The Moseley group of dealerships once again made a strong showing at Coach & Bus UK, with DAF power at the heart of its full-sized vehicles on display.
A 13.1m Beulas Aura mounted on a tri-axle VDL SBR4000 chassis was in the colours of Naughtons Coaches of Chesham (pictured).
With 71 seats it represents the first use of a 3+2 layout in the Aura on VDL chassis, although Moseley (PCV) has supplied the configuration previously in the Aura on an MAN RR4 underframe.
“Naughtons’ requirements were capacity, for both passengers and luggage,” says Chairman Karl Moseley. The operator undertakes many school trips to continental Europe.
Adjacent was a 12.2m Cygnus body on an SB4000 chassis for Yelloway Coaches of Oldham. The Moseley group recently placed an order for eight further SB4000 two-axle underframes thanks to renewed interest in this standardised market segment.
VDL’s integral Futura FHD2 remains a popular product, including with repeat buyers. Two examples were present at the show. One, for Eastons Holidays, is a 13.5m model and Mr Moseley says that the maximum-length two-axle variant has proved popular.
“We’re delighted with take-up. Buyers have found that it is manoeuvrable, and it also gives excellent versatility.
“Up to 61 seats with a toilet or 63 without is attractive, but operators can have the best of two worlds. They can downseat to 53 or 57 for use as a touring coach, and then refit the additional seats in later years. The Futura FHD2 range’s attributes of low weight and good fuel economy make it an efficient vehicle.”
Also present was an Indcar Wing-bodied Iveco Daily midicoach. “The Wing is an established product that is finished to a high quality, and it has been well received,” says Mr Moseley. In particular, one operator has taken delivery of eight Wings, he adds.
