New models and a ‘huge focus’ on aftersales support from the Cleckheaton dealership in the works
Arriva Bus and Coach (ABC) signalled the beginning of a fresh approach for the Cleckheaton dealership at CBUK. It starts with a new logo, but it will quickly grow to include all aspects of the service delivered to customers, says Head of Product Steve Fletcher.
One of the first to be delivered will be a renewed focus on the Van Hool EX range. That starts with the arrival of the mid-height 13.26m, two-axle EX16M, which can seat a maximum of 59 passengers.
It will complement the higher EX15H and three-axle EX16H coaches already here, and Mr Fletcher expects the EX16M to do well.
“It competes in a market that we have been absent from for some time, although the relaxation of weight limits for two-axle coaches to 19.5t also means that the TX16 Alicron is viable for the UK market again.”
Big changes are coming to aftersales. ABC will soon establish a two-bay workshop in the London area and that will complement the two technicians that are already based in the south east.
Service packages also form part of its future plans, with various levels of coverage. “We see it as a way to use the experience and capabilities that our staff and facilities have to benefit the operator,” says Mr Fletcher.
“It’s the equivalent of a repair and maintenance contract and is particularly aimed at operators that don’t have a workshop of their own. We have received many enquiries about the packages and they are available across the Temsa and Van Hool coach ranges.”
ABC has also confirmed that a third coach will be added to its current Temsa MD9 and Safari HD products in the medium term.
