No further details have been announced, except that the two partners will initially keep between 650 and 950 Van Hool workers in employment.

The manufacturer has said that "an inheritance dispute" among shareholders and the Van Hool family "has complicated the planned actions"; the implementation of its recovery plan "in a business continuity situation is no longer viable”.

Inflation, higher energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company’s finances were cited as reasons behind the decision to slash the company workforce.

The decline in demand for coaches and the higher cost of raw materials had a “major impact” on the company’s finances, which are only just beginning to recover.

Van Hool will supply 54 units of the ‘A15LE E’ line of buses which are powered by two ZF ‘Axtrax’ wheel hub motors (2 x 140kW) and Akasol batteries providing up to 686 kWh energy capacity.

ABC offers two electric coach models, the Van Hool CX45E triaxle single high deck model and TDX25E triaxle double deck coach.

Simply called ‘Van Hool T’, the new range, which offers improvements in aerodynamics, design, comfort, and safety, will replace the current ‘T9’ and ‘TX’ series of touring coaches for the European market.

Van Hool still plans to build transit buses in the USA.

Van Hool used Euro Mobility Expo in Paris, France in June (7-9) to introduce the first edition of a completely new range of 100% zero emission buses onto the European and world markets. Available in four different lengths and equipped with a choice of zero emission powertrains of battery-electric, fuel cell (hydrogen) and trolley.

Van Hool, Kiepe Electric, and Alstom will be collaborating on a vehicle based on the Exqui.City line of buses for BRT lines.

The Exqui.City trambuses will serve with public transport operator Nobina in bus rapid transit routes in the Swedish city.

Reportedly the first of its kind in the world, the TDX25E will be shipped to Van Hool's official NA distributor, ABC Bus Companies.