EVM has expanded its involvement with Anadolu Isuzu through completion of a deal to be the Turkish manufacturer’s main distributor in the Republic of Ireland. That represents an expansion of existing work between the two companies that already sees EVM supply Anadolu Isuzu coaches and buses in the UK.
AOS-branded models will be imported under the two arrangements. In the UK, EVM has already brought to market the 9.7m rear-engined Visigo, which has a Cummins ISB6.7 power unit coupled to a ZF EcoLife gearbox and can seat up to 39, and the smaller, 8.5m Grand Toro (pictured, above). It has a mid-mounted engine and carries up to 37.
Both of those vehicles have already proved popular in the UK, with “multiple” orders having been placed for additional units, EVM says. Meanwhile, Anadolu Isuzu adds that it wishes to further grow sales in international markets and that it sees scope for success in Ireland.
Speaking about the deal for EVM to supply the Turkish manufacturer’s coaches and buses to Irish operators in addition to UK-based customers, Managing Director Danny McGee (pictured below, right) says that the products fit well with EVM’s existing range and vision.
“With EVM Direct Ireland having premises, existing infrastructure and relationships with the Republic of Ireland market, it seemed like a natural progression for us to expand our distribution with Anadolu Isuzu into Ireland.
“We have already had great success with the Visigo product, with a number of units already working in the UK for the last few months.
“We have already agreed multiple sales of the Grand Toro, with the first units starting to be delivered as we speak. Customer feedback and reactions have been great, and we expect much more success moving forward.”
Anadolu Isuzu General Manager Tugrul Arikan adds that the Turkish OEM is seeing “significant momentum in international markets.”
Mr Arikan adds: “I am very pleased with the success we have already achieved with EVM UK and I am pleased that we have now signed a distributorship agreement with EVM IRL. I strongly believe that we will achieve great success with EVM IRL in Ireland as we have done in the UK, which we know is one of the most demanding markets in Europe.”
In addition to working with Anadolu Isuzu and converting its own products, EVM has relationships with bodybuilders Altas, Carbus and Erener, and in the Irish market, Ferqui.