EUROBUS EXPO 2014 › ALEXANDER DENNIS Growing international business “Turning to the international scene, most of you will recall that just a few years ago ADL was largely dependent on the home market and, as a result, we set out to extend our global footprint; to de-risk the business; and to reduce our dependence on any, single territory,” Colin continued. “At that time – circa 2008 – 70% of our turnover was derived from the UK and the remainder from export markets. Today, just six years later, we have tripled our turnover to £550million, more than half of which now comes from export sales – and I expect that percentage to grow still further. “Our strategy – just as it has been in the UK - has been to work in conjunction with our customers to develop the products they want; not the products we think they want. ‘Customer engagement’ has been – and remains at the heart of everything we do, coupled with innovation that makes a difference and both of these aspects will remain central to our business philosophy. “Just two years ago I shared this platform with James Louey, Commercial Director of KMB
(Kowloon Motor Bus), and together we unveiled the all-new Enviro500, a vehicle designed in partnership with KMB and other Asia Pacific customers. It is a classic example of what can be achieved when operators and manufacturer work as one project team. The result is a vehicle that is lighter, more fuel efficient, easier to service and maintain, and carry more passengers. Just two years later – between vehicles delivered and orders that form part of our current export production programme – we are approaching 1,700 new-look Enviro500 sales.” An order worth £50m for almost 200 additional buses from KMB that was announced at the show brings to almost 960 the number bought by the Hong Kong operator. “If I say so myself that is a remarkable success story and one I suspect is unrivalled in the modern history of the industry. It is a success story supporting jobs in the UK and creating others in export markets. “These new Enviro500s are operating in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore and have helped us strengthen our build partnership in China, while creating others in Malaysia. And from these territories, we will extend our global footprint and international business
partnerships still further. Elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region, we continue to make good progress in New Zealand where we are now a significant player and where the market dynamics continue to move in our favour.”
Developing opportunities
ADL is well established in New Zealand where its body building partner is Kiwi Bus Builders of Tauranga. Up to now it has been Enviro200 although a purpose-designed Enviro500 body was assembled for an Australian operator Rockleigh Tours in 2011. Responding to a “significant business opportunity,” a 2.5m wide Enviro500 demonstrator for New Zealand is being assembled by Kiwi with a view to more following. The decision to put Sydney and Adelaidebased Custom Coaches into voluntary administration earlier this year has been well documented although that’s not to say that ADL doesn’t still sees opportunities in Australia despite the depressed state of what was always a small market. Malaysia, on the other hand, is a developing opportunity. ADL has two chassis assembly
IN DEPTH
Euro 6 Enviro200 The new Enviro200 has been designed and developed in parallel with the new Enviro400 unveiled earlier this year. Many of the key features, systems and technologies are identical. Every variant is lighter, more fuel efficient and has more seats than its predecessor. The range has also been extended. The low weight body structure consists primarily of aluminium extrusions and shear panels with the addition of stainless steel in areas of high stress ensuring a high body stiffness and durability whilst minimising the vehicle mass. All of the structural members are mechanically joined ensuring ease of repair following any form of collision damage. Exterior aluminium side panels are flush fitting with the glazing units giving a very clean appearance. Care has been taken to avoid protrusions including hinges and fixed heads to prevent build up of road dirt and to make cleaning easier. Panels in higher
The Euro 6 Enviro200 was a major show talking point
risk of damage from kerbs including side skirts and lower corner mouldings are quickly and easily replaced. Corner mouldings are separate from the upper panels isolating potential damage and minimise replacement costs. ADL’s unique and patented QRG glass system reduces window replacement from a two-man, three-hour job
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to a simple three-minute one-man process. There are two additional seats at 8.995m, three at 9.75m, five at 10.49m, two at 10.87m and five at 11.57m. Up to 32 seats will be available at 8.995m, 46 seats at 11.57m. All models are 2.47m wide. Specifying a Cummins ISB6.7 sixcylinder at 10.49m, 10.87m and 11.57m rather than
an ISB4.5 four-cylinder takes overall length to 10.73m, 11.11m and 11.81m respectively. The sunken aisle at the rear has been eliminated, but headroom is excellent, easily accommodating a sixfoot passenger. A curved top rear window is an attractive styling feature and also brightens the saloon. Seats in the show vehicle
were E-leather covered Isri (Esteban) Civic V2s although other standard offerings include Civic V3, Practico Low Back, Practico High back and Transito. Commonality of parts with the Enviro400 include exterior lighting, the complete driver’s environment and the new heating system. The multiplexed electrics
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