Not the end... rather, the new beginning
Much attention in the coach industry has been grabbed recently by the catastrophic bankruptcy of Van Hool, which was declared by a court in Belgium during the second week of April. That such a name in coaching could find it in that position is no doubt a reflection of the COVID impact on orders, supply chain difficulties, and ever-increasing competition from products originating in low-cost economies, but the speed with which Van Hool collapsed - notwithstanding a dispute within the former owning family - has been greeted with significant shock.
Dutch conglomerate VDL, which builds coaches and buses of its own, has now agreed a deal to purchase the Van Hool activities in those areas. What is means for Van Hool's UK subsidiary remains to be seen, but a large number of coaches are on order for buyers here, including National Express partner operators. The disasterpiece comes not long after unveiling of the T range of Van Hool models. Even though the manufacturer is in a difficult spot for now, that did not stop Van Hool UK delivering the first T for a UK buyer on 11 April. it is for DJ Thomas Coaches of Neath and is an imposing T16 Astron, with a 480bhp DAF MX-13 engine and an Allison automatic gearbox that no doubt means it goes along nicely. As DJ24 DJT, it is seen two days after delivery in Blackpool for the 2024 UK Coach Rally.
Edit: Subsequently crowned Coach of the Year for 2024.
Not the end... rather, the new beginning
Much attention in the coach industry has been grabbed recently by the catastrophic bankruptcy of Van Hool, which was declared by a court in Belgium during the second week of April. That such a name in coaching could find it in that position is no doubt a reflection of the COVID impact on orders, supply chain difficulties, and ever-increasing competition from products originating in low-cost economies, but the speed with which Van Hool collapsed - notwithstanding a dispute within the former owning family - has been greeted with significant shock.
Dutch conglomerate VDL, which builds coaches and buses of its own, has now agreed a deal to purchase the Van Hool activities in those areas. What is means for Van Hool's UK subsidiary remains to be seen, but a large number of coaches are on order for buyers here, including National Express partner operators. The disasterpiece comes not long after unveiling of the T range of Van Hool models. Even though the manufacturer is in a difficult spot for now, that did not stop Van Hool UK delivering the first T for a UK buyer on 11 April. it is for DJ Thomas Coaches of Neath and is an imposing T16 Astron, with a 480bhp DAF MX-13 engine and an Allison automatic gearbox that no doubt means it goes along nicely. As DJ24 DJT, it is seen two days after delivery in Blackpool for the 2024 UK Coach Rally.
Edit: Subsequently crowned Coach of the Year for 2024.