Revision to range is likely to lead to arrival of the EX11 to complement existing two-axle EX products
Van Hool has reaffirmed its commitment to the UK in the wake of the decision to award Arriva Bus and Coach (ABC) exclusive sales and marketing rights for its entire range here from 2 February 2019.
Additionally, the Belgian manufacturer has outlined forthcoming changes to its line-up. They are led by a move of all two-axle sales to the EX platform.
EX11 likely soon
With that change of focus in the two-axle segment, ABC has ordered what is refers to as a “large” batch of stock EX15M and EX16M models. It also expects to bring the 10.5m EX11 to the UK, although it has not been decided whether it will be in medium- or high-deck format.
“We are confident that the EX is a suitable replacement for the TX on two axles,” says Van Hool Sales Manager RHD Markets and Scandinavia Daan Peeters.
“Our market share in the UK has fallen. We want to rebuild that. When reviewing our options, the conclusion was clear. It will now be full steam ahead for us in the UK.” Tri-axle TX coaches are unaffected.
All EX and TX models ordered henceforth come with the new-generation of DAF engines. The MX-11 has ZF’s EcoLife as its automatic gearbox option while the MX-13 can be had with an Allison unit. The ZF Traxon is available with both engines.
ABC’s ambition
ABC has set a target of between 50 and 60 Van Hool sales per year. MD Andy Cullen accepts that is ambitious, but he believes that it is achievable. “Having stock EXs available is the key to our strategy. I do not completely rule out holding stock TXs, but very few are built to a standard specification. We are committed to working with Van Hool to increase its market share.”
To help that, Mr Cullen adds that ABC will soon announce extensions to its support network.
