LARBERT, Scotland, March 11, 2020 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI)
Alexander Dennis Limited ("ADL"), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc.
("NFI"), one of the world's largest independent global bus
manufacturers, today announced that its coach brand Plaxton has
received an order for 34 Plaxton Panorama, the largest order to
date for the double deck coach model. Stagecoach is buying the
coaches for the Oxford Tube, Europe's most frequent coach service.
Built at the Plaxton factory in Scarborough, they will replace and expand the
Oxford Tube fleet this summer. The frequent express service
connects Oxford and London around the clock, with departures
scheduled every 8-10 minutes at busiest times.
Customers of the premium coach service are set to benefit from
the latest in passenger comfort with on-board features including
wireless and USB charging, reading lights and extendable tables
complete with mobile device and cup holders throughout, in addition
to extra leg room and reclining seats. In addition, the new coaches
have been designed to improve the service for those with additional
accessibility needs with a more seamless boarding process for
wheelchair users.
Five of the new coaches will be fitted with roof-mounted solar
panels in a trial designed to reduce auxiliary energy loads on the
engine, bringing down emissions and delivering greater fuel
efficiency.
The Plaxton Panorama was first launched in 2018 and has quickly
established itself as the UK's leading double deck coach. With a
flat lower saloon floor, its interior can be tailored to the
requirements of express coach operations with flexible
configurations that enhance accessibility.
Mark Ballam, Coach Commercial
Manager at Alexander Dennis, says: "This new order is a resounding
confirmation of the concept of the Plaxton Panorama, which has been
designed to offer operators unrivalled flexibility. The 34 Plaxton
Panorama taking over Europe's most
frequent coach service will prove themselves to be dependable
workhorses in a highly demanding operation, where they are bound to
win over customers with an outstanding journey experience."
Chris Coleman, Managing Director
at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire,
says: "The new solar panels are an innovative way to look to other
sources of energy to power the on-board features and part of our
overall strategy to offer more sustainable travel options for our
customers. The new coaches will offer customers the latest in
comfort and design features will make the journey even more
comfortable, enjoyable and convenient for those travelling with
us."
About NFI
With 9,000 team members operating from more
than 50 facilities across ten countries, NFI is a leading
independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite
of mass transportation solutions under brands: New Flyer®
(heavy-duty transit buses), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and
double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), MCI® (motor coaches),
ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™.
NFI buses and motor coaches incorporate the widest range of drive
systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas,
diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley,
battery, and fuel cell). In total, NFI now supports over 105,000
buses and coaches currently in service around the world. NFI common
shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
NFI. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com,
www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com,
www.alexander-dennis.com, and www.nfi.parts.
About Alexander Dennis
Alexander Dennis Limited
("ADL") is a global leader in the design and manufacture of double
deck buses and is also the UK's largest bus and coach manufacturer.
ADL offers single and double deck vehicles under the brands of
Alexander Dennis and Plaxton, and has over 31,000 vehicles in
service in the UK, Europe,
Hong Kong, Singapore, New
Zealand, Mexico,
Canada and the United States. Further information is
available at www.alexander-dennis.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements
relating to expected future events and financial and operating
results of NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although
the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are
based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions,
investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent
with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be
material. Actual results may differ materially from management
expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a
variety of reasons, including market and general economic
conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for
customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services,
customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses,
the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for
convenience and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the
materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities
and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential
impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
unless required by applicable law.
SOURCE Alexander Dennis Limited