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Bus Manufacturer News & Discussion

YorkRailFan

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Things aren't looking so good at Alexander Dennis.

Good and bad news at Alexander Dennis today, the bad outweighs the good. Hopefully the dispute can be settled quickly unlike over disputes recently (ASLEF comes to mind, full solidarity) and members can get a fair pay increase.
 
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37114

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Things aren't looking so good at Alexander Dennis.


Not sure how true the £19.05 an hour quoted by ADL is (eg does it include antisocial premiums/assumed level of overtime) but there are quite a few people who would love to earn this much per hour. I genuinely hope Unite are acting in the employees /company's best interests rather than a national union agenda. I note ADL are building the body for the Enviro 100ev in China and one presumes the reference to lower security economies being a reference to MCV who are doing well with the Volvo partnership and the various electric bus producers based in China.
 

GusB

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Not sure how true the £19.05 an hour quoted by ADL is (eg does it include antisocial premiums/assumed level of overtime) but there are quite a few people who would love to earn this much per hour. I genuinely hope Unite are acting in the employees /company's best interests rather than a national union agenda. I note ADL are building the body for the Enviro 100ev in China and one presumes the reference to lower security economies being a reference to MCV who are doing well with the Volvo partnership and the various electric bus producers based in China.
Don't shoot the messenger!
 

PG

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Not sure how true the £19.05 an hour quoted by ADL is (eg does it include antisocial premiums/assumed level of overtime) but there are quite a few people who would love to earn this much per hour. I genuinely hope Unite are acting in the employees /company's best interests rather than a national union agenda. I note ADL are building the body for the Enviro 100ev in China and one presumes the reference to lower security economies being a reference to MCV who are doing well with the Volvo partnership and the various electric bus producers based in China.
I'm of the opinion that figure isn't reflective of the reality - similar job at Wrights is quoting £14.36/hour.
 

Volvodart

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Stagecoach in Scotland is the launch customer for the Enviro100EV.

Not sure how these are all to be funded, as today's interim results announcement for Stagecoach Group says that Stagecoach has been unsuccessful in their bids for Scotzeb2 bus funding "in their current form". This may mean that the bids are reconfigured though. There were 8 for the first round of funding that have not appeared though.
 
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aswilliamsuk

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Not sure how these are all to be funded, as today's interim results announcement for Stagecoach Group says that Stagecoach has been unsuccessful in their bids for Scotzeb2 bus funding "in their current form". This may mean that the bids are reconfigured though. There were 8 for the first round of funding that have not appeared though.
I'm fairly sure these Enviro 100EVs were funded from the first round of ScotZEB awards (certainly what's been delivered so far to West and East Scotland does not total what was awarded for originally).
 
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I'm fairly sure these Enviro 100EVs were funded from the first round of ScotZEB awards (certainly what's been delivered so far to West and East Scotland does not total what was awarded for originally).

I'm of the same view - the Western 100EVs total the currently outstanding number of EVs from ScotZEB1 (12).
 

YorkRailFan

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Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that Scottish bus company Shuttle Buses has ordered one Enviro100EV next-generation electric bus following the model’s launch last month.

Shuttle Buses is the first independent operator to confirm an order for the manufacturer’s new ‘big small bus’. The company is Scotland’s only employee-owned bus company, its 75-strong workforce running a fleet of 55 buses and coaches from its Ayrshire base in Kilwinning.

The purchase is supported by existing funding from the first phase of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Zero-Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB).

The zero-emission Enviro100EV has been designed from the ground up to meet the specific requirements of bus operation in the UK and Ireland. At just 8.5m long and 2.35m wide, it fits tight streets in housing estates and narrow country lanes that larger buses cannot reach while offering the same engineering quality, work environment and passenger comfort as a bigger bus.

Equipped with 354kWh batteries supplied by Impact Clean Power Technology to an Alexander Dennis design and with power supplied through the efficient Voith Electrical Drive System, the Enviro100EV offers a class-leading operational range of up to 285 miles on a single charge.
Shuttle Buses Managing Director, Ross Granger, said: “We were very impressed by the Enviro100EV at the recent launch, particularly as it builds on Alexander Dennis’s experience in designing electric buses and operators’ experience running them. We’re confident that it will meet our need for a small EV with sensible range. We were the first Scottish operator of the classic Enviro200 back in 2006 and we’re delighted to be returning to Alexander Dennis and trailblazing the Enviro100EV.”

Charlie Miller, Retail Sales Director at Alexander Dennis, added: “Shuttle Buses joined us at the recent launch event for our next-generation electric buses and we’re thrilled to now have them on board as the first independent sector customer for the Enviro100EV. This is a huge investment from a forward-thinking business. Our ‘big small bus’ is ideal for many of the routes smaller operators like Shuttle Buses specialise in. They will be fully supported through AD24, benefitting from our ongoing investment in even better aftermarket services.”

Forward-looking statements​

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of Alexander Dennis and NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services; customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses; the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience; production may be delayed or production rates may be decreased as a result of the pandemic or ongoing and future supply chain disruptions and shortages of parts and components, shipping and freight delays, and disruption to labor supply; risks related to reliance on third-party manufacturers of Alexander Dennis’ products; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.

Scotland is loving the Enviro100EV, wish we were getting some in Yorkshire to try them out.
 
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Scotland is loving the Enviro100EV, wish we were getting some in Yorkshire to try them out.

This is also from the ScotZEB1 fund.
 

Edvid

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Woodall Nicholson / WNVTech (the parent company of Mellor, Treka Bus et al) has been acquired by Guido Dumarey.


Mellor group bought by Belgian investor
Posted by markwilliams on Thu 7th December 2023 - 09:11AM



The manufacturing group which includes Mellor, the Sigma bus sales operation and Treka has been acquired by Guido Dumarey, a Belgian industrial entrepreneur.
He gets the businesses of Coleman Milne, VCS Police & Special Projects, Mellor, Treka, Promech Technologies, and JM Engineering. These businesses are consolidated under the umbrella of Woodall Nicholson.

The group was placed in administration just three weeks ago, but now has a lifeline for its minibus, special vehicles and powertrain businesses. Guido Dumarey, the owner of the Dumarey Group, is a prominent player in the European automotive sector, with operations and subsidiaries in Belgium, France, Italy, China, and the UK, employing around 3,000 people.

Since 2009, Guido Dumarey has focused on the automotive industry, engaging in the development and production of various automotive components such as automatic transmissions, injectors, flywheels, kinetic energy recovery systems, and e-mobility applications. Notably, Dumarey has been actively investing in hydrogen powertrain solutions, including internal combustion engines powered by hydrogen, aligning with the industry’s shift towards sustainable mobility.

Guido Dumarey said: “This is an exciting acquisition for us. The Woodall Nicholson businesses have a strong market position and a disruptive product portfolio, as is evident in their robust order book. We’re eager to collaborate with their talented teams to continue delivering innovative mobility solutions. This marks a significant step towards our commitment to shaping a future where environmentally conscious transportation is accessible to all.”

“Woodall Nicholson’s development signifies a crucial opportunity for Dumarey companies to synergize their strengths, expand market presence, and enhance overall capabilities. Dumarey will be supporting the management team to further develop the business, enhance its current operational capability, and continue to develop new and innovative products,” said the announcement.

“This strategic acquisition marks a transformative moment for Dumarey and Woodall Nicholson, fostering collaboration and innovation to shape the future of sustainable mobility.”

“I cannot thank our customers, supply partners, and staff enough for their support,” said Morgan Clissett, MD of Van and Minibus. “We have an exciting future ahead of us where we can continue to deliver the highest quality specialist passenger transport vehicles for our valued customers.”

Joint Administrator, Daniel Smith of Teneo, said: “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Dumarey. The transaction has secured the transfer of over 450 jobs located across the North. We wish the business, its staff and its new owners every success in the future.”
 

PG

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Scotland is loving the Enviro100EV, wish we were getting some in Yorkshire to try them out.

Early days yet! I’m sure most parts of the country will see them in time.
 

Goldfish62

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And on that note, ADL have published the documents for the TfL-spec E100EV / E400EV.
I was just looking at that.

Of particular note is that the TfL spec E400EV is shortened from 11.1m to 10.5m, effectively making it compatible with any double deck route, something that the BYD E400EV has issues with.
 

Jordan Adam

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I was just looking at that.

Of particular note is that the TfL spec E400EV is shortened from 11.1m to 10.5m, effectively making it compatible with any double deck route, something that the BYD E400EV has issues with.
The BYD Enviro400EV is offered at a length of 10.3M however this only came to market in 2021 and only the demonstrator appears to have actually been built...

 

Jordan Adam

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And none have been ordered.
Indeed, hence why i mentioned only the demonstrator appears to have been built. However i was just highlighting the point that there is already a BYD Enviro400EV variant on the market compatible with any TFL double decker route.
 

MasterSpenny

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And none have been ordered.
As of yet.
Of particular note is that the TfL spec E400EV is shortened from 11.1m to 10.5m, effectively making it compatible with any double deck route, something that the BYD E400EV has issues with.
That makes sense as I’m not sure how 11.1m double deck buses would get round bus routes that don’t have good turning circles!
 

Goldfish62

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That makes sense as I’m not sure how 11.1m double deck buses would get round bus routes that don’t have good turning circles!
The 11.1m E400EV has the same wheelbase as the 10.9m BYD and the latter is unable to be used on some routes, eg 200, C3.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Indeed, hence why i mentioned only the demonstrator appears to have been built. However i was just highlighting the point that there is already a BYD Enviro400EV variant on the market compatible with any TFL double decker route.
Yes, fair enough.
 

MasterSpenny

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AppalCART (in America) has ordered an Enviro 500 MMC, which is to be used on the Pop 105 route.

AppalCART to introduce Alexander Dennis Enviro500 double deck operation to Boone, NC​

Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today confirmed a further firm order for the Enviro500 double decker bus from the United States of America.

One Alexander Dennis Enviro500 double decker will join the fleet of AppalCART, which provides fare-free transit in Boone, North Carolina on a fixed-route network focused on the Appalachian State University campus, from which it takes its name.

AppalCART is a new customer to both Alexander Dennis and the wider NFI Group. The purchase follows the successful trial of a similar demonstrator in October 2021.

The double decker will be used on the Pop 105 route. Its high capacity of over 100 passengers, including 84 seated, will address overcrowding on key journeys on this popular route linking key university institutions, Downtown Boone and apartment complexes.

AppalCART’s Enviro500 will be built in the United States as part of the recently announced partnership between Alexander Dennis and Big Rig Manufacturing and is expected to be delivered in 2025. It will be supported in operation by Alexander Dennis’s own staff as well as through the wider NFI Parts organisation.
We will be able to be more responsive to our passengers’ needs by adding seats to a very high volume route”
Craig Hughes, AppalCART Director, said: “The bus will provide AppalCART with helpful operational efficiency, as we will almost double capacity without the need for additional staffing. We will be able to be more responsive to our passengers’ needs by adding seats to a very high volume route, helping to eliminate the frequency of overcrowding. As an added benefit, a double-decker bus rolling down the streets Boone will also bring attention, excitement, and fresh eyes to what an efficient public transportation system can mean for the college students and local residents that ride our routes daily.”

Jason Steinbrunn, Vice-President Commercial for Alexander Dennis in North America, said: “We’re delighted to welcome AppalCART to NFI Group for their first Alexander Dennis Enviro500. This order shows how the high passenger capacity of a double decker can improve operational efficiency on campus-focused transit systems, which typically experience high loadings on selected journeys.”

Forward-looking statements​

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of Alexander Dennis and NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services; customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses; the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience; production may be delayed or production rates may be decreased as a result of the pandemic or ongoing and future supply chain disruptions and shortages of parts and components, shipping and freight delays, and disruption to labor supply; risks related to reliance on third-party manufacturers of Alexander Dennis’ products; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.
 

Edvid

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Type approval testing of the second-generation E400EV concluded yesterday.


⚡
Our next-generation Enviro400EV has hit another milestone with the completion of all of its type approval testing! Some approvals have already been issued and our approval authorities are processing the rest in line with plans to issue our first Certificates of Conformity early in 2024.
A lot of the testing took place at UTAC's Millbrook Proving Ground. The new Enviro400EV's time there coincided with a visit from Intelligent Transport Systems UK, whose members took the opportunity to directly experience the future of electric buses.
 

YorkRailFan

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Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that it has supplied two new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 midibuses to Lakeside Coaches of Ellesmere.

The 8.9m long vehicles have room for up to 30 seated passengers, including 25 on belted Alexander Dennis SmartSeats, combining capacity with manoeuvrability for the family-owned operator’s local bus services in Shropshire and Cheshire.

They join an earlier-model Enviro200 and around 25 Plaxton coaches in the modern fleet.

Lakeside Coaches Managing Director, Neal Hall, said: “We’re giving our bus passengers an upgrade with these brand-new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 buses. Fitted with seatbelts and finished to a high standard, they combine comfort with accessibility, making them ideal for the connections we are providing for our local communities. At 8.9m length, these buses are the perfect fit for our rural bus routes and town services.”

Alexander Dennis Sales Manager, Simon Wood, added: “The Enviro200’s lightweight design and proven driveline make it highly fuel efficient and cost-effective to run, as well as easy to maintain. It’s a pleasure to see these vehicles in Lakeside Coaches’ elegant livery and we look forward to continuing to support Neal and the team throughout the buses’ working lives with our AD24 aftermarket services.”

Nice little early Christmas gift for Alexander Dennis.
 

Mikey C

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Nice little early Christmas gift for Alexander Dennis.
If we're using Christmas analogies, that's more of a stocking filler order, rather than the PlayStation or new bicycle :D
 

RacsoMoquette

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Why has there not been more interest and orders with the Mellor Sigmas? Is the something that operators dislike about the range or something similar as the only order recently was the small one from Whippet Coaches for their Universal services in Cambridge. Why have London operators not taken an interest in the type? I thought they are a good competitor with the Volvo BZL (Single Decker) Wright GB Kite Electroliner, ADL Enviro200 BYD EV and also even the Switch Metrocity EV (9.5m).
 

MotCO

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Why has there not been more interest and orders with the Mellor Sigmas? Is the something that operators dislike about the range or something similar as the only order recently was the small one from Whippet Coaches for their Universal services in Cambridge. Why have London operators not taken an interest in the type? I thought they are a good competitor with the Volvo BZL (Single Decker) Wright GB Kite Electroliner, ADL Enviro200 BYD EV and also even the Switch Metrocity EV (9.5m).

It does seem strange that some manufacturers find it easy to sell buses - e.g. AD, Wrightbus, Volvo/MCV, Yutong etc, whereas others don't - e.g. Switch, Mellor. Often the 'easy' manufacturers manage to sell buses even before they enter production.
 

37114

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It does seem strange that some manufacturers find it easy to sell buses - e.g. AD, Wrightbus, Volvo/MCV, Yutong etc, whereas others don't - e.g. Switch, Mellor. Often the 'easy' manufacturers manage to sell buses even before they enter production.

The 'easy' ones more than likely make it easy for their customers to buy from them. I.e., they offer reasonable lead times on proven products (or have been proven to produce good products from the drawing board) and are financially stable. Fleet buyers are savvy characters as you are spending a 6 figure number of pounds on an asset with a long life so you want it right.

Not buses but in the last year I met with 2 electric commercial vehicle manufacturers interested in getting me to buy their vehicles. In both instances the due diligence we undertook steered us away which turned out to be the correct decision as neither are now selling or plan to sell in the UK
 

RacsoMoquette

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I would have thought that the Mellor Sigmas could compete well with the Switch Metrocity range, seeing as though they bear similar lengths and are both electric. Even more so for non UK variants, because Switch Mobilities range designed for the Indian market such as the EiV7 is visually extreamly similar to the Mellor Sigma 7. This makes me think that Switch and Mellor could be on to something.
 

Sussexwatch

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An operator who considered buying them told me the reason Mellor Sigmas weren't selling was because they were more expensive than other types
 

GCH100

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It's obvious why Mellor and Switch products don't sell as well as the likes of ADL, Volvo and Wrightbus.

First of all the volume of scale; because they only produce small orders is that is reflected in the price, that is why they are more expensive than other types.
Secondly, major operators want to buy from a producer they know will be here tomorrow, and not one which will vanish into oblivion should they collapse, as it affects warranty and the supply of spare parts.
 
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Edvid

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The days of new Euro VI Citaros on UK roads aren't done yet - Luton Airport are acquiring six of them, presumably for their APCOA car park shuttles.

London Luton Airport chooses Mercedes-Benz as part of its drive to Net Zero

A repeat Mercedes-Benz purchase, Luton Airport confirms its order for six more Mercedes-Benz Citaro Euro VI buses with delivery planned for Spring 2024. The new buses showcase a refreshed livery design proudly bearing Luton Airport’s ambition for net zero for its airport emissions by 2040. The use of 100% renewable HVO to fuel the new vehicles will support this transition ahead of deadline.

The fleet intake will also represent the first Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses in the UK delivered to the new General Safety Regulation (GSR) phase B specification. Supporting a vision for accident-free driving, the uprated safety specification includes but is not limited to Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist, Attention Assist and Traffic Sign Assist driving aids. A tyre pressure monitoring system and 360° exterior camera provide additional support for Luton Airport drivers in a number of situations.

To be supplied by Daimler Buses UK Ltd, the six Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses will be leased from Dawsongroup bus and coach Ltd.

 
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