More than 50 orders already placed for new Tourismo; City 45 developments too as minibuses strong
EvoBus (UK) reported an excellent response to the new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo, which made its show debut in right-hand driver form at CBUK.
“Without exception, everyone who has seen the coach has been enthusiastic about it,” says General Manager Mercedes-Benz Sales Jonathan Prime.
Mr Prime adds that a number of demonstrators will arrive in the UK during November and December.
The first production coaches will debut in January, including examples of the 13.1m two-axle and 13.9m three-axle variants, both of which will come here for the first time.
Sales of the Tourismo are set to remain high in 2018 despite a gradual ramp-up to full production of the new coach.
“We are in the same place for forward orders now as we were 12 months ago, and we expect to deliver 300 Tourismos to the UK and Ireland in 2017,” says Mr Prime.
Also on EvoBus (UK)’s stand were two examples of the Sprinter-based City 45 low-entry minibus. One was in Arriva colours, and it is part of a batch of 22 for the group’s Southern Counties business.
“A change that we have made for Arriva is enabling access to the passenger area from the cab,” says Senior Manager Sales Ian Wallace. “The driver’s seat swivels when released by a pedal and the anti-assault screen opens to permit access for when the wheelchair ramp is needed.”
EvoBus (UK) has 12 City 45s in stock. All are high-specification models with wood-effect flooring, USB charging points and Hanover displays. Each seats 17 including tip-ups and can carry a further five standees.
