A double-decker
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comeback by Dennis
DENNIS MOTORS are going back into the double-decker bus chassis market after a break of 10 years.
This week the company decided to go ahead with a preproduction batch of 12 rear-engined chassis, five of which have already been sold to Leicester City Council. Delivery will begin in April next year.
The decision follows the successful trials of the engine and transmission units for the new chassis. Although design work is still in its final stages, Dennis says that the vehicles will offer high fuel economy and low maintenance costs.
A dropped rear axle will be incorporated and power will be by a Gardner 6LXB engine driving through a Voith Diwwa D851 fully automatic gearbox.
The D851 has an integral retarder to keep brake wear to a minimum. Power steering will be standard.
Intended primarily for the home market, the chassis will be suitable for low or normal height bodywork. Several bodybuilders have expressed a keen interest in the project.
The last Dennis Loline double-deck bus was produced some 10 ye-irs ago and nearly 80 per cent of the total produced are still in service at home and overseas.