There has never been more choice for coach operators looking for new vehicles, so the whole package is ever more important. One buyer explains how it approached the purchase process with that in mind
Purchasing new coaches is a big moment. Many buyers now consider the overall package when selecting a supplier, and that bigger picture increasingly makes vehicles one part of a deal that can include significant manufacturer support for the duration of their time on fleet.
JH Coaches of Birtley was in that position in late 2016. It chose three 12.1m, 49-seat Scania Tourings on four-year rental packages after considering various manufacturers and funding options.
The Touring’s appearance, passenger appeal and fuel economy were all factors in its decision, and the operator believes that the model ticks those boxes. But one further aspect helped Scania to get the nod: The package.
The monthly payment includes two years’ repair and maintenance (R&M), driveline warranty for the duration of the contract, and an allowance of 90,000km per annum.
Different approach
“I wasn’t initially contemplating rental,” says Operations Director Ian Shipley. “But I thought about it and as part of the package it’s a good idea. The driveline is covered throughout the agreement and disposal of the coaches would be Scania’s problem at the end of year four.”
That task may well fall to the supplier in due course, but Scania presents various options at the end of the agreed period. JH Coaches may elect to return the Tourings and walk away. It may also opt to extend their rental, or it could buy them outright.
Ian says that any potential concerns about build quality were quickly assuaged once the Tourings entered service in March 2017, and it is likely that they will remain with JH Coaches beyond their fourth birthdays.
Between them, the Tourings have experienced two problems of any note since entering service, both air-conditioning related. Those apart, they have proved themselves to be dependable workhorses that make a solid contribution to the operator’s bottom line.
At the beginning
JH Coaches did not look exclusively at the Touring when it needed new coaches, but Scania’s quote proved by some margin to be the most attractive when R&M and warranty coverage were taken into account.
“Then, I looked into the product. Higer has a dedicated production line supervised by Scania’s people. The coaches come to Europe as little more than shells and then they are fitted with Kiel seats, a Frensel kitchen and a Blaupunkt entertainment system,” says Ian.
Although they are rented, the Tourings were painted in JH Coaches’ distinctive livery in China, and with the exception of the floors – which were fitted by the time the deal was confirmed – the interior is finished in its standard black and gold scheme. USB charging points are also fitted.
R&M is handled by the local dealership. Scania can also access the coaches remotely via its telematics package, which is useful for minor fault diagnosis.
Nonetheless, the operator’s own engineers need to become familiar with Euro 6. Several have attended training at Scania’s Loughborough academy, something that is offered free-of-charge to customers.
Drivers have also received manufacturer tuition at no charge. One aspect that particularly appeals to Ian is how the workings of the Opticruise automated manual gearbox are communicated.
“There is a setting that is specific to long descents,” he says. “It combines auxiliary and foundation braking to the best effect to control speed automatically.
“I’ve taken a large number of new coaches over the years and no other manufacturer has given such a degree of understanding of the vehicle. Scania recognises that it has a responsibility to pass on how its technology works.
“Drivers of the latest coaches are perhaps sometimes better described as users of them. They can only get the best from vehicles by being shown how to do so, and Scania does that.”
Into service
The Touring is a cost-effective purchase. Some buyers may snub their nose at a Chinese product, but those that matter are not so sniffy, says Ian. “That perception is only among some operators, not customers,” he explains. JH Coaches does a lot of work with schools and the Tourings have spent a good portion of their lives so far running to France.
“School tour companies are very price-conscious. If you can take multiple coaches on a highly cost-effective package, that’s a lot less money to find – but the hirer still gets the benefit of a new vehicle.”
Drivers have responded well to the Tourings, and they consistently return at least 11mpg on a variety of work. Ian does not rule out adding more when JH Coaches is next in the market for two-axle vehicles.
“At the moment there are many more positives than negatives. The price is right, the package is right and driver reaction is right. The Touring is an operator’s coach. For us, it’s a rented tool to do a job at a low overall cost.”
