PHVC appoints new Managing Director

PHVC Minibus Leasing and Fleet Suppliers has appointed Carl Sandalls as Managing Director as part of a leadership restructure.

The Hampshire-based business has announced its former MD, Paul Huxford, will transition to the role of Founder and Chairman.

Mr Sandalls will step up from the role of Sales Director, which will be now be filled by Wayne Toms.

Mr Toms is promoted from the post of Senior Business Development Manager Business and Community.

PHVC says in a statement: "This strategic decision is part of our commitment to continuous growth and innovation. Paul Huxford will continue to bring his wealth of experience and vision, providing valuable insights and guidance as we navigate the exciting opportunities ahead.

"Simultaneously we are thrilled to announce Carl Sandalls as our new Managing Director and Wayne Toms as our Sales Director.

"Both Carl and Wayne bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our organisation. They will continue to build and develop high-performing sales teams and their customer approach and customer-centric mindsets will be instrumental in strengthening PHVC’s position within our industry."

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Shiel Buses adds a new EVM Avantgarde minicoach

Shiel Buses of Fort William has taken delivery of an extra-long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with an Avantgarde minicoach conversion, supplied by EVM.

It has 16 passenger seats that are finished in black and white leather and with three-point belts. The Mercedes-Benz logo is part of each, and armrests are fitted to aisle positions.

USB charging points and curtains are also part of the specification, along with what the converter terms a half-sunken gangway and wood effect flooring.

A PA system feeds via speakers in passenger service units (PSUs) on the undersides of two overhead luggage racks, which also have LED lights. The Webasto saloon air-conditioning unit vents via the PSUs, while the driver has a reversing camera to assist in manoeuvring.

Externally, a drop boot is accessed via OEM hinged rear doors. It comes with a fold-out mat and a stainless-steel edge protector, with the rear row of seats raised to maximise luggage space.

EVM has added a front bumper spoiler with daytime running lights along with colour-coded side trim and skirts. The converter’s customary chrome package has also been specified, including wheel trims, mirror backs, the grille, and door handles.

Power in the Shiel Buses vehicle is from an OM 654 engine developing 170bhp coupled to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic gearbox.

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Turas 900s PSVAR 'to set new accessible midi standard'

The new Turas 900s in DAF LF-based, PSVAR compliant form will "set a new benchmark in the industry for wheelchair accessible midicoaches" at Euro Bus Expo, importer Brian Noone has said. It will be exhibited on a joint stand occupied by Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales.

Visitors will be able to compare 33-seat and 37-seat variants of the Turas 900s. Brian Noone says that the model has class leading luggage capacity of 5.5 cubic metres and 6.5 cubic metres respectively. To PSVAR compliant specification, complete with lift, the 900s will offer more luggage space than before, adds Director Mark Noone.

Joining the Turas 900s on the stand will be examples of the Turas 700s, Turas 500s and the low-floor Rosero Connect. The new model 16-seat, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Turas 500s is making its show debut in a high specification for Acklams Coaches, including natural leather upholstery and two tables.

Brian Noone says the Turas 500s boasts best in class design, leg room, comfort and luggage space. The 29-seat Turas 700s on an Iveco Daily underframe will also be fitted out to a high specification, including natural leather seats and an integrated dash fridge.

The fourth vehicle on display will be a 29-seat, accessible low-floor Rosero Connect, with a modern interior finish and including upgraded passenger seats with three-point belts, USB charging points and a rear boot.

Euro Bus Expo 2022 will host Jones Coach and Bus Sales for the first time. Managing Director Steve Jones says that the Llanrwst-based dealership is "super excited" to see the new Turas 900s in PSVAR compliant form.

"We are delighted to be exhibiting for the first time at Euro Bus Expo and sharing the stand with Brian Noone. As the England and Wales approved dealer, we are really excited about our plans and the future," adds Mr Jones.

"I would say to any interested operators to come and see us on stand J60. We look forward to speaking to them, finding out about their needs and seeing how Jones Coach and Bus Sales can help them build for the future."

Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Brian Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales will be on stand J60.


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