Only by meeting your customers’ exacting needs can you succeed in a highly competitive market. But that’s exactly what Yutong dealership Pelican Bus and Coach is doing
“It’s all about the operator.” That’s the mantra of Yutong dealership Pelican Bus and Coach, says Sales Manager Bob Elliott, who’s been with the Castleford-based family firm for 35 years.
And, it’s the attention to detail that delivers excellent service and outstanding aftersales, that has seen parent Pelican Engineering win top dealer of the year awards from MAN and DAF in their separate annual competitions.
That, along with its range of good value Yutong coaches means that later this year it will have delivered 400 vehicles to customers: A truly impressive achievement from a standing start in just four years.
Firm foundations
This strong base is more than just words. The financially-strong firm, that celebrates its centenary next year, translated it into concrete, steel and glass with February’s opening of its dedicated coach and bus showroom and workshop.
The £1.5m investment is a mark of the seriousness that Pelican views its Yutong business. That is supported by its people and their positive customer attitude.
“It’s all about relationships,” says Bob. “What we say is what we do. We are in this for the long term and are investing to deliver that.”
The best selling TC9 9m midi-coach – the market leader in the 30-plus sector for the last two years – is not only visually pleasing, but its rear-engine design offers many ‘big coach’ attributes, but at an affordable price.
Now, it has also been judged the UK’s best mini-coach, having won the title at this year’s UK Coach Rally at Blackpool.
In the crowded 12m market, the TC12 coach continues to sell well, with more than 100 in service so far, and is picking up repeat orders.
New markets soon
It will be replaced in 2019 by the all-new GT12 coach. Making its UK debut at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham, on October 30, deliveries follow early in 2019.
On the bus side, the 12m battery-electric Yutong E12 continues its successful demonstration tour of the UK, reports Head of Yutong Bus UK Ian Downie.
Currently on Tyneside, after trials with Go North East it is with Stagecoach Newcastle. Next it heads for Lothian Buses. It is the only electric officially certified as an Ultra Low Emission Bus. A full zero-emission bus it has “excellent energy consumption” meeting daily operating mileages on a single overnight charge.
The bus’ trials come just at the right time as the next round of government funding for low-emission buses is now open for bids.
The 10.8m E10, available in single door or Transport for London ‘spec, launched three months ago, is also on a round of demonstration workings.
With Pelican’s dedication to customer service and aftermarket support, there’s no doubt that will continue to make a positive contribution to meeting operators’ needs
