SAN ANTONIO – ABC Company officials unveiled upgraded Van Hool CX 45 and 35 motorcoaches during Expo 2018 and discussed plans for a new Van Hool manufacturing facility and a move to electric coaches.
One prominent change to the Van Hool CX 35 is the addition of a two-door option on the popular coach.
Since the debut of the 35-foot coach in early 2015, close to 400 units have been delivered, the company said.
“Not only does the smaller, more fuel-efficient model enable operators to expand service by adding new passenger applications, it also offers unprecedented parts interchangeability with the Van Hool CX 45-foot coach,” ABC said.
“Operators who run both models in their fleets can accrue major savings and reduced parts inventory levels thanks to parts interchangeability.”
Other upgrades to both the 35- and 45-foot Van Hool models include a front-end redesign that integrates:
- New headlight design including new daytime running lights
- New ACC panel
- Increased front area for customer logos
- New front bumper
- Seamless side panels without moldings
- New rear-end redesign including new tail light bezels, engine door latch, and body trim.
- All square keys have been removed
- LHS and RHS fuel fill options
Interior upgrades include new parcel rack design, modern LED lighting and new overhead light service modules.
ABC officials also reiterated the company’s plans to develop a CX 45 coach with an electric drive system manufactured by Proterra of Burlingame, Calif.
Full production is scheduled for the first or second quarter of 2019.
Roman Cornell, ABC’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said plans are progressing for a new Van Hool manufacturing plant in Tennessee. The company said the plant would be similar to the 450,000-square-foot Van Hool plant in Macedonia and will produce 400 buses a year and employ 1,000 workers.
The plant is expected to be completed in 2020, and it’s first product will be a 40-foot diesel coach, followed by the CX 45E electric coach.
