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Manufacturers combat the European invasion

The fierce struggle between European and British coach manufacturers is the underlying theme this year, writes Noel Millier. Britain is striking back with new high-specification fixed bodies.

ECTACULAR high cification coaches at the nkr evidence the quiet olution that has been nging the British scene since 0, when the Transport Act operators the chance to their initiative and cater to expanding holiday market. he rising cost of fuel has also fed its part by allowing ches to compete with les.

ity buses are thinner on the und this year, emphasising disastrous effects of rernment cutbacks.

hree buses for overseas 'kets illustrate the ortance of exports when the le market is ailing.

and 402 eve Burgess

) ASPECTS of Reeve Bur production are on show. first is a new midi-bus body inted on Leyland Cub chasthis vehicle is to be available two different wheelbases (132in or 171in) and can accommodate either 25 or 33 seated passengers. The body is of steel construction mounted on a subframe. The exterior is panelled in alloy sheet with grp front and rear mouldings. The floor is of heavy duty plywood.

The Leyland Cub chassis is powered by a Leyland 6.98-litre engine and has a five-speed manual gearbox and power steering.

The second exhibit is a luxury coach based on the MercedesBenz 0508D Transporter van. This coach uses the integral van body which is converted by the addition of full glazing, a coach back-end which consists of a full-width rear window, and liftup boot as an option.

The finished coach is fully trimmed with extra heating and ventilating equipment and an emergency exit. This range is available in 19, 21 or 25-seat versions.

Stand 403 Alexander

ONE OF THE surprises of the Show is an Alexander R-type body built integrally on to a Mercedes-Benz 0305 underframe. The 5.6-metre wheelbase bus is almost entirely constructed of aluminium alloys. It seats 96 passengers, 55 upstairs and 41 downstairs. The bus is finished in the livery of the Singapore Bus Service.

Stand 414 Asco

THE LATEST version of the Asco Clubman midi-coach bodywork features 25 coach seats and a power-operated entrance door. The midicoach is mounted on a Fiat 60F10 chassis. A psv conversion of the Fiat Daily van makes its debut on the stand.

Stand 421 Kassbohrer

THREE SETRA integral coaches appear on this stand. Making their NEC debuts are the doubledeck three-axle Setra S 228 DT and the S211 H Optimal 35seat 9.6-metre midicoach.

More familiar in Britain is the Setra S215HD highdeck coach which is equipped with features such as independent front suspension and disc brakes for the front wheels. The S215HD is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 0M422 engine developing 206kW (280bhp) through a ZF S 6.90 gearbox. The example shown is equipped with full airconditioning.

Stand 430 Bova

MAKING ITS British debut is the new Bova Future integral coach. The example on display is a lefthand drive vehicle powered by an 11.6-litre DAF engine. Among the features of this distinctive and aerodynamic coach is full air-suspension which is independent at the front; an adjustable steering column; engine and gearbox mounted in a module to allow quick and easy removal; and maintenance-free batteries.

The body features an all-metal box section construction with individual frame elements jigwelded. The waist panels are of one-piece stressed steel sheet and the skirt panels aluminium.

Wheel arch panels of grp are hinged to allow access to the suspension components. It has bonded side windows and an unusually designed front end intended to provide the coach with a very low drag co-efficient.

The Futura is expected to be available in right-hand drive form from late next year and is to be built in both high and lowfloor versions.

Also on this stand are two examples of the Bova Europa integral luxury coach which has been successfully introduced in Britain. A 52-seat and a 47-reclining-seat version of this integral 1 2-metre coach are both displayed. Both feature full-air suspension and are powered by the 8.25-litre DAF turbocharged engine mounted at the rear, driving through the ZF six-speed synchromesh gearbox.

Stand 431 Jonckheere

ROESELARE SALES has made dramatic inroads into the British coach scene, and Belgium's Jonckheere features a range of new models. The established Bermuda is joined by the Jubilee model which is displayed on a number of different chassis and in varying heights.

An 18-metre articulated coach on Volvo &WM chassis is expected to be on view. This British specification vehicle is fitted with 75 reclining seats and has facilities for on-board catering.

As the use of articulated coaches is restricted, most operators looking for high capacity long-distance vehicles are opting for double-deck coaches or ultra high floor machines. To meet this need Jonckheere offers its P99 double-deck which features DAF SB2300 running gear and can seat up to 74 passengers. The coach on display is to be supplied to Derek Randall Enterprises of London.

As an alternative, the P90 model offers a two-deck layout to accommodate up to 62 passengers. The lower saloon is a ounge and bar area. This model s based on a standard Volvo BlOM chassis to allow operators to standardise on chassis parts. The coach has no less than 13.6cum of luggage space.

The new standard height Jonckheere coach body is to be that of the P50 Jubilee. This body will be available on Leyland, Volvo, DAF and MercedesBenz and Scania chassis. Examples on show are fitted to Volvo B10M, Scania K112, DAF MB 200 DKFL and Leyland Tiger chassis.

Stand 432 Van Hool

STAR OF THIS stand is the spectacular three-axle Astromega integral double-deck. The threeaxle vehicle is on display for the first time in right-hand-drive form and features a high degree of refinement, including reclining seats and a toilet.

The integral theme is continued with the MAN-powered Acron integral coach. This 12metre high-deck vehicle is 3.5 metres high and features the 206kW (280bhp) MAN-engine mounted at the rear and driving through a ZF S 6.90 gearbox.

Leyland Bus is represented on this stand with a 12-metre Alizee body fitted to a Leyland Tiger 245 coach chassis.

Stand 433 Caetano

EXAMPLES of the Portuguese Moseley Continental Alpha GT bodywork are displayed on Volvo B1OM and DAF MB200 DKTL chassis. The Alpha GT features a plug-type entrance door, soft fabric interior trim and stressed steel, one-piece waist panels. Both examples are fitted with 53 reclining seats and feature tinted, bonded side windows. The Alpha GT comes with many features such as stainless steel wheel discs and full-draw curtains as standard.

A Fiat 60F10 chassis fitted with Moseley Continental Beja II coachwork from Caetano completes the range. This luxury 18seater features aluminium side panels on its basic structure which is of anti-corrosiontreated welded box steel secti on s. The Fiat chassis is powered by a 4,570cc diesel engine. It has a 3.6 metre wheelbase.

Stand 434 Northern Counties

DOUBLE-DECK bus bodybuilders Northern Counties has two very different variations of the familiar double-deck city bus on show. The first is a front-entrance body fitted to a Leyland Olympian chassis and finished in the livery, and to the specification of, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive. The body has been built almost entirely of aluminium alloy and is integrated with the Leyland underframe to form a semi-integral bus. Aluminium is used for the exterior cladding except from the front and rear upper-deck domes and lower corner panels which are of grp.

The door gear is from PLC

Peters and uses an air-ble press button control system. T Olympian chassis features steel perimeter frame as well full-air suspension and au. matic Hydracyclic transmissiol

The second example is based a left-hand-drive Leyland Ath AN68 chassis and features them n Counties standard 'I and aluminium body conction. The bus has a separate ance and exit, and tinted fling side windows. It is fin d in the livery of and is due )e supplied to the Kuwait Isport Company.

3nd 435 txtons

EE HIGH-specification %fern s of the new Plaxton mount range of coach boare on display. First is the -floor Paramount 3500 on vo B1OM chassis. The mount 3500 features a full

lb one-piece steelpanel and a new ducted ing system. It has a rear offexit door built below the h waist-level and an air'ated plug-type entrance

is equipped with a toilet, Ile-glazed side windows, reig seats, television with ) system and servery unit ables.

e second Paramount is also ugh-floor 3500 model but time is fitted to a Leyland 245 chassis. Specification is vehicle includes an enpre-heater, double-glazed windows and reclining seats. The coach is built to comply with West German Tempo 100 specifications.

Finally, the Paramount 3200 normal height coach body is fitted to a DAF MB200 DKR. chassis. Among the features of the body is a full-length flat seating platform with a new fixing system allowing seats to be adjusted from inside the coach.

This vehicle also features double glazing and an engine pre-heater, and it, too is built to meet Tempo 100 requirements.

Stand 436 Duple

TWO BRAND new models on the Duple stand are the normal height Laser coach body on Leyland Tiger chassis and the highfloor Caribbean on Volvo BlOM. Like the new Plaxton and MCW coach bodies, these two feature one-piece stretched steel side panels. Equipment on the Laser exhibit is to Duple's De-Luxe specification which includes features such as plug-type door, reclining seats, heated mirrors and a new heating and ventilating system.

The Caribbean is the Executive model fitted with soft interior trim, carpet, reclining seats, double glazing, a driver's bunk and sunken toilet. All of the DeLuxe features are also included in the Executive specification.

The Duple Dominant III and IV models remain in production to meet the demand for more mundane but still luxurious traditional coaches. An example on show is a De-Luxe Dominant IV body fitted to a Ford R1115 chassis. This 11metre coach is fitted with 53 seats.

Duple (Metsec) concentrates on building buses for export markets. An example of its range completes the Duple selection on display. The steel-bodied single-deck bus is mounted on a Leyland Victory chassis and is to be supplied to an operator in Mozambique.

Stand 439 D'Cotta

BUILT BY the old-established Spanish coach building firm of Ayats, the almost double-deck Apollo is exhibited with MAN running units and not the previously offered MagirusDeutz. The coach accommodates driver and courier below the main passenger deck and can carry 59 passengers on reclining seats. Its specification includes a bar, servery, toilet and driver's bunk and the option of full air-conditioning.

Making its debut at the show will be a single-deck Ayats-bodied coach known as the Diana.

Stand 448 Neoplan

WEST GERMAN Neoplan: coaches have become increasingly familiar in Britain during the last year and a varied range is now available in righthand-drive form. On show is the three-axle N122 Skyliner doubledeck coach which is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 0M403X eng in e which develops 262kW(352bhp) together with the high-floor 12-metre Cityliner and normal height Jetliner. Making its first NEC appearance is the air-sprung Berlin-built Uniliner midicoach. This 27/29 seat vehicle is powered by a Mercedes-Benz turbocharged engine.

Stand 518 Volvo

DISPLAYED HERE is the most popular of the B1OM range of luxury coach chassis, the Tempo 100 version. This model is powered by the new Volvo THD 100ED engine which has a gross output of 205kW(276bhp) at 2,2 0Orpm and produces 1,050Nm (774Ibft) torque at 1,40Orpm.

Among the new features on the chassis is a new Volvo gear linkage and straight gear lever to the now standard ZF S 6.90 sixspeed synchromesh gearbox.

The B1OM chassis is to be available in three versions: the standard 242bhp model; the Tempo 100; and the top of the range Tempo 100 GT, which includes in its specification as standard a Telma retarder and ZF GV90 splitter box. Making its world debut on the stand is the Ailsa Citybus, which is an underfloor-engined double-deck bus chassis featuring an all-welded peripheral frame designed to be incorporated into the bus bodywork. Citybus is powered by the Volvo THD 100 E engine, which is available close-coupled to a selection of gearboxes including SCG semi-atuomatic, Maxwell, Voith or ZF fully automatic or Allison automatic for left-hand-drive versions only. The Ailsa Citybus is exi to be produced at the I Volvo plant at Irvine.

Stand 531 DAF Bus

DAF BUS has two new chassis for 1983 and both show for the first time in t The mid-engined DAF I DKFL replaces the MB200 The new product retail 11.6-litre DAF horizontal which has been modifie produces more power th fore. At just under 2,000ri DAF engine produces (256bhp). Transmission S 6.90 gearbox with GV9 ter.

The MB 200 DKFL has• suspension as standard. improvements includ,e a steering wheel, and revi struments and electric! MB200 DKFL is exhibi chassis form alongside tI DAF SB2300 OHS fitted v metre Plaxton Paramoun work. This new DAF gined chassis is powere turbocharged and inte DAF 8.25-litre DHS engin, produces 182kW (2441 2,400rpm. Like its mid-( stablemate, the SB2300 tures full-air suspension

. The revised instruments electrics are also used on :hassis.

th models are designed to West German Tempo 100 rements as standard and tted with high speed Miche5/80 Pilote tyres.

Ind 533

JIA'S contender for the h luxury market is the K which is displayed here in ;is form. It is powered by a tudinally mounted turboed 11-litre engine, which ices 224kW(305bhp) and ; through a five-speed Sca)arbox into a 3.35:1 Scania 3xle.

chassis is constructed a three-metre "transit" base designed to be cut in y the coachbuilder and inrated into integral coach work.

atures full air-suspension ground clearance raiser ■ I to allow difficult terrain negotiated. Other features e automatic brake slack ers and a servo-assisted nkage.

xample of the chassis inated into Jonckheere Ju3 also on stand 431.

Stand 537 Ford

ONLY ONE psv exhibit is included on the Ford stand. it is the latest version of the R-series chassis, which now features the Ford Turbo 150 engine used in the Cargo range of goods vehicles. The R11'15 chassis on display is designed for 11-metre coachwork. It is fitted with a number of extras including an auto-drain/condenser valve, Michelin XZA tyres, twin fuel tanks, brake antifreezer and water separator. A bodied example is on the Duple stand.

Stand 540 MCW

TWO OF THE biggest surprises of the show will be found on this stand. The first is an all-new 12metre MCW luxury coach featuring an entirely new chassis powered by a Cummins engine mounted longitudinally and vertically at the rear close coupled to a synchromesh gearbox driving to a single reduction hypoid axle. The chassis has full air-suspension and is of ladder-type construction with straight longitudinals of high-strength alloy steel, The body is built with an allwelded corrosion-proofed structure. Exterior panelling is zinc-coated steel, one-piece front to rear, with grp front and rear mouldings. Single-glazed bonded windows are featured. The coach exhibited is fitted with 51 reclining seats. An example of the coach chassis is on display, as well as the bodied vehicle.

Second surprise on the MCW stand is a 12-metre three-axle double-deck express coach. This machine is based on the threeaxle Metrobus chassis already proven in Hong Kong with both major franchised bus operators. This semi-integral coach has an all-steel corrosion-proofed structure with stretched-steel exterior panels.

Like the single deck coach it has grp front and rear-styled mouldings and bonded directglazing. The coach has 69 reclining seats, a toilet and servery area, as well as a large luggage compartment. It is powered by a transverse rear-mounted Cummins engine through a close ratio fully automatic transmission with built-in retarder. The coaches are expected to enter service in the spring of 1983.

An example of the Mark 2 Metrobus double-deck city bus is also on the stand. This vehicle is one of a large batch being supplied to West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive. The Mark 2 bus has fewer individual body parts than its predecessor and is easier, to build and operate. The bus is powered by a Gardner 6LXB engine and has Voith D851 automatic transmission with integral retarder.

Stand 546 Dennis

BUSES and coaches are in the majority on the Dennis stand where the Dorchester (formerly known as Lance) coach chassis, the Falcon V coach chassis and bus are all making their Motor Show debuts. They are joined by the now proven and well-established Dennis Dominator double-deck bus, which is exhibited with East Lancs bodywork in the livery of Leicester City Transport. This particular bus features a Maxwell auto matic transmission, which is also making a Show debut.

The Falcon V double-deck bus also has East Lanes bodywork and is built to the specification of Nottingham City Transport. This bus has a Voith D851 automatic gearbox and is powered by a Mercedes-Benz V6 engine.

The Falcon V coach chassis has a turbocharged Perkins V8 engine rated to produce 193kW (260bhpl. This air-sprung chassis has a Voith D854 four-speed automatic gearbox which has a built-in retarder. The coach is one of a batch being built for National Express.

Finally, a new challenger for the large underfioor-engined coach chassis market — the Dorchester.

The Dorchester features a mid-mounted horizontal turbo charged Gardner 6HLXCT en gine coupled to a Voith D854 automatic gearbox. The coach chassis is one of an order for the Scottish Bus Group. This new model is fitted with air-sus sion and like its rear-eng counterpart is also avai with ZF manual transmissiol

Stand 547 MAN

MAKING ITS FIRST NEC app ance is the MAN SR280 liner coach. This 12-metre gral is some eight inches than the standard versior standard UK specificatior eludes a sunken, cen mounted toilet, a driNd sleeping cabin and a pc operated plug-type centri side Continental door.

Other features include fu suspension, double-glazed windows, saloon pre-heate roller type sunblinds. The Highliner is powerec rear-mounted MAN D 256 bocharged six-cylinder a which produces (280bh 2,200rpm. The ZF S 6.91 speed all synchromesh ge is fitted.