Specification to be finalised soon and first stock batch of 12.9m super-high coach then into production
Pelican Bus and Coach is making strides with the introduction of a super-high Yutong coach, and it expects specifications to be finalised and the first examples of a stock batch to go into production before the end of 2017.
“We are putting immense pressure on the factory in China to get the coach into production because we know that there is a demand for it in the UK,” says Sales Manager Bob Elliott.
Two left-hand drive examples of the coach – which may be rechristened from its original HTC12 moniker – were present in Busworld and they were the source of some interest to visiting UK operators, with one saying that he “would order one today” if it was available.
While exact specifications of those for the UK are not yet complete, Pelican expects to offer a 12.9m, two-axle version of the 3.82m high model, with up to 59 seats without a toilet or 55 with.
Although completely different to the existing TC12, the newcomer will share its DAF/ZF driveline. Painting will be handled either in China or after delivery, and the coach will offer customisation opportunities on the same basis.
“The factory is able to do lots of things to a very high standard, but UK operators often prefer to stick with domestic suppliers for conversion work,” adds Assistant Sales Manager Simon Collins. Pelican promises that the coach will be competitive on price for its market segment and a tri-axle version is not ruled out in the longer term.
The Castleford dealership has also confirmed that the battery-powered low-height ICe12 coach will also come to the UK. A large batch is currently entering service in Paris and the model is aimed at applications that cover moderate mileage. The ICe12 has the same driveline as the E12 electric bus, with 258kW/h of energy storage and a 215kW electric motor.
