Alexander Dennis has confirmed that it will build “a substantial number” of Plaxton coaches in 2024, with an order already placed with Volvo for B8R chassis as part of that programme.
Stock builds will focus on Leopard coaches on the B8R, with Alexander Dennis noting that those vehicles will be PSVAR compliant and incorporate an upgraded interior introduced in 2023 that allows up to 72 Brusa seats. Other Plaxton models will be built to order in a continuation of longstanding practice, it says.
Announcement of next year’s plans for Plaxton coaches quashes rumours around future coach manufacture at the Scarborough plant, which Alexander Dennis says “benefits from a flexible set up that allows lines to be switched between coach and bus production.”
General Manager New and Used Coach Sales Simon Wood adds that the business is “delighted” to confirm the availability of Plaxton coaches in 2024, noting that “significant” orders have already been taken for Leopard and Panther models.
“We expect to deliver around 60 units into the market in 2023 thanks to returning demand, in particular for the market-leading Plaxton Leopard, as operators continue to upgrade their fleets to Euro VI and PSVAR. Following this, we have placed an order with Volvo for B8R chassis for 2024.”
Volvo Bus Retail and Coach Sales Director Joseph Gisslow has underlined those words, noting that the Swedish OEM is “very pleased and excited” to continue its work with Plaxton in 2024.
“The B8R chassis has proved to be a very reliable and cost-effective coach platform that, when combined with Volvo’s excellent service network and product support, delivers the highest levels of both productivity and customer satisfaction,” adds Mr Gisslow.
