Eavesway Travel has reported good early performance from the first Irizar coach to join the Ashton-in-Makerfield operator’s fleet in the form of a sports team specification i8 integral.
After completion by the manufacturer in Spain, it was taken to AD Coach Systems for further conversion and fit-out. It has 38 i8 seats finished in a cream leather trim to match other vehicles with Eavesway and a host of creature comforts.
Among those are a full rear kitchen that includes two Neff ovens, a multimedia system with multiple screens, and fridges. In addition to working for a longstanding professional sports client of Eavesway, Managing Director Mike Eaves notes that the i8 integral will be used by a wide range of corporate and VIP clients between those commitments.
“We are very pleased with the coach, and it is lovely inside,” Mr Eaves continues, noting the quality of the conversion by AD. He adds that drivers and clients have also voiced approval. Alongside another new vehicle from a different manufacturer, the i8 integral has displaced an older member of the fleet, which has been sold.
Debuting on the i8 integral is a modified livery application for the Eavesway Exclusive sports and corporate brand. It was created by Irizar designers and the base colour was applied in the factory before vinyls went on in the UK. The coach was signed off from Irizar in Spain by Mr Eaves and Commercial Manager Aiden Latham during April.
Irizar UK Area Sales Manager Stuart Smithson handled the sale for the dealership and has thanked Eavesway for its conquest business. He notes that the i8 lends itself to sports team applications and has been supplied to multiple other customers in the UK for that purpose.
“With conversion by AD completed, the coach came out exactly as we hoped and I would like to think that it has ticked all the boxes that Mike and Aiden require,” Mr Smithson adds.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Eavesway Travel. Among many customised aspects, we were very careful to ensure that the leather finish on the seats is identical to other vehicles in its fleet.”
A camera monitoring system (CMS) in place of conventional rear-view mirrors has been specified by Eavesway on the new Irizar. Mr Smithson notes that on the models that Irizar offers with CMS, there is a growing shift towards that technology. Less risk of damage and a clear view via the cab displays are both cited as positives.
Other specification aspects include a vacuum cleaner and a front destination display. Power in the i8 integral is from the DAF MX-13 engine developing 483bhp coupled to a ZF Traxon automated manual gearbox.
Separately, Eavesway Travel is currently recruiting for an Operations Manager at its Ashton-in-Makerfield base. The successful applicant will be responsible for day-to-day coach and staff operations including planning and compliance, and liaison with internal and external stakeholders. Further details and how to apply can be found here.
