Higer’s integral 9m coaches and LDV minibuses arrived in strength in the UK, with their launch to operators at Rockingham racing circuit, Corby, Northamptonshire.
Imported by Dublin-based Harris Group, the event also formally confirmed the appointment of Stourbridge-based RWT Commercial Services as a dealership. The West Midlands firm, run by Bob Turnock, will open its showroom on July 1, after when the coaches and minibuses will be available for demonstration. alt=”” class=”figimg” src=”https://www.route-one.net/wp-content/uploads/1b.jpg” style=”float:right” />
The one-day event was the first opportunity for UK operators to get a close look at the Higer Super 9, inside and out. And, thanks to a set of lifts provided by RWT, underneath too.
With striking ‘sharks teeth’ and aircraft style roundels, the eye-catching coaches were also available to drive. Rather than using the outer racing circuit, a test route of the flat and tightly cornered winding inner circuit enabled the Super 9 to demonstrate its road-holding and composure, thanks in part to its 22.5in wheels.
It confirmed the results of the exclusive routeone test drive (13 June) and operators were able to examine every aspect with a fine toothcomb during the relaxed event, with quality refreshments.
To recap, the coach is packed full of European technology, from ZF’s EcoLife automatic transmission, to Wabco brakes, Michelin tyres, Spheros air-con and Darlington-built Cummins engines. And, the warranty is straightforward with a two-year bumper-to-bumper package with unlimited mileage, parts and labour. The cover includes European assistance, including towing.
The event comes ahead of Harris’ major launch of its range at this year’s three-day Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham, from 30 October.
Harris Group Marketing Director Chris Haughton says that pricing will be “competitive” and that part-exchanges will be accepted. He added that Harris is “very happy” to take Euro 4 and Euro 5 coaches, as there is a ready used market in Ireland, not constrained by the demands of the UK’s low emission zones.
Pricing is all in pounds sterling and there is no VAT liability for operators in the UK, thanks to cross-border agreements.
Leasing and contract hire may follow in 2019, subject to demand, adds Chris. alt=”” class=”figimg” src=”https://www.route-one.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/3.jpg” style=”float:left” />
“We believe the Super 9 is an excellent choice for operators looking for a multi-role midicoach that is at home as a premier touring coach, airport pickups or corporate work.
“It gives operators a practical workhorse that is modern and presentable for any application.”
For the coaches and minibuses, finance can be arranged with Close Brothers, which was represented at the event, alongside other partners including Cummins and Wrexham-based Prime Passenger Seating – which offers a range of options for the minibuses including its top-spec Brusa VIP seat.
Indeed the range of minibuses displayed showed a number of seating options.
Front door or side entry is offered, with a slide-out step and the vehciles on show ranged from a 14-seater with three-point belts, to a nine-seater with a tail lift and front entrance.
Also on display was a 14-seater with a side entrance (including the front two passenger seats) with trim ranging from cloth to leather.
The biggest vehicle, capacity wise, is a 16-seater with a front entrance, and arrangement that Harris Group believes will be the most popular.
The minibuses are available with plain van-style rear doors, or glazed units. The former makes the interior a little dark at the rear, but where price is most important, it will be an attractive buy
Out of the test track, and elelctric version was eye-catching as well as a good drive. With its blue front grille and blue dash, it is otherwise very similar in appearance to the diesel model.
Inside, ‘electric blue’ seats, with cream leather headrests providing a striking environment.
Like the diesel version, it retains a central dash, with the fuel gauge replaced by a battery level indicator. Once the conventional key is turned, the minibus is ready to go.
Acceleration is swift – much more than passengers would appreciate – but it is equally happy to slowly crawl forward making it ideal for town and city traffic. With its batteries under the floor, the centre of gravity is low and it holds the road very well, with no sense of body roll.
Regeneration is automatic and nicely balanced. It’s difficult on a race or test track to get a full sense of everyday driving, but our drive suggested that in normal traffic, only minimal use of the footbrake would be required.
Under power it is eerily quiet with no discernable driveline noise and it has other handy touches such as an electric handbrake and automatic hill hold.
Where environmental concerns are key, it is likely that the electric LDV minibus will attract customer interest. alt=”” class=”figimg” src=”https://www.route-one.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/4.jpg” style=”float:right” />
All of the minibus range comes with a five-year warranty, roadside assistance and finance package
Overall, the operators we spoke to were positive about the Higer Super 9. With a variety of operations and needs they all have different views about what they want from a coach, however apart from price, the need for effective aftersales was the one aspect that all we spoke with agreed on.
Harris Group has a massive spares stock in Dublin, which on a previous operators' visit was inspected in detail and no-one was able to name any part that was not available off the shelf.
It is clear that the new Higer, and its companion LDV minibus range, will be attracting keen interest over the next few months.
Find out more: www.higer.ie and www.ldvminib.com
