Minicoach buyers are spoilt for choice in the UK already, but there will soon be another dimension as Poland-based Auto Cuby has confirmed that it is to mount a challenge to the established names here
There may soon be a new challenger to convertors and bodybuilder already active in the mini and midicoach market in the UK: Auto Cuby. It is coming, and soon.
The Polish manufacturer says that it will mount an aggressive challenge as it bids to establish its range, which includes a midicoach seating up to 31 passengers on Iveco Daily chassis and a variety of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter coachbuilt and converted models.
Speaking at last week’s FIAA show in Madrid, Chairman of the Board Marek Truszkowski says that Gdansk-based Auto Cuby already has two complete minibuses registered in the UK and that at the moment it is seeking a partner to help it develop.
When it does that, Auto Cuby will “show UK buyers what they have been missing,” he says bullishly. “We believe that the quality of our products compares with any others.”
First minicoaches here already
The two right-hand-drive Auto Cuby minicoaches already here are both Sprinter conversions. One is a smaller 316CDi that has been in the UK for around a fortnight, while the other is a 519CDi-based 19-seater that was delivered around a month ago.
A further interesting member of the line-up, which is says it intends to introduce in the UK towards the end of the year, is the coachbuilt Tourist Line High Deck. Based on a 5.5t GVW Sprinter chassis cowl, the High Deck model has a passenger cabin that is raised around 30cm above where it would normally be.
As a result, a large boot is provided, and side lockers are also part of the package; in a novel development, the additional height of the High Deck means that ‘load through’ access is available on top of the chassis rails, which Mr Truszkowski says will be ideal for skis and smaller bags.
“I believe that the biggest opportunity for Auto Cuby in the UK will be with the High Deck. Everything is ready for production on right-hand drive chassis and the first should be into build in around June.”
A brief look at a left-hand drive Tourist Line High Deck at the FIAA show gave the impression that Auto Cuby means what it says about finish quality.
Two shallow steps lead from the platform to the aisle to take into account the raised saloon, and the rear row of seats can ‘shuffle’ forward to create additional boot space when the penultimate row is removed. Otherwise, maximum capacity is 19 passengers.
The saloon’s general ambience is good, and its colour scheme is tasteful. Seats are finished in leather, panoramic glazing is fitted along with LED lighting, and USB charging points are provided for every passenger. The roof-mounted air-conditioning unit is adjusted to maintain overall height.
The rest of the range
Besides the M1 and M2 Sprinter-based converted and coachbuilt minicoaches built in left-hand drive by Auto Cuby, it has recently completed a low-entry minibus called the City Line. It is very similar to those already available from other manufacturers.
Mr Truszkowski says that a future variant will have an extended low-floor area and be able to carry two wheelchair users.
Literature shows that a gas-fuelled model is also, available although it is not clear where conversion of the Sprinter to gas power takes place.
A midicoach is also part of its Tourist Line range in the form of an Iveco Daily-based model, and Auto Cuby has been accredited as part of Iveco’s Busmaster programme.
Built on the 7.2t GVW Daily with the eight-speed Hi-Matic gearbox, this vehicle can carry up to 31 passengers and Mr Truszkowski says that it, too, will be offered in the UK. Like the HighDeck on Sprinter, the Iveco-based midicoach is available with a wide range of fittings.
Auto Cuby already has an office in the UK and its next step will be to establish a relationship with a dealer here. It already has a presence in a number of other Western countries – including the German market, often considered a barometer of whether a product is high-quality or not – and Mr Truszkowski has high hopes for Auto Cuby here.
“We are not the cheapest in the market, but what we do represent is good value; the Tourist Line gives buyers a great deal, and in the High Deck we have something that no other manufacturer can offer.”
UK operators may get chance to see Auto Cuby close up at October’s Coach and Bus UK show at the NEC Birmingham.
routeone comment
It is much too early to say whether Auto Cuby will be successful in its venture into the UK, but based on a look at three of its products last week, much will appeal to buyers here.
The High Deck Sprinter is a novel concept and its finish quality appears to be excellent; the Iveco Daily-based model is the same.
What may allow Auto Cuby to succeed in its aggressive strategy for the UK is its desire to work with an existing dealership to promote the full range.
That should give buyers the certainty of an all-important backup network, and the Polish builder’s growth into a variety of other western markets suggests that it can walk the walk, as well as talk the talk.
