The latest addition to the Alexander Dennis product line up in New Zealand is set to steal the show at the Bus and Coach Association 2017 Annual Conference opening in Rotorua today.
One of the fleet of eight Elite executive touring coaches ordered by Ritchies Transport Holdings, New Zealand’s largest coach operator, is being exhibited at the conference.
The 13.5m Elite coaches will deliver an unparalleled level of comfort and a premium on board experience for up to 53 passengers. Built on Scania K440 chassis, the Elite’s expansive front screen gives passengers exceptional visibility and a feeling of spaciousness in a sophisticated saloon. The distinctive, aerodynamic styling delivers an outstanding operational benefit with improved fuel efficiency.
While the Elite is a well-respected and much loved coach in the UK, the vehicles delivered to New Zealand are not simply carbon copies of the domestic offering, and have been meticulously tailored to the customer’s specific requirements. Of the eight vehicles ordered, two specification variants exist – one with a near side centre exit door plus centre toilet and a second variant featuring a rear saloon floor mounted toilet to facilitate passenger access and maximise luggage capacity. A brand new HVAC climate control system and single glazing conform to New Zealand’s weight regulations. Interior trim options bespoke for Ritchies have been developed in leather and fabric materials.
“This level of flexibility and customisation, along with the Elite’s styling, sophistication and cost competitiveness were strong factors in my decision to choose Elite coaches”, stated Andrew Ritchie of Ritchies Transport Holdings.
On show on the Alexander Dennis booth and developed specifically to comply with regulations in New Zealand is the latest addition to the successful Enviro200 range – the 3 axle Enviro200XLB. Launched in June 2017, this 12.75m long 3 axle Enviro200 is powered by a 6 cylinder Euro VI engine and is designed to carry 45 seated passengers and 38 standees. Orders have already been placed for 32 of the 3 axle Enviro200XLB vehicles and 44 Enviro200 vehicles.
Tony Moore, General Manager for Alexander Dennis in New Zealand, stated, “Being at the BCA Annual Conference with class-leading products designed, developed and engineered specifically for New Zealand underlines the importance of this market to all of us at Alexander Dennis. We have an established track record in bringing to market highly engineered buses and coaches which deliver outstanding reliability for a low whole life cost. In addition to this unrivalled heritage is our ability and flexibility to take these proven products and tailor them to specific market and customer requirements. The Elite coaches and 3 axle Enviro200 vehicles designed uniquely for this market are testament to this. This agility along with the significant investment we’ve made in our NZ-wide parts and service operation is what differentiates us from our competition.”