AOS Grand Toro II updated midicoach makes early debut with EVM
The first AOS Grand Toro II midicoach has arrived with UK and Ireland supplier EVM for testing ahead of a 2026 launch into the market for the latest variant of the popular mid-engined model.
EVM has seen success with the existing Grand Toro, which couples a Cummins B4.5 engine and Allison automatic gearbox with a maximum of 37 seats within a compact footprint.
As the model's latest iteration, the AOS Grand Toro II has what EVM says is a suite of refined improvements that will strengthen the model’s electrical robustness, increase its interior durability, enhance environmental protection, and elevate overall quality assurance. Restyling has also been introduced.
The new product also comes fully compliant with the EU General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2). Technologies forming part of the GSR2 work include:
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- Blind Spot Information System, which detects vehicles in blind spots and alerts the driver to help prevent potential collisions
- Moving Off Information System to detect pedestrians around the midicoach when it moves away and alert the driver
- Intelligent Speed Assistance, which limits the vehicle’s speed according to traffic regulations and alerts the driver to instances of speeding
- Emergency Stop Signal to automatically activate the hazard lights during sudden braking to warn following vehicles
- Cybersecurity measures that protect in-vehicle communication systems from cyberattacks and ensures secure data transmission
- Reversing Motion, which alerts the driver to obstacles when in reverse.
EVM notes that while GSR2 has not yet been adopted in the UK, investing in compliant vehicles now futureproofs investments and delivers immediate safety benefits.
Other refinements made to the AOS Grand Toro II are described as “meaningful” by EVM, which adds that they have been implemented following extensive evaluation of operator feedback and real-world performance data. That leaves the updated model “fully aligned with market expectations for reliability and lifecycle cost.”
Continues Founder and CEO Danny McGee: “Ground-built midicoaches are the future. They are more competitive than a chassis-plus-body approach, and having a fully integrated product means no disputes between chassis manufacturer and bodybuilder.
“There is one source for aftersales, and we provide unrivalled support from purchase through to resale.” The new model will be fully backed by EVM’s technical expertise and parts and service management arm.
Arrival of early demonstrators with the supplier is part of what it describes as “a structured pre-launch programme.”
Head of Operations Cosimo Facecchia adds: “My team work tirelessly to uphold high manufacturer standards and quality assurance. Sharing the vehicle with customers before launch provides open and honest feedback, giving us valuable insights for continued improvements before release and beyond.”
Initial customer impressions are strong, the dealer continues, with pricing, passenger capacity and exterior kerb appeal commented upon, along with the traveller experience.
Ellisons Travel receives a team-spec Van Hool TDX21 Altano
Ellisons Travel of St Helens has taken delivery of a Van Hool TDX21 Altano overdecker, supplied by VDL Bus UK.
It is to Premier League football team specification. On the upper deck are 40 Kiel 1020 seats upholstered in leather and with three-point belts, while in the lower area are five more seats from the same supplier to the same configuration.
AD Coach Systems has completed the interior fit out. That includes LCD monitors, servery provision, ovens, fridges, tables, wi-fi, on-board streaming services and 240-volt power sockets.
Also part of the specification are a centre sunken toilet, a radio, PA, CD and DVD system, and rear-view cameras in place of conventional mirrors. Power comes from the DAF MX-13 engine rated at 530bhp driving through an Allison T525R six-speed automatic gearbox.
The coach was handed over by VDL Bus UK Sales Representative Robert White (pictured, second from right) and AD Coach Systems Director Nick Weatherby (right) to Ellisons driver Mike Jones (left) and Chief Engineer Patrick Cullen (second from left).
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Luxury Minibus London adds a coachbuilt EVM Grand Tourer
Luxury Minibus London has welcomed a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with coachbuilt Grand Tourer bodywork to its fleet, supplied by EVM UK.
It is built on the 519CDi base vehicle and has a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Exterior finish is in obsidian black, complemented by a body kit and a chrome styling package.
Inside, 19 reclining seats are finished in leather. They have three-point belts and armrests on the aisle side. Diamond stitching is included, along with the Mercedes-Benz logo within backrests.
A panoramic windscreen is part of the package, sitting alongside a glazed roof that is equipped with shutter blinds. At the rear is an elevating boot door with gas struts, behind which is a 2.8 cubic metre luggage area. Further storage space is within side lockers.
In-dash air-conditioning is complemented by a 15.5kW Webasto saloon unit. It ducts via the luggage racks to passenger service units. Convector heaters are also fitted, as are a PA system, a 10-inch multimedia unit, a reversing camera, and an under-dash fridge.
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