Extension of existing VDL FHD2 range will give maximum of 61 seats at 19.5t GVW, says UK importer
The Associated Moseley Group has announced that it expects to introduce a 13.5m, two-axle variant of the established VDL Futura FHD2 integral coach that can seat up to 61 passengers – and that it should be available “very soon.”
The FHD2-135 is already present in some European markets and MD Karl Moseley says that, with the recent approval by the Department for Transport of the introduction of a 19.5t GVW for two-axle coaches, it is now a viable product for the UK.
“We are looking at offering the FHD2-135 as soon as this year; the beauty of VDL’s integral range is that it lends itself very easily to construction a various lengths.
“It is also the lightest coach on the market, and even at 13.5m the turning circle is good,” he adds. The new model will complement the existing 12.2 and 12.9m two-axle FHD2s offered by the Group and it will have the same driveline combination of a DAF engine and a ZF gearbox.
When it arrives here, the FHD2-135 will be the longest two-axle coach on the market. It will be available with 61 seats, or with 59 and a centre sunken toilet. Pricing and availability is expected to be finalised by the Group over coming weeks.
“We hope very much to bring the FHD2-135 here this year and more details will be announced soon,” says Mr Moseley, who has also confirmed that the 10.6m variant of the FHD2 is now available and that the three Moseley dealerships are ready to take orders for it.
