Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that it has delivered a new Plaxton Leopard coach to Chalkwell Coach Hire of Sittingbourne, Kent.
Equipped with 72 seats in a 3+2 arrangement, Chalkwell’s Plaxton Leopard delivers high capacity for school buses and hires. A side-mounted wheelchair lift and destination displays ensure it meets PSV Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) for maximum operational flexibility. Like all Plaxton Leopard coaches, it is built on the reliable and fuel-efficient Volvo B8R chassis.
The new coach is a landmark investment for the family business, which provides coach trips and coach hire as well as scheduled and school bus services throughout Kent. It last bought brand new coaches in 1998, which were also supplied by Plaxton at the time, although it has continually updated its well-maintained fleet with young vehicles finished to a high standard.
Managing Director Roland Eglinton, the grandson of company founder Harry Eglinton, says: “We are delighted to upgrade our fleet with this this brand new Plaxton Leopard coach, which gives us an unbeatable 72-seat capacity and PSVAR certification. Having operated Plaxton coaches for many years, including pre-owned vehicles, we know how versatile and adaptable they are in later life, and this gives us the confidence that it will retain its value for a long time.”
Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager Mark Taylor adds: “It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome Chalkwell Coach Hire back as a customer for brand-new coaches. The Plaxton Leopard is a great fit for the quality operation run by Roland and his team, and we look forward to continuing to support it through a long service life.”
