Echoing the upward trend for UK vehicle manufacturing, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has won orders for almost 1,000 vehicles, worth £220m, all of which will be delivered in the next 18 months. The orders include more than 530 three-axle Enviro500 double-deckers for Hong Kong, 150 hybrid-electric buses for the UK, and 175 Enviro200 buses for both home and export markets.
In the UK market, ADL is set to introduce its next generation hybrid-electric bus. The company already has 600 hybrids operating in the UK, in many cases achieving fuel and CO2 reductions of 60% compared to previous diesel equivalents. Their latest technology will introduce stop-start hybrids, enabling zero emissions as vehicles pull away from bus stops. ADL expects this to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by another 8-10%.
Market confidence in the new technology is so high that ADL has received advance orders for 150 vehicles, going into operation with fleets such as National Express, Stagecoach, FirstGroup, Go-Ahead, London United and Metroline (London).
In addition, ADL’s market-leading Enviro200, a highly manoeuvrable, small, fuel-efficient midi bus, continues to be a world best-seller in its sector, with 175 new orders secured for home and export markets for delivery in the next six months.
Colin Robertson, ADL’s Chief Executive, commented, “In total, these orders represent a massive vote of confidence in our business and our ability to deliver lighter, more fuel-efficient buses, designed specifically to meet the different demands of operators around the world. Our customers have played a vital role in this process and will reap the benefits of a collaborative approach.”
Speaking at the Euro Bus Expo 2012 in Birmingham, Colin Robertson said that in parallel with these new developments he was delighted to see the continued success of ADL’s Enviro200 midi range, which now has a 56% share of the UK market.
