Coaches for this purchase. We are grateful when new customers come onboard. This vehicle will prove to be an excellent addition to the fleet.”
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