Longton moves to minis
Page 16
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Longton Commercial Vehicle Services is venturing into the minibus market, with a deal to convert Ford Transit high-roof vans for Kent Ford dealer Stormont.
It used the IRTE Exhibition at Telford (report pages 24-26) to launch its 14-seater conversion. The Stoke-on-Trent-based firm's traditional business is cab/sleeper pod and crew-cab conversions along with trailer refurbishment, chassis extensions and repairs.
LCVS expects to complete 100 minibus conversions in the next 12 months for the Sevenoaks-based dealer. Its specification includes a Ratcliff tail-lift and floor tracking for removable passenger seats.
One of the three conversions already completed by LCVS was at the IRTE show. It has two seats behind the driver and two sets of three inward facing seats at the rear, on either side of the vehicle.
The three inward facing seats are designed to fold to the body sides to allow up to four passengers in wheelchairs to be carried. The seats are fitted with inertia lap straps and arm rests on the gangway end. The rear compartment has fluorescent lighting, a swivelling loading lamp, rear heater, extra ventilation and an additional side door step with a light.
Roof insulation and full roof lining is fitted and there is storage space above the driving compartment. It has wipe-clean panelled body sides and a nonslip floor. The side and rear load ing doors are equipped with head protection pads.
Now LCVS plans to expand into other van conversions; from crew buses to executive and welfare vehicles. But it has no plans to expand into coachbuilding. It says that the move is a natural progression from its pressed steel crew and sleeper cab conversions for Leyland Daf 45, 50, 60 and 80 Series trucks.