The Netherlands / UK – VDL Bus & Coach BV of Valkenswaard (a subsidiary of the VDL Groep of Eindhoven, The Netherlands, which makes buses and coaches) has established a new representative organisation in the United Kingdom, called VDL Bus & Coach UK Ltd. The new enterprise is to operate from premises in Barnsley, UK and is led by interim director, Darren Dowsett, who is already works within the VDL Groep as managing director of VDL Steelweld UK. (VDL Steelweld designs, produce, and install robotic production systems offering a wide range of handling, assembly and joining technologies for industrial applications). Although it was not stated by VDL in its press statement, this move has been clearly brought about in response to the recent collapse of its UK dealer, *Moseley (PCV) Ltd, which filed for administration in June this year. Moseley held the UK franchise for the VDL Futura (formerly Bova Futura) coach for over 25 years.

VDL says the move provides the VDL Bus & Coach division with a direct presence in the UK allowing a stronger focus on what it considers one of the major bus and coach markets in Western Europe. Covering sales, after sales and parts, VDL Bus & Coach said the aim is to operate closer to the customer, enhanced by making use of an experienced partner network to offer the complete portfolio as widely as possible.*