Coachtraders and UNVI debuted the new DAF XB-based L24 midicoach at Euro Bus Expo. It is a model that the manufacturer’s Commercial Director Carlos Rivo underlines has been designed specifically for the UK and Ireland.
The dealership had sold 16 of the front-engined L24 at the time of Euro Bus Expo. It marks a first DAF-based UNVI model here and Mr Rivo says that through its twin lengths of 9.4m and 10.5m it acts as a replacement for both the Touring GT and Voyager models previously built on Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis.
In the long-term, UNVI hopes to reach 50 units per year in the UK and Ireland with the L24 midicoach. It has a Paccar PX-7 engine at 257bhp or 287bhp depending on vehicle size and a ZF automatic gearbox. Customer feedback so far is good, and Mr Rivo adds that particular care has gone into designing the entrance.
“We adopted a two-length approach thanks to feedback from Coachtraders,” he continues. In standard format, maximum capacities are 35 or 41 passengers, although to a school bus-type specification the L24 can go to 37 or 45 seats, respectively. None of the latter are yet sold.
PSVAR compliance requirements were designed into the product from the start and the L24 can be supplied in PSVAR ready format for later full compliance if required.
Mr Rivo continues that UNVI is “very happy” with its collaboration with Coachtraders and growth of the dealership’s sales team. Also on display by Coachtraders at Euro Bus Expo were the Iveco Daily-based UNVI M20, which succeeded the Compa, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based minicoaches from Paramount Conversions and UNVI.
