Johnsons Coaches has returned to the VDL brand with the delivery of a pair of Futura FHD2 models. They join existing new coaches for 2023 with the Henley-in-Arden operator and form part of ongoing significant investment plans, says Director John Johnson.
VDL Bus and Coach UK has supplied the new FHD2s. They are 12.9m, two-axle vehicles, each with 53 Class 300 seats with Top Luxe trim, and a centre toilet. PSVAR preparation has been specified along with a water boiler and a Bosch infotainment system.
Speaking about the delivery, Mr Johnson says that the operator has taken delivery of over 50 new coaches from both VDL and the previous Bova brand over many years. “They are very popular with our customers, who like the flat passenger deck rather than the sunken aisle,” he continues. “They also find them very quiet and comfortable.”
Mr Johnson adds that driver response to the Futura FHD2 is also positive and that reliability and back-up both in the UK and further afield has been good.
The VDLs join four new Irizar integral coaches that have been delivered in 2023. Both marques share the robust DAF/ZF driveline. Johnsons has also added a pair of low-mileage used Scania Ayats 89-seat double-deck coaches and renewal will continue next year.
“For 2024, we again have significant investment plans to grow our coach fleet and ensure that it is one of the most modern in the region.”
VDL Bus and Coach UK Area Sales Manager Dale Johnson adds that the new Futura FHD2s were each fitted with a tow bar during build in the Netherlands. They were painted into Johnsons’ livery after arrival in the UK. Power comes from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 370bhp coupled to ZF’s EcoLife automatic gearbox.
