BusTalk

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2568 Location: South Florida

Van Hool, who has become a major player in the US coach market, has gone bankrupt. ABC, their US partner and distributor, has tried to put a reassuring spin on it, but I have to wonder how this might impact their future here...

https://www.busandmotorcoachnews.com/van-hool-reorganization-wont-impact-2024-bus-production-says-abc-companies/

Q65A · Posted: Mon Apr 01, 2024 1:58 pm Post subject:

It is unfortunate for VH but I suppose it is not totally shocking.
VH is a smaller builder competing with the likes of global giants like Volvo, Daimler and Scania, all of which have large and successful heavy truck businesses.
In some ways, this is similar to the situation Flxible had in the 1950s and 1960s versus GM.
I have been on bus tours in EU and the VH coaches were nice, solid rides.
I wonder how MCI ultimately will stand versus Prevost...

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2568 Location: South Florida

I am working my "retirement job", part time for Academy Bus, at their West Palm Beach terminal. Our entire charter fleet is currently comprised of Van Hool 45 and 35 footer's. We just got two 2024 models, but wonder what will come next. Up in Hoboken, Academy has been getting some new Mercedes Benz Tourrider's. Completely different coach from the MB badged Setra's that were previously in the Hoboken charter fleet.

https://www.mercedes-benz-bus.com/en_US/home.html