Bus Manufacturer News & Discussion

[Snow1964]

According to this article, which is describing FUZE, the Bamford asset asset company (thus allowing a turnkey solution with Wrightbus and hydrogen supplier RYSE) new battery and hydrogen single decks will be launched at Cenex show in September.

Following the company’s successful launch of its market-leading battery electric bus, the Electroliner, at ITT Hub, and with single deck iterations of both battery electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) due to be launched at the Cenex Low Carbon show in September, Mr Bamford said it was the perfect time to provide a complete financial solution across the entire zero-emission ecosystem.

These presumably compliment the hydroliner and electroliner recently launched at ITT Farnborough show

New asset finance company launched by green pioneer Jo Bamford - Scottish Business News

GREEN pioneer and Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford today launched FUZE, a unique asset finance company offering the complete solution for the funding of

scottishbusinessnews.net

Details of Cenex show are on this link

Exhibitor & Sponsorship Opportunities

www.cenex-lcv.co.uk

 

[Jordan Adam]

According to this article, which is describing FUZE, the Bamford asset asset company (thus allowing a turnkey solution with Wrightbus and hydrogen supplier RYSE) new battery and hydrogen single decks will be launched at Cenex show in September.



These presumably compliment the hydroliner and electroliner recently launched at ITT Farnborough show

New asset finance company launched by green pioneer Jo Bamford - Scottish Business News

GREEN pioneer and Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford today launched FUZE, a unique asset finance company offering the complete solution for the funding of

scottishbusinessnews.net

Details of Cenex show are on this link

Exhibitor & Sponsorship Opportunities

www.cenex-lcv.co.uk

This was quietly announced a few months back:

It looks like Wrights new Zero Emissions single deckers will be launched in September and will also be sold in Europe.

WrightBus - Next Generation New Energy Single Deck Bus Technology Demonstrator - APCUK

www.apcuk.co.uk

Project Highlights

• Developing a zero-emissions EV single-deck concept bus
• Product will be available in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology and fuel-cell electric vehicle technology (FCEV) variants
• Concept bus will be designed with multiple layout options, making it open for UK, EU and wider-international markets
• Concept bus from this project which will be showcased at LCV2021
• Total project value £1.5 million, with £1 million funded through the APC

 

[MotCO]

Switch Mobility are advertising that both their Solo and MetroCity are available in lengths of less than 9 meters (Solo is 7.8-9.9m and MetroCity is 8.7-11.5). Both are advertised as having a greater range than the ADL/BYD E200EV too (both Switch vehicles have a range of "up to 190 miles" with the E200EV having "up to 160 miles" on one charge).
(Information for Switch vehicles found on the Current Switch Vehicles page, and for ADL vehicles found in the specification sheet, accessed from the E200EV page.)

The 8.7m MetroCity is shown in the latest edition of Buses magazine. If Switch can sort out their delivery schedules, then they can steal a march on ADL in securing orders to replace the smaller E200s. But will they? I somehow doubt it.

 

[Mikey C]

The 8.7m MetroCity is shown in the latest edition of Buses magazine. If Switch can sort out their delivery schedules, then they can steal a march on ADL in securing orders to replace the smaller E200s. But will they? I somehow doubt it.

There's definitely a market there, as the E200EV to me is a full sized and (more or less) heavy weight single decker.

 

[Snow1964]

Wrightbus have announced on Twitter that they are creating 300 new permanent jobs, the local media has also said 120 temporary jobs are being made permanent due to large numbers of orders.

It says further details will be added to the website, but in meantime here is the Twitter link

https://mobile.twitter.com/Wright_bus/status/1427510983828942854

We're proud to be experiencing phenomenal growth thanks to our world leading zero-emission passenger transport.
As such we're creating 300 permanent jobs.
Details of which will be on our website in due course.

LISTEN - Bus manufacturer to create up to 300 jobs after winning new orders

By Jonathan McCambridge PA

www.goqradio.com

By Q Radio News

Bus manufacturer Wrightbus is to create up to 300 permanent jobs after winning a number of orders from Ireland and the UK.

The company is to also convert 120 existing temporary roles into permanent positions as it seeks to ramp up production at its headquarters in Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Jobs on offer will include coachbuilders, welders, vehicle installation electricians, driveline operatives, factory operatives.

The firm was bought out of administration in October 2019, and had just 56 members of staff at that point.

However, following a number of developments in zero emissions technology that have seen the creation of the world's first hydrogen double decker bus, Wrightbus is on track to have 930 permanent employees once these new positions are filled.

 

[Mikey C]

Good news that they are taking on more workers, where have all these new orders come from?

 

[Volvodart]

Assuming that they are for zero emission buses, they would not be able to say until the ZEBRA scheme funding winners are announced. If it is for the new zero emission single decker for Northern Ireland, they may not want to announce it until it is launched next month.

 

[cnjb8]

Good news that they are taking on more workers, where have all these new orders come from?

I believe the Rotala order has been completed (before anyone mentions it), Translink has a big order for StreetDecks too

 

[Blindtraveler]

What's the build quality of the new stuff like?

 

[Jordan Adam]

What's the build quality of the new stuff like?

Build quality on Aberdeen's new Hydrogen Streetdecks is pretty outstanding it has to be said, credit where credit's due they're some of the best built buses i've ever been on and if Wright stay consistent to this standard i can certainly see them proving far more popular with operators again. Being Electric powered rattles are normally far easier to notice since there's no engine to drown the noise out, however with the Streetdecks there's barely even a creak, they're silent and very relaxing as a passenger. I remember going on Lothian's 18 plate Geminis when brand new, the rattles, squeaking and creaking on them were horrendous, but these new Hydrogen Streetdecks seem to be completely different despite essentially being the same body design.

Here's a short clip from last Saturday on the upper deck of First Aberdeen Wright Streetdeck Hydroliner 39714 showing just how silent and rattle free they are.

Stagecoach have a few 21 plate E400MMCs here and the different in build quality is rather shocking. The Enviro400EVs also seem rather poor, i've not had a chance to sample one yet but most people i've spoken to have less than polite things to say about the build quality of them.

 

[Blindtraveler]

That is just unbelievable. I've watched many videos of of electric buses of one kind or another in service and because there's the most of them in terms of number the majority have been a DL models and and even though there's no engine noise there is still the usual selection of creeks groans and rattles even on something that's theoretically factory fresh. If they can stick to that level of consistency as you say hey they will be streets ahead in a short space of time

 

[Goldfish62]

That is just unbelievable. I've watched many videos of of electric buses of one kind or another in service and because there's the most of them in terms of number the majority have been a DL models and and even though there's no engine noise there is still the usual selection of creeks groans and rattles even on something that's theoretically factory fresh. If they can stick to that level of consistency as you say hey they will be streets ahead in a short space of time

The 12m E200EVs that GoAhead London have got are dreadful now after five years. The rattling coming from every part of the bodywork more than makes up for the lack of engine noise.

 

[MotCO]

The 12m E200EVs that GoAhead London have got are dreadful now after five years. The rattling coming from every part of the bodywork more than makes up for the lack of engine noise.

Presumably these rattles are caused by the heavy batteries on the roof. Double deckers are probably less rattle-prone since the batteries are lower down under the stairs and in the engine bay.

 

[Goldfish62]

Presumably these rattles are caused by the heavy batteries on the roof. Double deckers are probably less rattle-prone since the batteries are lower down under the stairs and in the engine bay.

Yes, that's exactly what I think. The buses have quick-release glazing. I would guess that if they had bonded glazing, which makes the bodywork more rigid they might be less rattly.

 

[cnjb8]

Build quality on Aberdeen's new Hydrogen Streetdecks is pretty outstanding it has to be said, credit where credit's due they're some of the best built buses i've ever been on and if Wright stay consistent to this standard i can certainly see them proving far more popular with operators again. Being Electric powered rattles are normally far easier to notice since there's no engine to drown the noise out, however with the Streetdecks there's barely even a creak, they're silent and very relaxing as a passenger. I remember going on Lothian's 18 plate Geminis when brand new, the rattles, squeaking and creaking on them were horrendous, but these new Hydrogen Streetdecks seem to be completely different despite essentially being the same body design.

Here's a short clip from last Saturday on the upper deck of First Aberdeen Wright Streetdeck Hydroliner 39714 showing just how silent and rattle free they are.

Stagecoach have a few 21 plate E400MMCs here and the different in build quality is rather shocking. The Enviro400EVs also seem rather poor, i've not had a chance to sample one yet but most people i've spoken to have less than polite things to say about the build quality of them.

The City bodywork is notorious for rattling. It's a shame the E400EV isn’t offered with a MMC body.

 

[MotCO]

The City bodywork is notorious for rattling. Shame the E400EV isn’t offered with a MMC body

Are the City and MMC bodies different apart from the obvious external differences?

 

[LOL The Irony]

Are the City and MMC bodies different apart from the obvious external differences?

I believe that their differences are entirely cosmetic. Also why would ADL go through the effort of having the 200 and 400 share a large number of components, just to go and make another 2 axle decker with a completely different body?

 

[Jordan Adam]

Are the City and MMC bodies different apart from the obvious external differences?

There are some differences with internal fittings particularly on the upper deck. The interior mouldings around the staircase and the front upper deck windscreen seem very poorly put in place with large gaps on the Citys.

For example if you look at the top of the windscreen pillars you can see a massive gap and this seems to be pretty universal on all Enviro400Citys.

Plymouth Citybus Enviro 400 City (Interior)

Upstairs interior of one of Plymouth Citybus's brand new Enviro 400 Citys on its second day of service. Company: Plymouth Citybus Registration: WA17FSZ Fleet Number: 554 New: 2017 Chassis: Alexander Dennis E40D Bodywork: Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 City H74F Route: 21 (Barne Barton-Chaddlewood)...

www.flickr.com

Another is where the moulding for the staircase wall meets the window ledge (just to the right of the rear facing seats), if you zoom in you can see it looks quite poorly put together.

Go North East: 9098 / SN66WLK

Upper-deck interior shot of Go North East's Riverside-based demonstrator Dennis Trident 2/Alexander Enviro400 City 9098 (SN66 WLK), which carries the Alexander Dennis demonstrator vehicle livery, is pictured here entering the yard at Riverside Depot, Gateshead, following delivery to the company...

www.flickr.com

 

[Goldfish62]

I believe that their differences are entirely cosmetic. Also why would ADL go through the effort of having the 200 and 400 share a large number of components, just to go and make another 2 axle decker with a completely different body?

It was ADL's answer to the Borismaster and achieved its aim of looking better (not difficult). However, although it was initially aimed at the London market it found more favour outside. Now of course it's back in London given that it's the only body offered on the E400EV.

 

[LOL The Irony]

It was ADL's answer to the Borismaster and achieved its aim of looking better (not difficult). However, although it was initially aimed at the London market it found more favour outside. Now of course it's back in London given that it's the only body offered on the E400EV.

It was a rhetorical question being made to back up the point of them being the same body with cosmetic differences.

 

[Busman84]

The City bodywork is notorious for rattling. It's a shame the E400EV isn’t offered with a MMC body.

That’s a pity. I have found MMCs where I stay there is some rattling to be found now and the suspension feels more like a Trident. These buses not even 3 years old. Yet a 12 year old B9TL has no rattles and smoother. I have travelled on a Streetdeck this summer when I was down South and found to be no rattles. Perhaps the roads helped as there was no potholes either..

 

[Goldfish62]

It was a rhetorical question being made to back up the point of them being the same body with cosmetic differences.

I see.

 

[Jordan Adam]

It was ADL's answer to the Borismaster and achieved its aim of looking better (not difficult). However, although it was initially aimed at the London market it found more favour outside. Now of course it's back in London given that it's the only body offered on the E400EV.

If i'm not mistaken TFL were wanting ADL and Wright to come up with two door double deckers that could be sold to a regional market that took styling cues from the "Borsmaster". ADL came up with the E400City while Wright came up with the SRM.

I have to agree though the Enviro400City does look far better, when in the right livery it's probably the best looking decker on the market.

IMG_1352-200917

A comparison between CT Plus Enviro 400 City 2512 on route 26 and RATP London Sovereign Wright SRM VHR45205 on route 139 at Waterloo Road bus stand, 20th September 2017. The offside advertisement frames on Enviro 400 City buses seemed to be universally unused. The Wright SRM vehicles had no...

www.flickr.com

 

[Swanny200]

If i'm not mistaken TFL were wanting ADL and Wright to come up with two door double deckers that could be sold to a regional market that took styling cues from the "Borsmaster". ADL came up with the E400City while Wright came up with the SRM.

I have to agree though the Enviro400City does look far better, when in the right livery it's probably the best looking decker on the market.

IMG_1352-200917

A comparison between CT Plus Enviro 400 City 2512 on route 26 and RATP London Sovereign Wright SRM VHR45205 on route 139 at Waterloo Road bus stand, 20th September 2017. The offside advertisement frames on Enviro 400 City buses seemed to be universally unused. The Wright SRM vehicles had no...

www.flickr.com

Must also admit, if you put the two of them together like that, it makes the Borismaster look like an ADL product with the stair window, also makes me wonder that if the Borismaster was to be shelved, would anyone want to take them or if they can be rebodied to look like something a bit more ahem... Normal!

 

[Goldfish62]

Must also admit, if you put the two of them together like that, it makes the Borismaster look like an ADL product with the stair window, also makes me wonder that if the Borismaster was to be shelved, would anyone want to take them or if they can be rebodied to look like something a bit more ahem... Normal!

The Borismasters are a fully integral design, so couldn't be re bodied. Anyway, they're an engineer's nightmare so if it were possible you'd probably want to keep the body and dispose of the chassis!

 

[Pit_buzzer]

Must also admit, if you put the two of them together like that, it makes the Borismaster look like an ADL product with the stair window, also makes me wonder that if the Borismaster was to be shelved, would anyone want to take them or if they can be rebodied to look like something a bit more ahem... Normal!

That's not a Borismaster behind the E400City, it's a Volvo B5LH with a two door single staircase body.

 

[507021]

That's not a Borismaster behind the e400city, it's a volvo b5tl with a two door single staircase body

To be pedantic, it's a Volvo B5LH with Wright SRM bodywork.

 

[Pit_buzzer]

Haha, you picked me up before I got back to correct it

 

[GusB]

I meant to mention this earlier on in the week, but it got put to one side and forgotten about. Route One has quite a feature article about Alexander Dennis and it's strategies for Covid recovery and decarbonisation.

Alexander Dennis: COVID-19 recovery, decarbonisation on the agenda

Emerging strong from COVID-19 and confronting the decarbonisation agenda are the two prongs of the Alexander Dennis strategy in 2021.

www.route-one.net

While I found it to be an interesting read, there was one little snippet that caught my eye towards the end of the article:

A new centre in Farnborough​

Ambitious plans in Scotland for a BYD transition and the expansion of the Skelmersdale distribution centre in England to support the company’s hydrogen agenda are joined by a new aftermarket, chassis engineering and testing/development centre in Farnborough, called Trident House.

Referencing the closure of the Guildford plant, Paul explains that team members and functions that remain at Slyfield are being relocated across to the new site in Farnborough and will be accompanied by a reinvigoration of the Dennis brand.

A museum will also be on site. Work is starting in August with an aim for the site to be occupied later in 2021 or early 2022. That sends out a positive message to the entire ADL workforce, according to Paul – and it will play a critical part in the business’ future growth.

I wonder what "reinvigorating the Dennis brand" will entail; could we be looking at all-ADL/Plaxton coaches in future?

Anyone who wants to read the whole article will need to register, but it's free to do so.

 

[GALLANTON]

It always surprised me that ADL dropped the Javelin chassis as it still seemed to be a popular choice for smaller independents for schools/local hires.