No need to apologise VWL!!!

Regarding the VDL situation, a recnet spread in Bus and Coach buyer magazine re the launch of the new VDL Futura said that the short to medium term plans for the VDL group is to consolidate under the single VDL brand and hence the Jonckheere, Berkhoff, Bova and Kusters brands within the group will cease to exist.  For example there will no longer be a Jonckheere, Bova (a la Callinans) and Berkhoff (a la BE LD class) double deck coach (idientical vehicles barring the front and rear stying) with a single VDL unit being offered.  Similarily while Jonckhheere & Berknoff "body on chassis", i.e. built on Volvo, Scania etc chassis, combinations will remain available in the short term, these too will probably be phased out.  My reading of the article is that the overall range will be reduced and similar to VanHool it will be a case of either a VDL integral (i.e. the new Futura) or a VDL combination, yet to be named (i.e. Volvo VDL..., Scania VDL... etc) that's my understanding of it anyway.  This years shows at the NEC/RDS will hopefully thorw more light on things.

I think Caetano recently launched a replacement for the Enigma which is closely based on the Levante in terms of looks etc.  Can't remember the name but I think Kings Ferry in the UK have taken the first batch on the new Mercedes OC500 chassis with the Brighton show being the unveiling a short while ago.  On the road so I can;t check out exactly but I think that's the sitaution.  Part of me thinks it is a slightly changed Levante design which enables Caetano to sell the vehicles direct to operators without haveing to act through NatEx as they do with the Levante.

Can anyone clear up another point for me.  Another driver and me were talking about the B9R yesterday and he said he had heard the plan from Volvo is to offer 2 axled chassis with only the B9R engine while from now on all triaxle chassis will be the B13.  Has anyone else heard this? I'm out on tour for the last week or 2 so I havent seen the latest trade press as they come to my home address.