Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that newly-built Plaxton Leopard coaches are now available with dual seating arrangement certification.
The new feature enables operators to switch their Plaxton Leopard coaches from 3+2 seating – typically featuring 72 seats in a 12.8m long vehicle – to 2+2 seating for 59 passengers without the need for an VTP5 inspection by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The change can be made to quickly downseat and upseat coaches to reflect changing operational requirements.
The Plaxton Leopard, which is built on the reliable Volvo B8R chassis, has a flat floor with dual tracking designed to allow changes in interior configuration.
Alexander Dennis’s Sales Manager New and Used Coach Sales, Simon Wood, comments: “The Plaxton Leopard already is one of the industry’s favourite coaches thanks to its excellent versatility. Dual certification is the logical next step in the evolution of this popular product, cutting out the paperwork when operators adjust vehicles to changing requirements for different seasons or new contracts and making the Plaxton Leopard even better value for money all around.”
Dual certification is available from the start of 2023 on newly-built Plaxton Leopard coaches originally manufactured to 3+2 configuration, covering stock vehicles as well as coaches built to order. It empowers operators to make seating changes themselves in line with manufacturer guidelines and approved seating options. Additionally, customers can choose to offer to have this work performed at the AD24 service centre in Anston.
