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UNFAIR TO COMPARE WITH LOWER WEIGHT • In the report
Page 30
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of the operational trial of the Van Hool "Alizee" coach with the Cummins L10 engine (AP25), Noel Millier makes the point that the vehicle achieved "the best fuel consumption for a 12 metre vehicle" – since the introduction of new speed limits and illustrates the point with the comparison chart of 6 vehicles.
What he failed to point out was that the vehicle was also run at the lowest laden weight of the sextet, the achievement is therefore hardly surprising.
While it is now probably of academic interest only, I would like to remind readers of the performance of the Bedford "Venturer" 12 metre coach over the same route. Despite being classed as a medium weight chassis, the test was conducted at a weight which was exceeded only by that of the Duple 425, the 14,423 kg test weight for the Bedford included a payload representing a full complement of 51 passengers plus driver and courier and a baggage allowance of 20 kg per person on board. All this at a competitive average speed. By the same yard-stick the "Alizee" was carrying less than half a load of paying passengers.
The operator may save money on fuel but would not make much profit from the trip. Credit were credit is due. L J Taylor Assistant Staff Engineer – Civilian Vehicles Bedford GM