Moseley Distributors showed a pair of VDL Futura FHD2s in Dublin, one a demonstrator and the other in the livery of O’Shea’s of Kerry, and the Dutch manufacturer says that the latest-generation DAF/ZF driveline is delivering even better efficiency gains that first thought.
When combined with predictive powertrain control (PPC), which optimises hill climbing to deliver the best economy, VDL originally said that a consumption reduction of 5.5% would be possible, with 3% of that coming from the driveline and 2.5% from PPC.
Now, it says that is comfortable claiming a 6.5% like-for-like reduction after in-service trials.
The 12.9m coach for O’Shea’s is the operator’s 18th VDL. Interest is also being received in the 13.5m, two-axle model, with two on order for Scottish buyers.
