Brighouse firm takes maximum capacity up to 22 seats on its XLWB front-entrance Sprinter conversion
Treka Bus displayed its new high-capacity, extra-long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversion at CBUK that it says reset the bar in terms of how many passengers can be carried on that type of vehicle.
With a sliding side entrance, 20 seats are now possible (up from 15). With a front door, no fewer than 22 can be fitted, up from 16.
“Development started a year ago. The base vehicles are standard, ex-factory Sprinters that have not been extended, so key was looking at utilisation of space throughout the vehicle,” says Production Director Morgan Clissett.
Mr Clissett adds that weight optimisation was an in-depth exercise. “We weighed everything that goes into the vehicle and then we went to our suppliers and asked them to find savings. We needed to remove about 500kg.”
Phoenix Seating complied with Treka’s request and its lightweight seats are the only type offered. A PLS Access Lite passenger lift is fitted and all of the work is fully approved by Mercedes-Benz.
“The only difference is more seats,” says Mr Clissett. The GVW remains at 5,000kg to avoid venturing into M3 territory.
An early customer for the high-capacity conversion is London Hire. Head of Sales and Business Development Peter Moxom says that the type will never completely replace coachbuilt minibuses, but that it opens up a new avenue for the business.
“The new product is mainly suited to children, special education needs duties and young adults. Our first batch of 22-seaters will be in our own fleet and operated for the London Borough of Croydon. Going forward we will also have them available to hire, from spot rental to long-term duration, once the initial minibuses have proved themselves.”
Both Mr Clissett and Mr Moxom see the high-capacity conversions as complementary to Treka’s existing products. Treka will also supply them to Dawsonrentals.
