Buses to dominate this year’s build programme but strong Plaxton coach deliveries expected too
Alexander Dennis (ADL) has revealed that its Plaxton plant at Scarborough is expecting a strong 2017, with 972 slots for coach and bus bodies already planned into this year’s production schedule.
While this number is already significantly up on 2016’s total at Scarborough of 875 – itself an improvement on 2015 – Commercial Manager Coach Mark Ballam says that there remains capacity to add to the number, raising the possibility that Scarborough will break the 1,000 barrier in 2017.
So far, all confirmed build slots are for UK and Irish market vehicles. ADL’s Enviro bus range – also bodied at Falkirk – accounts for the lion’s share of Scarborough’s planned production in 2017, with 417 Enviro200 single-deckers and 300 Enviro400 double-deckers in the works.
Coach slots so far account for 255 vehicles. 31 Mercedes-Benz Atego-based Cheetah XL midis will be complemented by 224 full-size bodies on Volvo B8R and B11R chassis.
“2016 was a very successful year but 2017 is looking even better,” says Mr Ballam, who adds that current tenders mean that there is a possibility of vehicles for overseas markets being added to the existing totals.
He says that, in common with all manufacturers, a weak pound has affected pricing, ADL is working to reduce its impact. “We are collaborating with suppliers to remove cost while maintaining value and reliability. The Brexit vote has thus had a less of an effect on prices than it may have had, although regrettably we will have to make some moderate adjustments.
“While the confirmed vehicle figure for 2017 is high, the factory is flexible and has a good stock holding, so we have capacity to take additional orders.”