Two Yutong GT12 coaches delivered to Ashcrofts Mini Travel of Leigh have been facilitated by Asset Alliance Group via multi-year leases ahead of their deployment to FlixBus work on 1 August.
Ashcrofts will take on two routes for FlixBus between the North West and Yorkshire from that date. Procuring the coaches on operating lease has allowed the operator to minimise its capital outlay, with the option to offset rental payments against taxable profits as a business expense, Asset Alliance notes.
The supplier adds that operators taking vehicles via such an arrangement carry out repair and maintenance themselves, and then return or refinance them at the end of the lease term.
Ashcrofts Mini Travel Managing Director Chris Ashcroft describes that as “an affordable way to do things” and says that the approach has allowed the operator to grow. “The whole process with Asset Alliance Group was drama free. I cannot fault it,” he adds.
What Mr Ashcroft calls the “personal touch” of the supplier set its offer apart. “When I have dealt with finance companies in the past, they have typically only cared about your bank balance,” he continues.
“Asset Alliance Group was different. It took the time to visit, have a coffee, ask questions, and really understand the business before making a quick funding decision.”
Pelican Bus and Coach has supplied the GT12 pair in a further instance of both the model and the dealership recording success with FlixBus partner operators. Pelican and Yutong have devised a FlixBus-specific configuration for that product.
Each coach is a 53-seater that is PSVAR compliant, with power from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 449bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
Speaking about the finance agreement, Asset Alliance Group National Sales Manager Scott Burke says: “It has been a pleasure to deal with Chris, and I am delighted to have been able to facilitate these two new vehicles for Ashcrofts. The team and I wish him every success with the FlixBus services.”
