New customer Delaine Buses launch Wrightbus ECWVTA Eclipse Gemini 2

The first provincial Eclipse Gemini 2 bus built and successfully tested to European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) was officially handed over to Delaine Buses at Bourne, Lincolnshire on Wednesday, September 7.

The landmark Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 2, 10.5m double deck bus on a Volvo chassis, marks two significant milestones for Wrightbus. Firstly, Delaine Buses are a new customer for the company and secondly, it is the delivery of the first approved ‘multi-stage’ product involving the chassis manufacturer, Volvo Bus, and the body manufacturer, Wrightbus, on a single new vehicle project. Each holds a Certificate of Conformity for their product.

“There is a growing relationship between Delaine Buses and Wrightbus,” explained Steve Jackson, Wrightbus National Accounts Manager. “We share similar values and determination to excel in the industry. This is the first new vehicle we have sold to Delaine Buses and we worked closely with them throughout this single vehicle project just as we would on much larger multi-vehicle projects”.

Meeting all of the necessary type approval requirements, along with component and vehicle testing criteria, to achieve homologation in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC commonly referred to as “European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval” means that the Eclipse Gemini 2 can now be sold anywhere within Europe, without the need for further testing and certification.

“Achieving the VCA Whole Vehicle Type Approval certification is particularly important because it shows that Wrightbus are producing buses of an extremely high standard and it allows the company greater freedom in European sales of that particular production model,” continued Steve Jackson.

Internally, the new Eclipse Gemini 2 double deck features 75 seats and onboard CCTV system, whilst the exterior includes LED destination equipment and the traditional Delaine Buses blue and cream livery.

“Operators are obviously very keen to meet all of the latest European Community standards,” said Volvo Bus Regional Commercial Manager, Arthur Argyle. “This Euro 5 incentive vehicle, built on the proven Volvo B9TL chassis and powered by a 9-litre D9B engine, featuring ZF automatic transmission with integrated retarder, sets the precedent.”

Founded in 1890, Delaine Buses is a fifth generation family run business and although they have Wrightbus bodied stock, the purchase of the Eclipse Gemini 2 marks the company’s first new Wrightbus vehicle. Coincidentally, it is also the 150th bus purchase in the history of Delaine Buses. Entering service on September 1 on the Bourne-Peterborough route, it was one of the first vehicles on the road with a 61 registration and carries the distinctive number AD61DBL.

“Our fleet is 100% Volvo, but this is our first new double decker to be bodied by Wrightbus”, explained Delaine Buses Managing Director Anthony Delaine-Smith. “The Volvo chassis is an excellent product and the stylish Wrightbus body perfectly finishes it off. Attention to detail throughout the project impressed us greatly verifying our decision to go with this winning combination. With a second Eclipse Gemini 2 scheduled for delivery in Spring 2012, we view this as the beginning of a long term relationship with Wrightbus who share the same family business values as ourselves. We are especially proud that our new bus is the very first Eclipse Gemini 2 vehicle built to European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA)”.