Arrival here planned for later in 2017; improvements to existing specification include 600kg reduction
The first mid-height EX16M for the UK was part of a display at Busworld that marked Van Hool’s 70th anniversary, with the 13.26m, two-axle coach available with up to 57 seats and a toilet.
Van Hool has made several improvements over earlier EX models and Busworld saw the debut of the range’s second generation. Coaches are lighter, have improved aerodynamics and maintenance access, and the dash is revised along with other changes.
“The aim is to make a statement that the EX and TX ranges are both part of the same family,” says Ed Potter, MD of Arriva Bus and Coach, the sole UK importer of the EX.
“Van Hool has made a fantastic series of improvements; the dash is better and weight has been reduced by 600kg.”
The coach shown at Busworld is expected to arrive here later in 2017. It it to a high specification with 53 half-leather seats and a centre toilet, along with wood-effect flooring. The EX16M will complement the higher EX15H two-axle and EX16H three-axle models in the UK.
“The power of the EX16M is that it pits Van Hool against the competition in the key 57-seat, two-axle segment,” adds Mr Potter. He reaffirms that the TX range is expected to become a custom offering and that the EX will meet stock requirements.
“One of the attractions of the TX is the ability to specify it exactly and when spending a lot on a new coach, operators want to put their own ‘stamp’ on it. We see a good future for the TX, but our strategy going forward will be to stock EX and custom-built TX.”
Van Hool has confirmed that, like other manufacturers, it will introduce the next-generation DAF Euro 6 engines and ZF’s Traxon automated manual gearbox early in 2018. While the Allison T525 ‘box is currently offered in conjunction with the MX-13 engine, Van Hool is examining whether Allison products would be compatible with the MX-11.
