Irizar UK and Dawsongroup partnership commences coach supply
Irizar UK and Dawsongroup Bus and Coach have embarked on a relationship that will see the dealership and the rental, hire and leasing specialist jointly supply integral coaches from the Spanish manufacturer.
Ely-based Greys and Woods Travel of Bognor Regis are the first operators to benefit from the agreement, with each taking an i6 integral. Irizar UK Sales Director Julie Hartley describes the approach as “a triangular relationship” between the two suppliers and the customer.
Four further i6 integral coaches will follow under the partnership, with two due later this year and the others late in 2025. Mrs Hartley notes that while the order with Irizar UK is placed by Dawsongroup, scope is in play to engage flexibly with the ultimate customer in agreeing a specification, and that the two suppliers’ sales teams work together to deliver it.
While the i6 integral makes up initial procurement via the collaboration, Mrs Hartley does not rule out expanding it to other members of the Irizar integral coach range should that suit all parties.
“Irizar has always prided itself on adapting vehicles to suit the customer and Dawsongroup recognises that,” she continues. “With more coaches coming in the future, we can work proactively with Dawsongroup to place them in a timely manner to be able to continue this approach.”
Dawsongroup Bus and Coach Sales Director Fraser Innes says that the supplier is “delighted” to be working with Irizar UK on the supply of the Greys and Woods Travel coaches. He notes that both vehicles have been configured to suit the customers’ needs, and that the Woods coach represents “a rental solution that matched the needs of [Woods’] business.”
Each i6 integral supplied under the partnership is a restyled variant. That work was done by Irizar some months ago and is described as a minor refresh to bring the long-established i6 visually into line with the i6S and i8 models and the restyled i4.
Change is limited to the front and the rear of the i6. Mrs Hartley adds that the evergreen model is still in demand from some buyers. It also retains popularity in southern European markets.
Further Yutong TC9 midi joins the Mainline Coaches fleet
Mainline Coaches of Gilfach Goch has added another Yutong TC9 to its fleet, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
It follows multiple previous examples of the midi to the Rhondda Cynon Taf operator and is finished in the business’s customary metallic green livery.
34 seats in a black and orange, half-leather trim configuration are fitted along with a toilet, while PSVAR compliance is also part of the package.
Mainline Coaches Managing Director Chris Mainwaring says that the decision to purchase a further Yutong was based on excellent service from previous TC9s, along with the aftersales support from Pelican.
Area Sales Manager Lee McMahon handled the sale for the dealership. Power is from the Cummins B6.7 engine developing 320bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
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Richard Taylor Travel takes delivery of final Scania Irizar Treinta
Richard Taylor Travel of Hitchin has taken delivery of the last of 30 special edition Scania Irizar i6S Efficient Treinta models, supplied by Scania UK.
It is a two-axle, 12.9m example built on a K360NI chassis and with 53 seats. The coach is named Miss Jade in recognition of Operations and Accounts Manager Jade Taylor, and it is equipped with a camera monitoring system in lieu of mirrors.
While the Treinta special edition was conceived in 2023 to mark that year's 30th anniversary of the partnership between Scania and Irizar in the UK coach market, Ms Taylor also celebrates her 30th birthday in 2024 and the operator will do the same in 2025.
PSVAR compliance has been included, with a lift installed immediately behind the front axle. Polished alloy wheels are also part of the specification, along with a cherished registration mark and prominent decals noting the coach’s position as Treinta 30 of 30.
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