Doncaster-based converter works with Pelican Bus and Coach to offer a wheelchair-accessible minibus based on the LDV base vehicle V80 that is suitable for community transport and local authority use
A low-cost accessible LDV V80-based minibus with space for up to three wheelchair users is being offered by Excel Conversions in partnership with Castleford-based LDV agent Pelican Bus and Coach.
Retail price starts at £28,995 for the completed minibus. It has eleven passenger seats – of which nine are in the saloon and two are adjacent to the driver – and the standard tracking arrangement allows the carriage of two wheelchair users at the expense of six seats.
However, a maximum of three wheelchair users can travel on the minibus if all saloon seats are tracked, says Excel Sales Director Peter Vernon.
“We can fit seats from a variety of manufacturers and they come with three-point belts,” says Peter, who adds that an inboard lift from AMF Bruns is standard on accessible V80 conversions.
“The V80’s price is right. It is a cost-effective conversion and the base vehicle is attractive, with a strong VM Motori 136bhp engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. A low unladen weight gives potential for excellent fuel consumption,” he adds.
The V80 comes with a high level of specification as standard, and Excel can add things such as wi-fi and USB charging points if the buyer requires.
Pelican Bus and Coach is an LDV dealership, part of a network of 34 such support points in the UK; LDV importer Harris Group of Dublin says that gives comprehensive backup. Five years’ roadside assistance is included in the price of all LDVs.
All V80s shipped to Europe from China so far are Euro 5 models, but a Euro 6 variant is understood to be due in 2018. The V80 is expected to receive a facelift at the same time.
