Parrys International advertised a Belgium tour with added value – including a visit to Van Hool’s factory to check on six new TX17 Astrons scheduled to join the fleet in 2019 as it continues standardisation
How to fill a coach during the winter months is a conundrum facing most operators, but Parrys International had no such trouble selling seats on a recent four-day tour to Bruges.
Given that the award-winning Cheslyn Hay-based operator has a very strong and loyal customer base that was no surprise. Indeed, it was the second Bruges-based tour that week.
But what distinguished the departure in question was an itinerary that included an exclusive visit to the Van Hool factory to see how the Belgian manufacturer builds the high-spec coaches that owner Dave Parry has determined as the standard for his fleet.
Road to Koningshooikt
For British coach operators, taking the road to Koningshooikt, the home of Van Hool on the outskirts of Lier, has been something of a pilgrimage for the past 40 years.
It’s exceptional for them to be accompanied by a coach load of fare-paying passengers – yet for an explanation why, it’s necessary to look no further than the aura of respect and admiration that has built up around Parrys International since it was established by Dave in 1973.
There was evidence aplenty at the firm’s January open days when customers thronged to pick up the latest tour brochure and to climb aboard the newest coaches. And there was further evidence just over six years ago, when pressure from his travelling public helped to force Dave to rethink a decision to sell the business and retire.
Such was the overwhelming clamour for him to keep going that Dave set to work on a strategy to take the business forward. As recently as last November, he announced that a five-year plan would at least take it into its 50th year, while it was also announced that 2019 would see the fleet upgraded to all-Euro 6 with six new £470,000 Van Hool coaches.
Dave’s rationale was straightforward. “We don’t want anything older than three years because we need reliability. It also brings long-desired standardisation, meaning that staff and customers are familiar with the coaches. Also, we’ve got to keep ahead.”
‘Significant choice’
Given that Parrys has built its reputation on high standards, and has cemented its image by operating standout coaches such as Neoplan Cityliners and Starliners with a bespoke interior layout that evolved through experience and customer feedback, its choice of new coach to take it towards that 50th anniversary is significant.
Parrys’ hand was forced when Neoplan was taken over by MAN and a reluctance to sell the second-generation Starliner, before MAN finally put a stop to right-hand drive exports of the Starliner.
That resulted in Parrys dual-sourcing from Neoplan and Van Hool between 2007 and the final three Starliner 2s in 2014. Meanwhile, Van Hool had unveiled the TX range in 2011, and it is the 14m TX17 Astron integral that was to become the new Parry standard.
Initially it had MAN power, but the standard choice now is for the latest-generation, 530bhp DAF MX-13 engine coupled to the ZF Traxon automated manual gearbox.
In preparation for the new intake, the six oldest Van Hools have now left the fleet in a part-exchange deal with Moseley (PCV), which, says Managing Director Tim Fairless, has already sold three of them. Imminent disposal by Parrys of its last-remaining Starliner will result in the full-size coach fleet being trimmed from 11 to 10.
DAF/ZF does well
Although the switch from Starliner to Astron is in part driven by circumstances, it is also a consequence of very satisfactory experience with the product, particularly Van Hool’s support and the DAF/ZF driveline.
“We know who to contact at Van Hool and the coaches have proven very reliable,” says Dave. The Astron is a coach that meets with approval from those who work with them, including Dave’s son James and Andy Rushforth, co-drivers on the Bruges tour. “We’re definitely ‘team Van Hool,’ says James, who readily agrees with Andy when he says that the Astron is a better coach to work on, both from a driver’s perspective and when acting as a courier.
And, judging by feedback from those paying for tickets, there is little doubt that passengers also approve of the choice. A typical spontaneous response when asked for their opinion was: “It’s the best.”
But that assumption is about more than the coach itself, although a specification that includes a seatback Funturo multimedia system and the regular supply of refreshments from the bespoke rear kitchen certainly helps – as does the expert driving that delivered an exceptionally smooth and unruffled journeys, despite the trials of Monday morning chaos on this side of the Eurotunnel crossing.
Changing sands
In an ironic twist, the decision to standardise on Van Hool TX17s coincides with a level of frustration and annoyance that mirrors the earlier Starliner hiatus from Neoplan.
On this occasion, it is the decision by Van Hool to terminate a 40-year arrangement to supply coaches through the Moseley companies.
As of 1 February 2019, Arriva Bus and Coach is the sole UK supplier, a move based on the Cleckheaton-based dealer having exclusivity with the Macedonian-built EX range and its willingness to order the TX range, now only available in tri-axle variants, for stock.
Although Tim laments what he calls “the divorce,” he remains philosophical, adding: “You never know. It may open the door to other opportunities. Never say never.”
Tour a sell-out
Whether or not the changing complexion of the dealership scene will impact Parrys and its drive for standardisation remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the Bruges tour and its day excursion provided evidence to suggest that the relationship between Parrys and Van Hool is likely to stand the test of time.
Yes, the tour was a sell-out, but a small number of places had been reserved – including one offered to routeone, and others occupied by Tim along with Dave, who was travelling incognito with his wife Amy.
Although all were there to enjoy the trip, it was nonetheless work as well, with Tim ensuring that his customer and supplier were well catered for, while Dave and Amy had a rare opportunity to check out one of their tours from a passenger’s perspective.
They also inspected progress on the six coaches that are in build for the 2019 season.
Given Dave’s well-publicised concerns about the impact of Brexit, and the myriad other challenges that face coach tour operator, the decision to order six new vehicles at a time of great uncertainty is a strong expression of faith in the future of not only his own business, but also in the future of the coach tourism industry.
Nevertheless, Dave is perfectly aware that it is an industry that cannot afford to stand still.
Keeping the fleet up to date, and his standardisation on one type of coach, places emphasis on an image of quality and dependability, but when it comes to the variety and types of tours on offer, both continue to evolve to reflect customer trends and preferences.