Economy delays artic
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• Van Hool has postponed its plans to bring its 18m TG822 articulated coach to the UK until next year because of the poor economic climate.
The luxury TG822 was expected to be available to UK operators two months ago, following its launch at the International Brussels Travel Fair last November (CM 29 Nov-5 Dec 1990).
However, Van Hool is still optimistic UK operators will be able to take delivery of the single-decker next year, once it has passed stringent British tilt tests.
Van Hool says four British operators have already expressed interest in the £300,000 vehicle fitted with a vertically-mounted MAN 313kW (420hp) engine. And one operator has been to Belgium to view the demonstrator, which has 42 seats in the front and 24 in the articulated section.
The head of Van Hool (UK), Vernon Edwards, says the TG822 is ideal for shuttle services which carry high numbers of passengers or for transporting pop groups, with its 25.3tn of luggage space and level seating. The TG822's rear axle is further back than those on other artic coaches, he says, to reduce the swing of the articulated part.