Belgian bus bonanza
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• Rising stars at the 10th Kortrijk Show included the new EOS coach from LAG-BUS. This high-floor design is hoped to increase LAG-BUS's penetration of the European luxury coach sector when production starts next spring. There were two prototypes on display, powered by Daf and MAN engines.
The show also featured the 200th Van Hool coach for the USA — a MAN-engined Acron Magnum six-wheeler, and a Cummins-powered articulated citybus for Montreal. Van Hool's 24-vehicle line-up underlined the success of its export drive.
Sober approach
The new Jonckheere 0-41 citybus, based on the maker's own low-floor chassis represents a more sober approach to current needs than the Tricity project which it unveiled two years ago (now shelved). But the newcomer does incorporate many of the engineering ideas first used in the Tricky prototype, such as the polyester moulded floor attached directly to the underframe.
The Mercedes-Benz LN 2based 38-seat midibus for Martinique was a good example of Jonckheere designs for third world operation. (CM 26 October-1 November).
Neoplan carried off the PSV of the year award with a unanimous decision by judges from 12 different countries for the innovative engineering concept of its MIC Metroliner bus. But Scania unveiled the biggest surprise: an alternative 113 chassis in which the longitudinally rear-mounted power unit is tilted 60°.
This allows the rear floor height to be lowered by 150mm, making room for a third door.
Neoplan's exhibits included a Gardner-engined bus of the type now being built in right hand-drive form for UK operation, while just across the aisle Plaxton was one of the few UK exhibitors in Kortrijk, although its display included a Lorrainebuilt body on an Iveco 315 chassis.
Curious midi The adjoining lveco stand featured a curious 24-seat midicoach by Italian specialist Cacciamali, marred by an awkward layout for boarding past the engine cover of the 70 series chassis.
For the first time since the formation of VL Bus, Leyland's contribution to an international show was confined to a service support display and did not include a vehicle exhibit.