Fleet Bus & Coach Summer 2015 webfull

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

Volume 12. No. 2. Summer 2015

First Drive:

VOLVO B8R SC5 Sunsundegui

LAUNCH PAD: UNVI EU6

PROFILE: Dualway Group

Entries open for Fleet Bus & Coach Awards

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Contents Summer 2015

Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie ISSN: 1649-9433 Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney Editor: Sean Murtagh Contributors: Paul White, Rob Van Dieten, Laura Kavanagh Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh, Paul White Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey, Paula Mullarkey Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney Design: Eamon Wynne Printed in Ireland

Fleet Bus & Coach - the official Irish journal of the International Bus/Coach of the Year Awards.

18 Test Programme Going to the extremes with Daimler

4 News • Matthews Coaches undertake unique B2A sponsorship • New Wrightbus EVs • New Plaxton Cheetah shows its spots • Synectics expands

20 Profile The Dualway Group, Dublin 22 Factory Visit MAN Plant in Turkey

6 Trumpet Call

by Laura Kavanagh, Head of Marketing, JJ Kavanagh & Sons

24 Conductors Stand Disputes and Reputations

8 Cover First Drive in new Volvo B8R SC5 Sunsundegui

P4

10 Global Worldwide news from CNH Industrial, BYD and Volvo Bus 12 Awards Details of the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2015/2016 14 Launch Pad UNVI Touring & Voyager with Euro 6 powerplants

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime & Caravan Cruise Ireland are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Disclaimer: Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Bus & Coach management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.

The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

N EW

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4 | NEWS 1

BUS LANE McGinleys save with Volvo

Donegal’s McGinley Coach Travel is reaping the benefits of Volvo B11R fuel efficiency after taking delivery of eight B11R coaches in April 2014. Following 12 months operation on a range of touring work, the company is enjoying between 10 - 15% savings on fuel efficiency.

James McGinley, Managing Director of McGinley Coach Travel, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the performance of the Volvo B11Rs and in addition to their impressive fuel economy figures, we have made significant fi nancial savings when compared with the same 12 month period from 2013.

David Porter, Retail Bus & Coach Sales Manager for Volvo Bus, added: “We know that the B11R is gaining a strong reputation with operators not only in Ireland but right across the UK as well. The level of figures being reported by McGinleys are typically in line with feedback we’re receiving from many other companies and it is great to hear Volvo coaches are proving to be the best choice from a business point of view as well as that of the drivers and passengers.”

Bus Sales up across EU In March 2015, new bus and coach registrations increased (+33.1%) compared to March 2014, according to ACEA, the association of European vehicle manufacturers. Th is was due to the significant growth recorded in the new EU Member States (+33.6%). For Quarter 1 2015 (from January to March 2015), the EU market increased by 24.5%, totalling 8,930 new buses and coaches. Demand was driven primarily by Spain (+94.6%), the UK (+30.1%) and Italy (+15.6%).

New Irish EvoBus UK Rep Shaun McBride is the new EvoBus UK Are Sales Manager for Northern Ireland and the Republic.

In joining Marcus Watt s, Director of Sales MercedesBenz, and his team, Shaun brings a wealth of experience in the commercial vehicle industry. Building on 5 years in Coach Sales in Ireland, Shaun later progressed to Fleet Sales Manager for Van with Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van Northern Ireland for the past 3 years.

On the appointment Marcus Watts said, “The experience Shaun brings with him will prove invaluable. With a successful track-record in commercial vehicle sales and in-depth knowledge of the Mercedes-Benz product range, we welcome him in full confidence of delivering a quality customer experience that reflects our products.”

Hailing from Donegal but now resident in Strabane, Shaun's brief will be to strengthen EvoBus' Aftermarket programme along with conducting new and used sales.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

Matthews Coaches 'On Song' with unique Business-to-Arts initiative

P

erforming artists are to feature prominently on the back of coaches on the M1 motorway and beyond thanks to an innovative new Busines-to-Arts competition launched by Matthews Coaches.

The Matthews.ie Arts Showcase Initiative will promote and provide innovative advertising support on the rear of their coaches to a succession of artists across a range of disciplines over a three-year period. Singer songwriter Sinead McNally from Knockbridge, County Louth, is the first recipient of the initiative, and her 3.6 metre advertisement will be seen on some of the company’s 133 daily services between Dublin and the North East.

Matthews.ie will continue to select an entry from across the arts disciplines in counties Louth, Monaghan and East Meath every six months to promote, with the winner receiving a full advert on the rear of a Matthews coach for the duration to publicise themselves, or their art.

This practical Business-to-Arts initiative, which celebrates 20 years of Matthews Coach Hire, has been launched by Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys T.D., and the Minister for Business & Employment Gerald Nash T.D. As part of the initiative, Matthews.ie has also launched a CD single entitled “Matthews Take You There”, the result of a unique collaboration between the company and Sinead McNally.

“We have always put the art and culture of the area to the fore in our numerous day and extended tours which promote the North East, and we see the benefits in promoting the artistic life of the region,” said Matthews.ie Managing Director, Paddy Matthews.

Artists can enter for consideration for this valuable prize by downloading the entry form from www.matthews.ie. “It was clear early on in my partnership with Matthews. ie that the team really wanted to do something in the interest of the arts and I am very honoured to be part of that,” said Sinead, pictured on the first artist’s bus advert.

Innovative Electrocity Bus range from Wrightbus

A

s Electric buses will become the future platform for moving people in cities within the next decade and beyond, Wrightbus is already well advanced in this technology with development of its ‘Electrocity’ range.

Hav ing the k nowledge, experience and innovation leadership, the Ballymena company’s project features a number of product choices formulated to save fuel, save money and save the environment.

The ‘Electrocity’ offerings can be deployed on single deck product platforms and comprise a choice of three interoperable ‘green’ technology platforms, namely Induction Power Transfer (IPT), Conduction charging via Pantograph (Rapid Charge) and Hybrid Power with EV mode and range extender (for Overnight Charge). Double deck product platforms are available with two options, IPT and Rapid Charge.

Operators require scope to choose what best suits their particular operational needs and circumstances and how they want to approach the distance/batteries/passenger capacity equation.

Wrightbus not only has the unique knowledge to advise the relative merits of ‘plug in’, inductive or conductive charging but also crucially, this capability and experience extends to in-service support, which is vital in determining the success or otherwise of implementing ground-breaking and high profile ‘green vehicle’ projects.

NEWS 11 | 5

New Plaxton Cheetah leaps into luxury he said. “It is eXtra Large, as the XL suffi x suggests; it has more passenger capacity 36, plus crew; it has more luggage space and a more powerful 5.1 litre engine, all of which effectively moves the Cheetah from the mini to midi coach sector.”

P

laxton, part of the thriving Alexander Dennis group, recently took the wraps off its small coach, the all-new Cheetah XL. Speaking at the launch, Colin Robertson, Chief Executive of Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), said that since the acquisition of Plaxton in 2007, ADL had invested £10m in the Scarborough facility – home of the Plaxton brand – and brought a whole series of medium-sized and large, luxury coaches to market, including the Elitei, which is now winning significant repeat orders in mainland Europe.

“The new Cheetah XL takes the process of stepchange model introductions a stage further,”

He added: “I n addition, it is stylish – following the elegant lines of other ADL coach introductions in recent years, while the interior is spacious, light and airy. It also has a brilliantly thought-out driver’s area, combined with uncluttered passenger space. In a nutshell, more performance, more options, more of everything that matters.”

Discussing the background to the Cheetah XL, Mr. Robertson told media representatives that the new vehicle replaces a model that was a best-seller in the mini coach sector.

He commented: “The former Cheetah was a popular vehicle but, in all truth, it was time for radical change. As is our policy, we entered into lengthy discussions with operators to determine their ‘wants and needs’ and out of that came the brief for the new XL.

“The vehicle will be class-leading in terms of passenger capacity, luggage space, performance and whole-life cost. It builds on the best of the best, in this case two decades of experience in the small to mediumsized coach sector; on a winning Plaxton/ Mercedes-Benz combination; and on clever design that improves reliability, durability and serviceability. It achieves all of the objectives that are fundamental to any of our new vehicles.”

Key Features: • Stainless steel body structure creating a lighter, stronger and more durable vehicle.

• Up to 36 passenger seats plus courier seat in standard configuration.

• Built on Mercedes-Benz Atego 1218L chassis, providing unrivalled reliability and class-leading economy.

• Cutt ing edge technology designed to minimise weight and maximise payload and fuel efficiency.

• More luggage capacity, providing 8 cu.m3.

• 5.1 litre Daimler BlueTec 4-cylinder 177hp engine with maximum torque of 750nm @ 1,200 – 1,600 rpm.

• PowerShift automated transmission; front and rear disc brakes; front and rear air-suspension.

Synectics starts the journey at Mallusk New Northern Ireland premises for Synectics Mobile Systems: - (from left to right) Synectics Mobile Systems’ Alister McKeever (engineer), Andrew Allan (engineer), Jef f Fail (Managing D i r e c t o r), L o u i s e Donaldson (Operations Director) and Gary Shields (Sales & Service manager, Ireland).

F

ollowing a series of new contract wins, Synectics Mobile Systems, a leading provider of CCTV systems, has invested in new premises at Mallusk Enterprise Park near Belfast to serve its growing customer base in both Northern and the Republic of Ireland. The new premises features a workshop, so equipment maintenance can happen on site. It has also extended its team of expert engineers.

Managing Director of Synectics Mobile Systems, Jeff Fail, commented: “Our team has built strong relationships with clients in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Over the years we’ve worked on many high profi le and specialist projects, and there are exciting times ahead with customers old and new.”

Synectics Mobile Systems has worked with the bus and coach industry in Ireland for more than two decades, supplying and fitt ing

systems in the Wrightbus and ADL factories in the early 1990s and has worked with Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann for the past 10 years.

“We are pleased to have been able to secure these new premises in Mallusk Enterprise Park and to support their excellent work investing in the local community in the Newtownabbey area. Mallusk Enterprise Park Ltd assists new and expanding businesses and reinvests all profits into business support services. We’re conscious of our role in the community and proud to play our part in supporting such a worthwhile venture, ” added Jeff .

CEO at Mallusk Enterprise, Melanie Humphrey commented: “Th is is yet another tremendous boost for our local economy and as a social enterprise, we will be assisting Synectics with their growth plans over the coming months with a wide range of business support services.”

Recent new contract wins for Synectics Mobile Systems include advanced surveillance systems for a series of school bus schemes and projects with a number of Ireland’s coach tour operators.

www.fleet.ie

6 | TRUMPET CALL

“Dynamic customer insight will inform smarter marketing decisions” says Laura Kavanagh, Head of Marketing, JJ Kavanagh & Sons.

"J

J Kavanagh & Sons’ story is a powerful one; we’ve been around since 1919. It’s a family run company now in its fourth generation and we are the largest privately owned coach company in Ireland. So when I joined last November, the key question was; how can I help grow the business and make an impact in the industry? In a very competitive market JJ Kavanagh currently runs 180 services per day and is growing steadily. Last year we carried over 1.7 million passengers. How could I make a real difference and put my stamp on this passenger transport business?

We seemed to be close enough to our customers, understanding their needs at a particular level, but often, as with many businesses, commercial sales and marketing decisions can be made on the basis of gut feeling or hunches.

While this approach has, more often than not, served the business well, we are now in a more complex and challenging environment.

Business Development Strategies must be based on really sound market intelligence to ensure that sales and marketing execution plans deliver, fi rst time, every time. The integration of intelligence into decision-making — from customer segmentation to media buying and measurement — has become a marketing imperative, leading to marketing that’s more efficient and impactful. To grow JJ Kavanagh & Sons and gain more market share in such a competitive market space, we needed to understand our customers’ needs better and more importantly deliver relevant, timely and compelling services to them.

Since I joined last November, I have focused on three initial objectives: 1. Launch a new fit for purpose website to significantly improve user engagement.

2. Accurately track online engagement to understand and interpret customer user interests and service preferences, while using social networks like Facebook & Twitter to strengthen customer relationships, gaining further feedback about our services.

3. Introduction of a robust e-commerce strategy through the introduction of integrated online ticketing, providing real customer convenience and greater, real time customer insight on travelling preferences, frequency etc.

From a marketing perspective we can leverage these online insights and create innovative campaigns, segment groups and promote the right services to customers most likely to buy them. For instance, from analyzing our Google Analytics we found out that our audience’s main interest was around ‘Travelling Experience’? Our focus was then on developing

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

a new initiative called ‘Trails of Ireland’ where Timi Ogunyemi (our blogger) travels with JJ Kavanagh & Sons and informs our customers of the less explored tourist trails, providing the support and publicity that these hidden gems of Ireland deserve. It is dedicated to helping and promoting Ireland and encourages our customers to visit what the real Ireland has to offer. Since launching in March we’ve tripled the number of views to our blog, by simply delving into the data and providing content that our audience is really interested in. Engagement has skyrocketed!

We’ve also been gett ing up close and personal with customers on Facebook/Twitter. We find that it’s a better way of communicating with people through friends rather than having a new timetable pushed through our customer’s door.

Facebook in particular has a far greater level of engagement and this platform has allowed us to reach customers on a scale that we could have never imagined offl ine. Driven by data analytics, we can see that 55% of customers viewing our website and social networks are doing so on their smartphones. With that knowledge we’ve been using techniques that work better on smartphones. It is called the ‘six foot test’ – having large images with text on Facebook/Twitter - our updates can be read six feet away. These are the posts that people are most likely to pay attention to while scrolling on their smartphones. They are not reading – they are scanning! By understanding how our customers are using Facebook/Twitter and our website we can start to understand them better. Even if we only sell one ticket on one of our services, the customer may come back to use a different service - book a coach for a gig they’re travelling to with their friends - thus driving increased future sales.

Lastly, we have commenced the roll out of our online ticket purchasing. Beginning on the Waterford – Dublin Airport service you can buy a ticket online in advance. We plan to bring the online ticket service to all routes, by Summer 2015. This enables us to leverage data in a real time manner and makes it possible for us to provide improved communications,

interacting with our customers in a more in-depth manner. In the last number of years the coach industry in particular has invested heavily into these new technologies. Our current implementation strategy will ensure we keep ahead of the game to remain competitive in an ever-changing business landscape. Booking and buying a bus ticket on line is now the bare minimum customer expectation. Leveraging the information and insight to continuously improve the customer experience is my barometer for marketing success. Being able to book and buy their ticket in advance and pay online is imperative from gett ing from to A to B. The data we’re now capturing from our ticketing machines is really helping to develop more targeted messages and providing more relevant content to customers. For instance, real time data around ticket types, popular commuter routes and frequency of travel by customer has allowed us to create personalized relationships and send emails that are more relevant and useful to the customer. We can see that a weekly customer commuting from Carlow – Dublin City daily for work would be more interested in fi nding out about potential savings from the new TaxSaver offers on that route rather than hearing about Limerick’s new timetable.

Our promotional intensity and the strength of offers are all relevant to the customer. The more relevant the message is to the customer, the more engaged they will be with us, increasing purchase frequency and brand loyalty in the long run.

We’ve a long, but very exciting road ahead!"

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While the chassis selection may seem obvious, we still believe in offering our customers choice. That’s why we’ve expanded your options at Euro 6, making the B5LH available now with both ADL and Wrightbus bodywork. Curb appeal is a matter of personal preference – chassis performance is a matter of fact.

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8 | COVER

On Test -

Volvo B8R SC5 Sunsundegui ‘More than a Midi – A new flexible friend’

T

he latest model from Volvo Bus & Coach sets its sights clearly on the upper end of the midi-coach market. The new B8R with Sunsundegui SC5 bodywork travelled to Ireland to begin a week of Ride & Drive events with customers in Naas, Watergrasshill, Killarney and Galway before shipping back out. As the new coach arrived into Dublin Port, Fleet Bus & Coach was there to welcome Volvo Bus UK’s Dave Porter and Ricky Mason to Dublin, and take the B8R on a test tour to see what it has to offer Irish operators.

refreshing new styling tweaks to the coach's appearance. The popular Spanish bodybuilders have integrated some features, which clearly identify the coach as a Sunsundegui. The headlamp clusters linked by the grille provides a friendly and non-threatening profi le, which is appropriate for the target market. Equally the contemporary aerodynamic styling at the rear also lends a fresh, dynamic sense of purpose, which is att ractive, and should win favour with prospective customers. Overall on fi rst seeing the B8R, one gets a sense that this is going to be a positive experience - either to travel in, or to drive.

Volvo Bus & Coach believes there is a growing market for this size and specification of vehicle. It is quite optimistic that as a complete package its new B8R will appeal to the loyal Volvo clients while managing to att ract new customers to the brand. Retail Sales Director for Volvo Bus, James Hyde explained, “We’re confident that its suitability for both urban and rural touring means it will prove to be hugely successful with coach operators.” The B8R is set to replace the B9R whose popularity was gained from the coaches’ flexibility and this flexibility looks set to continue with the new Euro 6 B8R. Interestingly Volvo has decided to produce B8R SC5 in only one length of 10.3 metres, and with seating capacity for either 38 seats with toilet - or 41 without.

The B8R is powered by a rear mounted Volvo D8K 6 cylinder engine. Th is 7.7 litre, common rail, Euro 6 compliant unit gives operators a choice of three power ratings - 280, 320, and 350 hp, which translates to 205, 235, and 257 kW respectively. Our test coach happened to arrive with the 350hp installed, and needless to say we didn’t complain. The D8K 350 delivers 1,400 Nm of torque between 1,200 and 1,600 rpm, and the performance is instantly noticeable as the engine is impressively quick to respond. The power is delivered in a very smooth manner and promotes a level of assured confidence in the driver.

The Sunsundegui SC5 bodywork brings some

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

While it is always gratifying to have the extra power available, especially as we found later on the motorway section of the test, the D8K option rated at 280hp may be of particular

interest to operators who work in more urban centres. The lower powered 280 delivers it’s 1,050 Nm of torque from 950 rpm and holds it through to 1,700 rpm. Th is wide torque band should make for an easy drive in towns and city centres, while delivering respectable fuel consumption. Similarly as a compromise between the upper and lower ratings, the D8K 320‘s torque of 1,200 Nm, comes in from 1,050 lasting to 1,600 rpm.

Further along the driveline, the B8R comes with Volvo’s highly respected and well proven I-Shift transmission as standard. The 12-speed is nicely matched to the D8K and is almost seamless in its operation. While the use of inclinometers to enhance performance is now a standard feature of modern drivetrains, their application in the latest versions of transmissions has brought further level of refi nement to the industry - and Volvo’s B8R clearly benefits from these developments.

Although I-Shift is standard and will no doubt be the volume option, ZF’s fully automatic six-speed ZF EcoLife is an option if required.

Again this may be the preferred choice for some depending on work cycles. Our test unit was specced with a fi nal drive ratio of 2.85:1 - and while cruising on the Motorway this realised engine speeds of 1,200 rpm at 90 kp/h, and 1,400 rpm at 100 kp/h.

Initial access to the coach via the three steps we found to be generous, and this carried through

COVER | 9

to the passenger seating. Considering there are 38 seats plus toilet fitted into the 10.3 metre long body, the individual passenger space is more than adequate and well appointed. While the benefits of a toilet on board are debatable, if there is to be one, lets make it functional and easy to access, and to be fair Sunsundegui has done a good job here. Overall the interior is a bright and pleasant space, which should make for a comfortable experience. The reclining seats with three point seat belts, and leather covered headrests, enhance the passenger experience. For work closer to home the trim level can be tailored accordingly to cater for different work modes.

Thanks to a fortunate spell of summer weather, we got the chance to try out the roof mounted Carrier Transicold 353 A/C climate control unit. The unit operated quietly and was not troubled by the unusually warm day. While on the subject of noise there is no doubt that the Euro 6 D8K engine has helped to reduce noise levels. It is possible to stand at the rear with the engine bay door open and talk in a normal voice. Under acceleration the internal noise level at the rear is reduced and from the drivers seat it is minimal. The only perceptible source sound seemed to be road noise from the Michelin XZE Multiway tyres.

From the driver’s seat, all switchgear and controls are easily recognisable to any driver familiar with Volvo coaches. The layout works well and the format is arranged in a logical pattern that is easy to follow for those unfamiliar with the marque. The high quality (ISRI) driver’s seat is easily adjustable and a good driving position can be quickly achieved.

As you would expect, all round visibility is excellent, however we did have an issue with the driver’s side mirror. The problem is due to the ‘A’ Pillar intruding to partially block the view to the rear, although the problem is somewhat alleviated by a small mirror inserted into the ‘A’ Pillar itself. Nevertheless it is an issue and while it may not be so for all Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

drivers, for some it is a litt le off-putt ing. There is a possibility that this may not be a problem with the original left hand drive design, and is only revealed when the driver sits on the right hand side of the vehicle.

The attention to detail across all aspects of the vehicle design and build, from both Volvo and Sunsundegui, is fi rst class. Ride quality and handling is exemplary as is steering and directional control. In addition to being highly manoeuvrable in normal driving, B8R also comes with an exceptionally tight turning circle. Further examples of good design include the simple spare wheel carrier mounted under the front grille, and the generous fridge placed to the left of the courier's seat. B8R now comes with Volvo’s I-Start battery protection system as standard, and the list of standard equipment is quite impressive.

As the coach bears the Volvo badge there is an assumption that road safety will feature highly in the package, and this assumption would be correct. With disc brakes all round and Hill Holder as standard, plus ABS, EBS, ESP, ASR and Volvo’s compact retarder B8R ticks all the right boxes in the safety department. However later this year, and (three years) ahead of legislation, Volvo’s ‘Driver Support System’ which includes ‘Forward Collision Warning and Emergency Braking’ will be available to further enhance driver and passenger safety.

Driving the B8R SC5 was a pleasure. The blend of Volvo B8R and Sunsundegui SC5, has produced a coach with a high quality fi nish that can offer a high level of flexibility.

All of this makes it especially well suited to Irish operators.

Spec Check Make Model Body type Engine Rated Power Rated Torque

Volvo Bus & Coach B8R Coach 4x2 Sunsundegui SC5 (38/41 Seats) Volvo D8K350 - 7.7 Litre, in-line six cylinder 350 hp (258 kW) @ 2,100 rpm 1,400 Nm between 1,200 - 1,600 rpm

Euro Rating Transmission Brakes Safety Features

Euro 6 – EGR, SCR, with AdBlue 12 Speed I-Shift AT2412E or (ZF 6AP1400B) Discs all round - EBS, ESP Driver Support, Hill Holder as Standard, EBS, ESP

Suspension Front Suspension Rear Retardation Devices Drive Axle Ratio Dimensions Luggage Tyres

Volvo RFS - 2 Bellows (Kneeling Optional) Volvo RS1228C - 4 Bellows Volvo Compact Retarder 2.85:1 Length 10.3 m - Width 2.55 m - Height 3.5 m 6 m3 Steer: Michelin X Multiway XZE - 295/80 R22.5 Drive: Michelin X Multiway XZE - 295/80 R22.5 Alcoa Dura-Bright Alloys 400 litres

Wheels Fuel Tank

www.fleet.ie

10 | GLOBAL

CNH Industrial brands deliver to Expo 2015

I

veco and Iveco Bus, the CNH Industrial NV’s respective commercial vehicles and bus and coach brands, an Official Global Partner of Expo Milano 2015, have taken a step further in its support of the international event being held in Milan, Italy from May 1 to October 31. Sixtyfour logistics vehicles from its vehicle portfolio will be provided, equipped with alternative natural gas engines.

“We are incredibly proud to be here today with our range of vehicles: for us, Expo 2015 represents a unique opportunity to communicate the value of our vehicles through their practical work as part of this great universal event. The theme of Expo 2015 ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’ - is in line with the messages of sustainability and

within the site. These vehicles are serving as the exclusive shutt les throughout the sixmonth event.

respect for the environment which Iveco and Iveco Bus have always promoted as European leaders in the natural gas-powered vehicle sector,” commented Mr. Lahutte.

Iveco Bus is the appointed supplier to ARRIVA ITALIA, the people mobility partner of Expo.

The brand has supplied seven Urbanway buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and an additional two new Daily Minibuses to provide transport services

“The vehicles running on natural gas are already very green, and can now also be powered by biomethane, a renewable fuel produced from the biodigestion of biomass, agricultural waste, and the organic fraction of waste,” explained Pierre.

Biomethane is an important alternative fuel for CNH Industrial as it continues to pursue its mission to develop sustainable modes of transport. It is especially significant due to its effectiveness in reducing CO 2 emissions and its ability to satisfy the technological requirements set out by the European Union.

BYD’s Electric bus fleet rated No 1 in Netherlands

A

n independent survey of public transport passengers throughout the Netherlands in 2014 has rated the service of the fleet of six BYD pure electric buses on the holiday island of Schiermonnikoog as the best in the country.

Compared to a national average satisfaction level of 7.4, the BYD ebuses operated by Arriva scored a very high figure of 8.4. The survey took into account the views of both bus and train passengers.

The BYD buses were highly rated by passengers

for their low noise levels, ease of boarding (entry level height) and overall comfort.

T he B Y D ebu s e s i n Schiermonnikoog have been in service for two years and during that time have achieved fuel costs savings of 26% compared with conventional diesel buses.

These savings will mean that the electric buses – which are more expensive to buy – will have breakeven point of five to six years. Since it is planned to keep them in service for up to 15 years this will provide the operator with an att ractive return.

Volvo Hybrid buses – more than 2000 sold

V

olvo Bus has now sold more than 2000 Hybrid buses in about twenty countries since its introduction in 2010.

Fewer exhaust emissions, low energy consumption and quieter operation are appreciated by increasing numbers of cities the world over.

“With this ongoing success we are reinforcing our global lead in Hybrid buses. Cities all over the world now regard electrified bus traffic as a cost-efficient way of reducing the problems of poor air quality and noise. Our solution makes travel more attractive and improves the environment without the need for large investments in new infrastructure,” stated Håkan Agnevall, President & CEO Volvo Buses.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

and has so far been introduced in Hamburg, Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Among the newly added markets for Volvo’s Hybrids are Denmark, Hungary and Poland.

The largest single market is Great Britain.

Colombia, Sweden, Germany, Brazil and Switzerland are other countries that have purchased large numbers of Hybrid buses.

Most of the models sold are two-axle buses, while just over 60 are articulated versions. The total sales figures include Volvo Buses’ new electric Hybrid, which was launched in 2014

The Volvo Buses range of complete Hybrid buses encompasses the two-axle Volvo 7900 Hybrid, Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid and Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid.

Chassis with Volvo hybrid drivelines also form the basis for British double deckers and high-capacity models in South America and other markets.

June this year saw the start of regular operations using the fi rst all-electric Volvo buses in Gothenburg. These buses are part of ElectriCity – a broad-based cooperative venture between the corporate sector, research institutes and public agencies on the development of new solutions for public transport.

Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie

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12 | AWARDS

FLEET BUS & COACH AWARDS 2016 Celebrating excellence in the Irish Passenger Transport Industry Send in the Entry Form or Enter online at www.fleet.ie Closing Date for Entries Friday 26 June 2015 Gala Luncheon & Forum - Monday 12 October 2015 Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin

The Fleet Bus & Coach Awards, in association with JF Dunne Insurances, will once again recognise and honour operators working within the Irish Passenger transport industry. With the addition of two new categories, there are now eleven categories to choose from, so now is your chance to show you can be among the best in your particular field.

This year’s Awards Luncheon & Forum will take place at the Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin on Monday 12 October, 2015.

We will also present the 2016 Irish Coach and Midi Coach of the Year Awards.

Forum Sponsor:

The categories are as follows: Coach Operator of the Year 2016 • Commuter • Inter City • Tours • Airport Services

Bus Operator of the Year 2016 • Less than 10 vehicles • More than 10 vehicles • School Bus Operator of the Year

• Best Safety Practice 2016 • Best Livery & Corporate Identity 2016 • Care for the Environment 2016 • Investment in Innovation 2016

Entry is now open and can be obtained from Fleet Bus & Coach Awards Team – awards@fleet.ie or by telephone 094 9372819. Entries can be received in three ways: (a) Nominate yourself; (b) Nominate a contender or (c) A supplier or customer can nominate you.

For the sixth running of the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards there are three separate sections for bus and coach operators to enter. For dedicated coach operators, the Coach Operator of the Year 2016 now has four classes – 1) Commuter: which is open to operators that provide a scheduled service area in urban areas; 2) Inter City: which honours cross-country service providers or those that transport passengers from rural towns and cities; 3) Tours: where the ‘ambassadors’ for our country are acknowledged; 4) Airport Services: A new class dedicated to operators running direct non-stop links to Airports.

For Licenced Bus Operators, there is an award confi ned to operators of mini buses/midi coach fleets with three different categories. 1) Less than 10 Vehicles; 2) More than 10 vehicles; 3) School Bus Operator of the Year.

Open to all are four other categories. 1) Best Safety Practice 2016 - presented to Bus/Coach companies that embrace safety as a culture in their day-today activities; 2) Best Livery & Corporate Identity 2016 - distinctiveness in the vehicle’s paintwork and signwriting will be marked for a prize along with how the company identity transcends throughout the company; 3) Care for the Environment 2016 - Efficiencies in fuel consumption, recycling and energy usage will be championed here; 4) Investment in Innovation 2016 - Any new method or product designed to increase daily efficiencies or enhance passenger comfort.

Entry Form Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2016 sponsored by J.F. Dunne Insurances Date: 12 October 2015

Venue: Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin

Time: 11am - 3pm

Company: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contact Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Website: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Categories: Please tick boxes Coach Operator of the Year 2016 Commuter Inter-City Tours Airport Services

Bus Operator of the Year 2016 (Less than 10 vehicles) Bus Operator of the Year 2016 (More than 10 vehicles) School Bus Operator of the Year 2016

Best Safety Practice 2016 Best Livery & Corporate Identity 2016 Care for the Environment 2016 Investment in Innovation 2016

Your Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please send completed Entry Form plus any additional material relative to your entry, including photographs, brochures, products, services.

• You can enter a number of categories. • All entries are private and confidential.

All entries/nominations should be received by Friday 26 June 2015 via online at www.fleet.ie/category/bus-and-coach/ Or email to awards@fleet.ie or post to Fleet Bus & Coach Awards, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

14 | LAUNCH PAD

UNVI goes on Voyager!

L

ong before there was any talk about a holiday resort near Ballymahon, the County Longford town had its own claim to fame as Oliver Goldsmith the famous Irish writer was born nearby in the townland of Pallas. Close by at Corlea, remnants of an ancient roadway dating back to the Iron Age are clearly evident. Then there’s the Royal Canal and the Bord Na Móna works still ongoing, although with the latter, peat production could soon come to an end, while the former could get a new lease of life, if the tow paths are transformed into Cycle Greenways. Meanwhile in nearby Keenagh, Central Bus & Coach continues to make a name for itself as vendor of the popular UNVI passenger transport brand. Company MD, Liam Farrelly invited Fleet Bus & Coach to its HQ to assess the latest arrivals from the Portuguese marque.

We had the opportunity to test drive the Voyager GT and its larger brother, the rear engined Voyager GT-R. With an interest in the new multi-million Center Parcs Village development at the 375 acre Newcastle Wood nearby, we took in the test route to check out the location. Due to open in 2019, the holiday resort will certainly attract a lot of tourists and holiday makers and maybe give an opportunity for the owners of Newcastle House, the 300 year old Manor House to reopen again, as tourist attraction could mean more business for local coach tour operators!

The two well-specified and trimmed coaches that we assessed that day, would perfectly suit group tours. By offering the choice of MercedesBenz or MAN front or rear engined coach work, the final choice is up to the customer. Let’s have a closer look at what’s available here. (See Spec Check I) MAN UNVI Touring GT-R Destined for Joe O’Donoghue, the Galway based award winning operator who has purchased this new MAN UNVI Touring GT-R, its passengers are in for a treat. 43 Bursa Create 120 coach seats with leather trimming await the tourists or commuters as demand dictates.

Adequate legroom between the said seats plus ample storage space are just part of the coach’s overall well thought out design.

The driver’s seat offers excellent support and from its positioning, good all round visibility is provided. The large steering wheel taken from the MAN TGL truck range (as is the chassis) transcends perfect feel up from the wheels. Power from the drivetrain is superb with the 290hp 6.8 litre well up for the task. Braking is aided with the use of the 5 stage retarder while ZF’s EcoLife automated box with 6-speeds with its smooth and quick gearshift ensures that both driver and occupants don’t feel any jerking.

Spec Check 1 Make/Model Chassis Version Engine Power Torque Gearbox Suspension Brakes Wheels/Tyres Dimensions Luggage Space Air Con Warranty

MAN UNVI Touring GT-R MAN 14.280 43 seat + Courier + Driver MAN D08 Euro 6 6.871 litre 290hp 1,100Nm @ 1200rpm 6-speed ZF EcoLife Automated Front/Rear Air with lowering facility Discs + 5 stage retarder 22 x 75/275/70R Length: 10,260mm – Width: 2,500mm – Height: 3,580mm – Wheelbase: 5,095mm 7.2 cu.m Thermo King 2 years/200,000 kms

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

MAN UNVI Touring GT-R

LAUNCH PAD | 15 Mercedes-Benz UNVI Voyager

Liam informed us that a toilet can be fitted to the rear section but 4 seats have to be sacrificed. Normally Hispacold air conditioning systems are fitted but to serve the Irish market, Thermo King units can be fitted due to its Irish links, as per Joe’s preferences.

Above all the good things going for the GT, its rear-mounted engine enhances the drive for all that travel in her? But it comes at a price premium of €30,000 over the standard front engine version offered by Mercedes-Benz. See Spec Check I and II as the comparison between one and the other.

Mercedes-Benz UNVI Voyager The Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis and drivetrain effectively replaces the long serving Vario, that is now decommissioned. With the UNVI Voyager, which is built on this platform, many advantages are to be seen according to Liam, improved durability, better reliability and more modern technology. Passengers benefit too as the smoother drivetrain enhances their journey.

Spec Check 2 Make/Model Chassis Version Engine Power Torque Gearbox Suspension Brakes Wheel/Tyres Dimensions Luggage Space Air Con Warranty Fuel Tank

On this latest version, the console in front of the driver has changed, inline with the Euro 6 Atego when upgraded for the new engine technology.

With 31-passenger capacity, the 210hp diesel from the 5.1 litres and with 750Nm power and torque is not stretched too much. Visibility is good through the screens and from the exterior mirrors. The large engine hub in the centre front area makes it a little difficult for the driver to enter and exit, so it is best to use the smaller off-side door. A two stage engine brake helps slow down the vehicle without having the need to use the footbrake as often, while the 6-speed manual box transfers the gears effortlessly. An automated box can be specified for an additional €1,000 which is well worth the extra, especially if working around an urban environment.

Trimmed Top Flair coach seats were fitted to this unit but alternatives to same can be ordered on request. For example, two tone real leather costs roughly €75 plus VAT each. Footrests are €11 extra and for an additional €8.50 you can get fold down tables.

Spec Check 3 Mercedes-Benz UNVI Touring GT Mercedes-Benz Atego 1524L 41 seats + Courier + Driver Daimler OM936 7.71 litre Euro 6 238hp 1,000Nm 6-speed manual Front & Rear Air and lowering facility Discs, ABS, ASR & Exhaust Brake 285/70/R19.5 Length: 10,260mm – Width: 2,500mm – Height: 3,520mm – Wheelbase: 5,360mm 7.7 cu.m Hispacold 3 years/250,000km – Body: 2 years 280 litres

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Make/Model Chassis Version Engine Power Torque Gearbox Suspension Brakes Wheel/Tyres GVW Dimensions Luggage Space Air Con Warranty

Mercedes-Benz UNVI Voyager Mercedes-Benz Atego 1021L 29 seats + Courier + Driver Daimler OM934 5.1 litre Euro 6 210hp 850Nm @ 1200rpm 6-speed manual Front: Springs – Rear: Air Discs, ABS 17.5/235/75 10,500 kg Length: 8,975mm – Width: 2,420mm – Height: 3,230mm – Wheelbase: 4,800mm 48 cu.m Hispacold 3 years/250,000km www.fleet.ie

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The J.F.Dunne Insurances Bus & Coach Programme is offered on a tied agency basis with AIG Europe Ltd

FLEET BUS & COACH AWARDS 2016 Celebrating excellence in the Irish Passenger Transport Industry

Gala Luncheon & Forum Monday 12 October 2015 • Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin Entries and nominations are invited from individuals or companies connected with the Irish Passenger Transport Industry

ARE YOU THE BEST? - PROVE IT! Send in the Entry Form or Enter online at www.fleet.ie NOW Closing Date for Entries 26 June 2015.

Awards Sponsor

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18 | TEST PROGRAMME

Extreme cold testing keeps

Mercedes-Benz Safety Coach

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

L

For the Winter Test, the journey begins at the Daimler factory in Neu-Ulm, Germany. Taking four days and covering 3,000 kilometres it is a good test for the heating and climate control systems of the coaches.

ast March Daimler through its Setra and MercedesBenz brands took a group of journalists to Arvidsjaur in Northern Sweden to demonstrate how the company uses severe weather, sometimes gett ing down to -30oC to improve and enhance their coaches. Fleet Bus & Coach was present in warm woollies to see how the inclement weather conditions tested these coaches to their limit.

Arvidsjaur in Northern Sweden is a small town where Daimler test the Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses and coaches for the lowest temperatures any road vehicle will experience in its working life. For 186 days of the year this region experiences frost and snow, so it is an ideal proving ground for testing components and safety systems. Every year for the months of January, February and March, testers and their vehicles use Lake Stentrasket in its frozen state to test components and systems for their effectiveness in the extreme cold. For over 40 years, this lake, which is 200m deep, has been a test track. In order to make the lake more effective the fresh snow is cleared off the frozen surface, which allows the layer of ice to thicken and allow vehicles of up to 40 tonnes in weight, travel on the surface. Great care is taken to keep an eye on the depth of ice, it must be a minimum of 80cm but it is generally in excess of 120cm. There are some important rules when using the track, vehicles shouldn’t be allowed within 20m of each other. While walking around you will hear some cracking sounds and while a bit unnerving, it is apparently “normal.”

Mercedes-Benz Tourismo

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

Testers’ Focus When asked to summarise what goes on during winter testing, one of the crew responded, “We make sure that all components operate in temperatures of -25oC and that the bus systems are made safe in icy conditions.”

So the simple things such as heating, ventilation, effective defrosting of windows and draughts will all show up in these extremely cold temperatures. A more recent test is to make sure that the AdBlue pre heating works. Some of the faults that can occur may not be apparent at fi rst and testers need to be observant and vigilant to see some of the more subtle problems such as how steel and plastic components react together. In some cases the insulation and panels surrounding the engine, gearbox and other components are taken off to expose them to even lower temperatures. As well as all of the simulated and scheduled testing that goes on in Arvidsjaur, there is another source of testing for Mercedes-Benz’ local operators. Coach operators in the local climate always come up with one or two problems that the test track may miss out on according to the Daimler test people, customer feedback you could say!

Mercedes-Benz Citaro Slalom

TEST PROGRAMME | 19

Daimler well prepared

Checking the Test Gear

Checking the Figures

40 years of Testing For over 40 years, Daimler has been carrying out tests in Northern Sweden. In fact some of the fi rst coaches to come here were the Mercedes-Benz 0303 and the Setra 200 series. None of the major developments in safety such as ABS in 1981, ASR, EPS and more recently Active Brake Assist would be possible without the intensive testing that is ongoing in Sweden. Surprisingly, all of the team that come here for the three month testing period are volunteers. They work six days per week and because of the position of the sun at this time of the year, daylight varies from six to eight hours. “Luckily,” according to Andreas Dingler, Head of Vehicle Testing, “We never have any difficulty gett ing volunteers.”

Driving on the Ice In Ireland we do not get the extreme weather that our Scandinavian neighbours endure for Winter months. However, any loss of control or skid, immaterial of the conditions, is at best an uncomfortable experience for the driver and always has a risk of an accident. As safety systems are developed and fitted to coaches it gives drivers more confidence and improves safety for passengers. We had a chance to drive the coaches on specially designed courses that allowed us to experience all of the safety features and how the coach reacted. Omniplus, a division of the Daimler Group, provide driver training for customers, and some of its instructors were with us to give some advice and demonstrate various manoeuvres in icy conditions. We were then allowed to try it ourselves. We did four different exercises, which gave us fi rst hand experience of how ESP and ABS make coach travel safer. In the fi nal test the driver was forced to make an emergency stop while at the same time drive around an obstacle. Whilst one or two drivers got a litt le bit of stage fright, the coach performed excellently everytime.

Euro 6 New vehicle technologies are always being produced and tested years before they make it to customers’ yards. It may surprise people to know that the fi rst version of a Euro 6 engine was taken to Arvidsjaur for testing around eleven years ago. Because of the intense heat developed in the engine, intensive testing was required in low temperatures. All Mercedes-Benz coaches are guaranteed to work in temperatures of –25oC and down to -40oC with some compromise. By this it means that some functions might operate slightly slower. In a light hearted comment, the Mercedes-Benz staff joked that they could not give a guarantee for the driver!

Setra on test in the snow and ice lake

Text: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

And finally ….

During the test drives it was a bit of a shock to look at the SatNav and see that you were in the middle of a lake – magical maybe but all of the safety features are real and will improve the safety of coach travel. A word of warning though, some driver training will be essential to get the benefits of many safety programmes installed. It would be horrible to hear of one of the safest coaches on the road being involved in a fatal accident that could have been avoided had the driver been more familiar with the safety features.

Checking the Engine Bay

www.fleet.ie

20 | PROFILE

Dualway Group

- Continues to Evolve

T

he ability of the Irish passenger transport sector to endure the tempests inflicted by the never ending economic spirals appears limitless. At least for those who strive to run their businesses in the correct fashion.

Because Dualway Group of Rathcoole, County Dublin was founded back in 1978, it has by definition endured and survived a number of cycles.

From its headquarters just off the N7 at Keatings Park, the multi award winning company runs over fi ft y vehicles and is managed by David McConn. As with so many bus companies in Ireland the business originated from fairly humble beginnings, when David’s father saw an opportunity, and began with one vehicle which soon became two and so on. Today the company employs up to one hundred and sixty people at peak times.

One of the many qualities any passenger transport company must have in abundance is the ability to recognise opportunities when they arise - even in the bad times. For David this meant investing in additional premises closer to Dublin, and this decision has already delivered valuable savings and will continue to do so.

Because a large percentage of Dualway’s work is centred in Dublin, having the new covered in parking facility in the Bluebell area means a dramatic reduction in dead mileage, driver’s hours and wasted fuel as the vehicles do not have to return to Rathcoole at the shift end.

All units do return to base for their scheduled five week inspection which is carried out by the maintenance team of three mechanics located at Keatings Park.

Th is inspection regime is strictly carried out regardless of what work the bus or coach is rostered for. Dualway operates a wide variety of passenger services from City Sight Seeing to

private day and extended tours, as well as school tours and its increasingly popular scheduled Airport Hopper. As a barometer of economic activity, the Airport Hopper is as accurate as any of the economists regularly found on TV. Passenger numbers for the Hopper have been steadily increasing, reflecting an uptake in business and leisure activity. Th is service collects at pickup points along the routes from Tallaght and Maynooth to Dublin Airport.

Arguably Dualway is best known for its Double Deck open top Sight Seeing Tours of Dublin.

The tours are immensely popular with overseas visitors, as David points out, “What people mention is what good value the tours are.” He says that compared to a similar tour of London, a Dualway Tour of Dublin costs the equivalent of £15.50 compared to a charge of £32.00 in London. The idea to try Open Top Bus tours of Dublin began in 1994 and was the brainchild of David’s father. He started the venture with an old Routemaster and although it took a season or two to really catch on, it has now become a feature for almost every visitor on a City Break all over Europe and beyond.

While the tours are highly popular and successful, David clearly admits that poor weather can reduce bookings by 30-40 percent.

Nevertheless there is growth in the area, and due to this, Dualway has three new Open Tops due to be delivered from the Wrightbus Group. Although the three new units are Volvo based, and the brand has performed well for David, the company operates a very mixed fleet which comprises vehicles from a number of manufacturers including VDL, MercedesBenz, Scania and Turas. One additional benefit of the location is that Rathcoole is almost equidistant between most of the principal dealer service points.

On asking David what makes Dualway different to other companies? He quickly responds “exceptional customer service.” While this is a simple and obvious answer, how this answer is achieved is far from simple. In passenger transport it requires a particular attention

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

PROFILE | 21 to detail across all aspects of the company’s operations, and especially from the frontline staff. It begins with the initial booking and continues through to drivers, guides, and to the support network handling any complaint if things do go wrong. The most effective way to achieve this is through a careful staff selection process. As David stated, “Our staff selection policy is based on att itude, if a person has the right att itude then we can train them.” Most of the training is carried out in-house though the Driver CPC is delivered by a third party. David believes this to be a positive feature, as having an outside approved trainer delivering the same information helps to reinforce the message.

To deliver exceptional service you need exceptional staff and it is becoming apparent that there is a growing driver shortage. As with others in the industry the lack of new entrants to the business is ever more noticeable. This relates not just to drivers but also to support personnel such as mechanics and technicians. David notes the high cost of obtaining a licence as one major factor discouraging new entrants. He believes there are great opportunities for people to train and develop long term meaningful careers within good reputable companies. Dualway’s policy of developing its staff, and actively encouraging them to use their skills to enhance the experience for the passenger clearly works as can be seen from the customer comments and more importantly the repeat business.

If reputation can be measured by attaining certifiable standards and awards then Dualway ranks highly. The company’s main office is tastefully decorated with framed parchments from a variety of bodies who have recognised Dualway’s competence in passenger transport.

This includes three ‘Fleet Bus & Coach Awards’ over the years, with honours for Safety, Coach Operator of the Year and Livery. One quality award is somewhat different in that Dualway is the only transport company in Europe to be recognised by the ‘European Foundation for Quality Management’ (EFQM). The body known as EFQM was originally created in 1988 by fourteen companies and lists some of the

Text: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

most influential entities in European commerce, including Robert Bosch, Volkswagen, CibaGeigy, Fiat, and Nestlé. The Foundation has since grown to include BMW, Xerox, Grundfos, EDF – and now the Dualway Group.

he feels that this type of competition could only be possible if some issue is not being properly addressed. If the issue not being addressed was safety related then the consequences could be serious.

Dualway has a progressive ethos and constantly strives to improve. Even through the lean years of 2009/10/11 when consolidation was the business mantra, Dualway sought out methods to add value to the services it provided. As a founding member of the City Sight Seeing brand, Dualway has found something it does well and made it unique. The company has been prepared to invest heavily with five new offices in the city, plus the garage in Bluebell.

Further investment means that including the three new open tops, it will take delivery of eight new vehicles this year.

Looking forward to 2016/17 David expects to see steady growth. Advance bookings are encouraging, helped by the favourable exchange rate against Sterling and the Dollar. In addition the work of Failte Ireland has helped to promote the country as a destination of choice for many, and it is hoped the 2016 Centenary celebrations next year will bring a lift to tourist numbers.

On the issue of compliance in the industry.

David would like to see a more visible presence and stricter enforcement of the regulations by the Authorities. He has concerns about operators that quote for work at a price much lower than the generally accepted market rate. These issues centre on how they can afford to compete, and

If the economy warms up without overheating and diesel remains at a manageable price, then there is a chance that a sounder business environment may replace the volatility we have all endured, and create an opportunity for companies like Dualway Group to continue to grow.

www.fleet.ie

22 | FACTORY VISIT

MAN Truck & Bus invests in Turkey

F

or almost fift y years MAN Truck & Bus has been manufacturing commercial vehicles in Turkey.

Earlier this year a new extension for their bus plant in Ankara was opened by the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.

Currently producing 1,500 vehicles per year and with a capacity to produce in excess of 2,000 units Fleet Bus & Coach was present at the new facility for the official opening.

Last March MAN Truck & Bus concluded a multi-million investment at its plant outside the Turkish capital. 2015 co-incidentally also marks the 100th Anniversary of bus building by the German company, now owned by the Volkswagen Group.

At an event to mark the completion of the investment, MAN Truck & Bus launched a completely new model, the Lion’s Intercity.

No decision has been made yet as to whether or not the new bus will be available for right hand drive market. Most of the safety equipment available on other MAN products are fitted as standard on the new bus. Sales and Marketing Executives are using the slogan “Economical for

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2015

the Owner and Comfortable for the Passenger,” to sell the new bus.

A new Skyliner and Starliner range will start production in Ankara by mid-2015 and with an increase in the demand for Double Decker coaches in Germany due to recent legislative changes, it is expected that by 2017, 150 units per year will be produced.

Changing times at MAN Truck & Bus By the end of 2017 MAN Truck & Bus will have streamlined the production of the Bus and Coach operation to just two manufacturing plants. All coach manufacturing will take place at the plant in Ankara, including Skyliner and Tourliner. Currently there are two plants in Poland and all manufacturing will be transferred to the plant at Starachowice. All buses including Low Floor will be manufactured there. In what seems to be a very radical move, all production at the German plant in Plauen will cease by the middle of 2015 and in what will be a significantly reduced operation, the plant at Plauen will be

referred to as a Bus Modification Centre (BMC).

There, custom built vehicles for customers will receive their final fit-out.

MAN Truck & Bus has attracted its fair share of the football club market and a sizeable market exists also for non-bus type products such as library conversion and prison transport vehicles.

An area of growth for most manufacturers is refurbishment and modification of used vehicles and the plant in Plauen will undertake these services.

Ankara Plant Over 1,600 people work on the upgraded site just outside Ankara, which has 317,000 square metres of production area. At any one time there are 120 vehicles in various stages of production. In total, the production lines can accommodate 24 different types of coaches.

In normal circumstances 1,500 coaches are produced per year, but this could be increased to 2,000 with very little difficulty. By adding an extra shift the factory could turn out 3,000

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units per year and so MAN is confident that it has significant capacity were there to be any surge in demand.

Throughout the tour of the plant the emphasis seemed to be on two things, quality control and improved efficiency.

On the line there are six quality points or quality gates, as the factory refers to them.

Continuous auditing and inspection is an integral part of the process. One frame per day is randomly selected and a check involving 700 measurements is made to see if there are any inconsistencies in the build process. At the final point, a bus is again selected randomly for a comprehensive check that will take a team of four people over two days to complete. This audit is not so much about the particular coach as it is about the complete assembly process. If there is a weak point or potential problems on the assembly line, it will show up here.

At the factory in Ankara many of the processes are geared towards reducing stock levels and improving throughput. So as a measurement of how things are improving in terms of production, the number of vehicles “in build” has been reduced from 230 in 2010 to about 120 at the moment,

with the same output.

This improvement is also reflected in the number of days it takes to manufacture a bus from start to finish. It has been reduced from 29 days to 22 and there is a target to further decrease that number to 18.

One of the most impressive aspects of the plant is the “Dip” paint process. Installed at the cost of €10 million it is one of the biggest in the world. When you see the process, it is easy to see how MAN can give a 10 year corrosion guarantee. Each frame passes through 11 tanks. The process is fully automated. Every day seven new vehicles roll out of the factory having been patiently crafted and tediously inspected to join an operator’s fleet.

And Finally ....

MAN Truck & Bus realise that there is a limit to what operators can pay for a new chassis or coach and so by reducing its stock levels and improving its production times, it too can keep its costs down. When you add this to the expected improvement in fuel usage, increased cost of vehicles to operators will be kept to a minimum.

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Arrange To Come And Meet Ulster Bank Chambers, 2/4 Lr. O’Connell St., Dublin 1

Text: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

24 | CONDUCTORS' STAND

Disputes, situations & solutions

I

n the early hours of the 14th of May, an agreement was reached at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) between representatives of drivers at Dublin Bus and the company that led to the cancellation of the 2-day strike scheduled for the following two days. In all the comments by the Unions, the company, Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe and industry commentators, no one could defi nitely say what had changed from the previous negotiation. Cynics might say, was some indication given that gave the impression all Tenders might revert back to the State Companies, unlikely, I would think.

In lots of ways the recent bus strike was not the usual type of industrial dispute between an employer and its employees. In this case the direct employer cannot meet or deal with the issues the employees have. Most parents know that if children put enough pressure on them for sweets at the checkout in a supermarket, they may be able to negotiate for less than what the child wanted. However, if the same child insists on going to a cinema or event that is closed or not happening, that parent is helpless to do anything as it is out of their control. Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus are in the latter position, so who are the vested interests? Maybe vested interest is the wrong word, interested parties might be more accurate - the Minister for Transport, National Transport Authority (NTA), Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, private operators, workers’ representatives and the travelling public, seven in all who are all part of the biggest interest group, the taxpayer. You could take a radical view and say that the only two groups that really matter are the taxpayers and the travelling public and that in reality competition and the market place controlled by legal regulation, will look after the other groups.

Of course, this would be true in a perfect situation; it is nonetheless a good starting point. In general, taxpayers and the travelling public are the same people and so they are entitled to values for the tax and fares they pay. Equally they are entitled to efficient service and value for money when they use public transport.

Regulating public transport and implementing Government policy has been tasked by the State to the NTA. It was well flagged by the Government that it wanted 10% of the Dublin Bus routes put out to tender for, by any operator that reached a pre-tender criteria. As part of the process, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are allowed to compete for the tender. Now we are gett ing to the nub of the problem as I see it, the NTA will select the successful operator and effectively the Unions are saying, “No, we want to select the operator.” In other words, Dublin Bus continues as the operator. No matter how much airtime and discussion you hear, the Unions want to dictate and implement public transport policy. I will give the Unions credit for one thing though, they were the only people in the debate to highlight the dangers of these contracts going to ‘out-of-State’ operators. Depending on the methodology used to award the tender, it may be that the only Irish operator big enough to win this tender would be Bus Éireann or Dublin Bus. Will a consortium of Irish operators be allowed to tender? Or will one of the big European or British operators be allowed in?

We know from the past that when Government agencies award large contracts they in some cases fi nd more reason to take off the ‘green jersey’ than wear it. As has often happened in the past we could see profits being exported to other countries as foreign operators get a hold in the market place.

Back Seat Driver by Sean Murtagh

One word that continued to arise during the debates was ‘competition’, competition would suggest better service for the customer and in general it does. It works with the phone network and in transport terms it works where you have active competition on a particular route.

For instance it works efficiently on most of the Inter-city routes in Ireland, particularly where there are two or three operators on a route, because they must be competitive everyday. Back to the current crisis, a big danger arises where one operator is awarded a contract exclusively.

They only have to be competitive the fi rst day, and whether it is a State bus company or private bus company, win the particular routes; they now have a captive audience in terms of passengers whose only hope of maintaining standards is the NTA. It is not clear how effective their role will be. To be fair to the Unions, they have put forward an element of this argument.

Going back to the passenger/taxpayer, which is the group I fi nd myself in, it is a bit unnerving to hear everybody – operators, politicians, and the Unions preface nearly every comment with the line, “We all know public transport has to be subsidised.” While this may be true to a certain extent, it gives the impression that it is accepted that the millions of Euro need to be poured into these services offers limited value for money. For its part I hope the NTA would use fresh eyes when making any decisions and not be too influenced by the experience of other European cities.

Our bus services are improving in this country, new and more frequent services, with more modern coaches. As we progress, the word private operator will only denote the type of ownership structures of a company, as all operators compete to give value and service to the taxpayer and passengers.

It must be a worry that what was agreed is a short-term solution and we may see this problem revisited. I think the most telling comment came from a driver who contacted the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk after the programme had aired an interview with the Minister for Transport, Donohoe. “I am not happy with the outcome of the negotiations between our Unions and the company. Drivers are furious.” Let us hope that any further difficulties can be resolved by negotiation rather than strike. Remember this issue has cost some people their political careers in the past and the power of some of the vested interests should not be underestimated.

30 September - 1 October, NEC Birmingham

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Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie

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