Totalkare supplies vehicle lifts to Wrightbus NewPower operation
Wrightbus has chosen Totalkare T8DC cable-free mobile column lifts for deployment at its NewPower facility in Bicester, where existing diesel buses are being repowered to battery-electric.
Six lift sets form part of Wrightbus’s strategic investment into NewPower. According to the garage equipment specialist, that is “testament to the robust performance of Totalkare’s solutions, tailored to meet the demanding requirements of heavy-duty vehicle maintenance and conversion."
Also provided by Totalkare is a mobile brake tester. It is DVSA approved and capable of testing up to a 16,000kg axle load. The brake tester will be a flexible tool to help Wrightbus and NewPower to ensure on-road safety and enhance the longevity of vehicles passing through the facility.
Speaking about the purchase, Wrightbus Manufacturing Engineer Karsten Hall says: “We are delighted to integrate Totalkare’s T8DC cable-free mobile column lifts into our NewPower facility.
“These lifts are not only pivotal to the repowering process but also reflect the superior quality and reliability we have come to expect from Totalkare. As a returning customer, we value its exceptional equipment and unwavering service support.
“The T8DC lifts will play a crucial role in enabling our teams to efficiently convert buses to electric powertrains, thus accelerating our journey towards a greener future.”
Totalkare UK Sales Manager Jay Chauhan adds that the T8DC lifts “are designed for versatility and efficiency, providing unparalleled ease of use and safety. It is an honour to be part of Wrightbus’s bold initiative to decarbonise the transport sector, and we look forward to contributing to its continued success and sustainability efforts.”
The T8DC lifts bring seamless, wireless operation and easy movement around a workshop. Such efficiency qualities are essential for the recently-opened NewPower facility, where engineers will work simultaneously on multiple buses to meet the goal of converting up to 500 units annually.
Durham and Northallerton gain Coach Friendly status from CPT
Durham (pictured) and Northallerton are the latest destinations to be awarded Coach Friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
Regional Manager (North of England) Andrew McGuinness formally presented Durham with its certificate on Monday 12 August, while that for Northallerton will be handed over on Wednesday 14 August.
They take to around 30 destinations and attractions with the accreditation. CPT says that it looks forward to recognising "several more towns and attractions their Coach Friendly awards over the coming months.”
The status highlights those traffic generators that are welcoming of coaches and coach groups, and which work with the sector to improve facilities for passengers, drivers and operators.
Speaking at the presentation in Durham, Mr McGuinness said that he is “delighted” to see the city gain Coach Friendly certification “precisely because it is the kind of destination that can really gain from holding this accreditation.”
Adds Mr McGuinness: “This award provides recognised assurance to coach operators, drivers and their passengers that they will be well catered for and welcomed by Durham, so they can make the most of its rich array of historic venues.”
Visit County Durham Managing Director Michelle Gorman says that Coach Friendly accreditation “is an important standard by which many coach companies and their customers measure a destination’s readiness and welcome for group visits."
She adds: “Through achieving the accolade, Durham City can pledge that it can manage coach tourism professionally and deliver a great experience for visitors.”
In Northallerton, the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) Manager Alex Shennib says that the BID “has led the coach friendly initiative since its re-election 2022."
He adds that achieving the accreditation has come via collaboration between the Town Team, comprised of the BID, North Yorkshire Council, Northallerton Town Council, Northallerton Tourist Information Centre, and Hambleton Community Action.
“They have all worked tirelessly over the past two years on this scheme, and their hard work is being acknowledged through this accreditation,” adds Mr Shennib. “We hope that all future visitors have a wonderful experience and enjoy all that Northallerton has to offer.”
CPT UK Coach Manager Phil Smith welcomed Northallerton ahead of the formal presentation. “By going coach friendly, a town or tourist attraction will help to curb congestion, improve air quality, and do more to help preserve its unique local environment while developing more sustainable tourism that supports thriving local businesses.”
Greys grows Irizar integral coach fleet with restyled i6 arrival
Ely operator Greys has taken delivery of an Irizar i6 integral, supplied via a new partnership between Irizar UK and Dawsongroup Bus and Coach.
It is a 12.9m example and among the first i6 integrals delivered with overhauled front and rear styling to bring the model into line with other coaches in the Irizar range.
Provision for PSVAR compliance has been included along with Hanover destination displays to protect residual values. 57 passengers can be carried, with seat specification capturing USB charging points, drop-down tables, and three-point belts.
Also part of the coach configuration is a centre sunken toilet and a drinks machine. Entertainment is via a Bosch Smart Series audio-visual system and an Actia DVD player along with two monitors.
Speaking about the i6 integral arrival, Greys Managing Director Richard Grey says: “We have had the pleasure of working with Irizar since 2013. The vehicles perfectly match our brand and customer requirements with a high-quality kerb appeal not easily surpassed.
“For 2024 we looking to continue this partnership with the delivery of our latest i6 57-seat coach. We find that the ease of specifying a new vehicle, coupled to the post-delivery product support, makes for a great customer experience, and the coach itself has had a great reception from our clients.”
Power is from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 367bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
[adrotate banner="44"]