Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that it has handed over two new Plaxton Panther coaches to Berkshire operator Apple Travel.
The new coaches are built on the dependable Volvo B8R chassis with I-Shift transmission. One has 59 comfortable seats, the other 61. They are prepared to later be fitted with wheelchair lifts as well as side and rear displays to comply with PSV Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR), ensuring that they can easily be adapted to changing operational requirements throughout long working lives.
They join two similar Plaxton Panther coaches purchased in 2021 and 2022 as well as several Plaxton Leopard in a fleet dominated by Scarborough-built vehicles. An order has already been confirmed for a further 72-seat Plaxton Leopard to be delivered next year.
Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager Mark Taylor (left) with Millie Sweeney, daughter of Apple Travel directors Sam and Joel Sweeney, at the Scarborough factory
Directors Sam and Joel Sweeney were joined by their daughter Millie when inspecting the new coaches at the Plaxton factory and said: “We’re delighted to continue to invest for our customers by further upgrading our fleet. Plaxton coaches are the backbone of our operation thanks to specifications that are exactly matched to our requirements for a variety of work and the excellent support we get from Mark and the whole Alexander Dennis and Plaxton team.”
Mark Taylor, Regional Sales Manager at Alexander Dennis, commented: “It is a joy working with family businesses like Apple Travel and it’s great to see the next generation of Sweeneys already taking an interest with Millie joining us in Scarborough. These new Panthers will be a real boost for the Apple Travel fleet and I look forward to building on that next year with another Plaxton Leopard.”