Plaxton and Volvo launch 60-unit stock coach build
Continued recovery in the demand for new coaches has seen Alexander Dennis and Volvo commit to an initial 60-strong stock batch of Plaxton Leopard and Plaxton Panther models. They will be available for delivery from Q1 2023 and all will be mounted on B8R chassis.
Further stock builds may follow later in 2023, the businesses involved say. Interest in versatile coaches that suit a variety of operations is particularly high, according to Alexander Dennis, and all those that form part of the initial build programme will be completed to PSVAR compliant specification.
A choice of I-Shift automated manual or ZF EcoLife automatic gearboxes will be offered in the Volvo B8R chassis, while all 2023 Plaxton stock will have upgraded interiors with next-generation Brusa seats as standard.
Stock Panthers will be available with either 53 or 57 seats and a centre sunken toilet, or 61 seats with no toilet. Leopards that form part of the initial build will come with either 59 seats in a 2+2 layout or 72 to 3+2 configuration.
Alexander Dennis General Manager New and Used Coach Sales Simon Wood adds that demand is also strong for used vehicles, and particularly for the Leopard. What he describes as attractive trade-ins on late-model coaches are thus available.
Adds Mr Wood: We are delighted to confirm our initial stock programme for next year, with no fewer than 60 Plaxton Panther and Plaxton Leopard coaches that will give operators a wide range of options to best suit their requirements. These will be fantastic additions to any fleet that will be prepared for long working lives while also offering great residual values if operating requirements change.
Volvo Bus UK Sales Director Phil Owen has underlined Mr Woods comments, noting that the B8R is a tried and tested platform that is safe and fuel efficient. Bodied by Plaxton, it provides the industry with a vehicle that offers a great level of versatility and value for money.
Jones Coach and Bus Sales invests in sales and support
Jones Coach and Bus Sales and the associated Llew Jones Coaches business have continued to open parts, sales and service units at their base in Llanrwst. The work forms part of ongoing expansion at the England and Wales dealership for products from the Noone Turas range of small coaches and the Rosero Connect low-floor midibus.
The dealer says it has also grown its sales team and service engineer provision, and appointed a parts department manager to support the Noone vehicles, since agreeing the partnership with Brian Noone. Expansion has seen a considerable increase in yard space, while also now owned is an adjacent building that Jones plans to convert into a showroom in the future.
Work with Brian Noone sits alongside the continuing sale of used coaches, the carrying out of PSVAR conversions, and valuations. The dealership will exhibit jointly with Brian Noone at the Euro Bus Expo trade show, where a range of vehicles will be shown on a shared stand.
Says Jones Coach and Bus Sales Managing Director Steve Jones: “As an operator, I know better than anyone that the coach or bus you buy is only as good as the aftersales support and the availability of parts.
“When I first visited Brian Noone with my operator’s hat on, looking to add to the Llew Jones Coaches fleet, we were so impressed that it set in motion Jones Coach and Bus Sales becoming an approved dealer, where we are today.
“Feedback on the Turas range has been excellent. Those vehicles are in a class of their own, both aesthetically and in how reliable and comfortable they are to drive.”
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.
Mellor Sigma 8 to make debut at Euro Bus Expo
Mellor will debut a further member of its Sigma battery-electric bus range – the 8m Sigma 8 – at Euro Bus Expo, which will be held at the NEC Birmingham between 1-3 November.
The Sigma 8 is part of a line-up that extends from 7-12m and which Mellor indicated at the time of launch would be introduced progressively. It joins Sigma 7 and Sigma 10 thus far. Mellor says that the Sigma 8 will bring a 54-passenger capacity “and substantial size and cost benefits over competitors.”
Mellor also claims that the Sigma product represents “the most configurable bus range in Europe,” being available in both urban and rural specifications and with multiple door options. The manufacturer adds that “major orders” have already been received, with details of those to be revealed at Euro Bus Expo.
In announcing the debut of the Sigma 8, Mellor says that it is leading the way for battery-electric buses at that size point. Adds Sales Director Mark Clissett: “We are definitely shaking things up in the bus market. We have filled a gap where operators have previously been acquiring oversized, over-specified vehicles that continue to be under-utilised.
“Mellor, on the other hand, offers the right tool for the job. A fully electric, affordable, size-appropriate bus range that delivers a no-compromise solution. And our competitors are playing catch-up.
“Only recently, a well-known player in the market has said it will introduce an electric midibus in 2023 – while the Mellor Sigma range is available today.”
Alongside the Sigma 8 at Euro Bus Expo will be an example of the wheel-forward Sigma 7. The Sigma 10 will be present within the Zero Emission Zone, where visitors can ride aboard it.
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Mellor will be on stand E60.