The Yutong GT12 coach is now available to order with a camera monitoring system (CMS) in lieu of conventional mirrors. The first two such examples have arrived in the UK and are for Safeway Coaches of Batley.
Dealership Pelican Bus and Coach says that the CMS equipment for the GT12 is an optional add-on that is fitted by Yutong in China before shipping. The system used is the same as that installed in the tri-axle GT14 and GTe14 models, where it is standard.
Pelican will continue to supply the GT12 with mirrors to those customers that do not want the CMS, says UK Coach Sales Manager Simon Collins. The importer is still considering whether to specify the cameras on some stock-built GT12s.
“Because the tri-axle coaches are longer and have a steered rear axle we decided to go with the CMS as standard on those,” adds Mr Collins. While Pelican is offering the CMS alongside mirrors on the GT12, introduction of optional cameras to that model followed customer requests.
Although the CMS brings a modest pricing uplift, its selection will reduce drag of the GT12 and deliver a corresponding small fuel consumption benefit.
Meanwhile, Mr Collins says that customer interest in the GT14 diesel coach has been strong. An initial batch of 15 was ordered and all but two are sold. The first of those are expected here towards the middle of H2 2025 and Pelican will shortly place another order for the GT14.
Buyers of the opening examples are all existing Yutong customers who have a need for either a higher seating or luggage capacity than available on the GT12, or additional legroom.
The model – which will be powered by a DAF MX-13 engine developing 483bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox – is otherwise effectively a diesel extension of the GTe14 battery-electric, Mr Collins adds.
“Fundamentally we have the same ‘box’ as the GTe14 but we have equipped it with a diesel engine. That has already proved to be an attractive offer for customers.”
