83-seater is Barnard Castle firm’s first double-decker; second not ruled out based on its performance
Hodgsons Coaches of Barnard Castle has become the second UK operator to place a VDL Futura FDD2 double-decker coach into service.
It hit the road in March and is already proving its worth, says Operations Director Mark Hodgson, who adds that at over 11mpg, fuel efficiency has been above what was expected.
“We took delivery of a FHD2 from Moseley (PCV) last year and it has been very impressive.
“When we started looking at a double-decker in 2016 our area sales representative Lee McMahon asked if we would be interested in a new product in the FDD2,” says Mr Hodgson.
The FDD2 is the 12th new coach for Hodgsons’ 31-strong fleet in 25 months and it will be utilised on a variety of work, including tours and private hire. It is currently in Italy and has also visited Spain since delivery.
“We do a lot of European work so keeping the fleet modern is important. We try to change the touring coaches at three years,” he adds.
“We liked what we saw at the factory. VDL’s attitude to doing what we wanted was positive and our experience with the FHD2 gave us confidence. We went for 83 seats, which is less than the possible maximum, and a kitchen under the rear staircase.”
The FDD2 has replaced a 63-seat single-decker and Mr Hodgson reports that high-capacity coaches are proving increasingly popular.
“This is the last new coach for the 2017 season but we are already in discussions for next year. Based on the early success of the FDD2 I would not rule out another one next year; it has performed very well so far.”
Power is from a DAF MX-13 engine developing 510bhp driving through a ZF AS-Tronic automated gearbox.
