Last Updated: 10/03/2010
Accessibility key to low cost minibus
Specialist body builder and vehicle converter Paneltex has developed an accessible minibus that it claims offers improved ease of use but at a lower cost to the customer than a coach-built bus solution.The Glissando 17c can be built to a bespoke specification to suit individual client needs. However as it starts with a panel van body the cost of the conversion is kept low compared to a full body build. Gross weights can be 3.5-4.250kg, allowing the buses to be driven on a car license.
Paneltex Southern, the division of the company based in Andover that has developed the minibus, has based the conversion on a Citroen Relay 35 L4H2 van, powered by the 120hp version of the French company’s 2.2 litre diesel engine. This is partly due to the ease of conversion with front wheel drive, but also due to the fact that sister Paneltex firm Somers is an approved converter within Citroen’s Ready-To-Run scheme.
The Glissando demonstration vehicle has four-point air-suspension, providing a smooth ride and allowing the driver to tip the vehicle backwards or to the side for easy access for passengers. It had also been equipped with an electric side step and a fold-down ramp at the rear for wheelchairs and accessible loading.
The air-suspension can be run directly from the battery, so there is no requirement to have the engine running during passenger loading and unloading. By combining the low air suspension with the fold-out ramp, Paneltex says that there is no need for a wheelchair lift at the rear of the van, though customers can have one if they prefer.
The rear seating conforms to M1 and M2 regulations and Paneltex uses proven wheelchair locking points in the flooring. There are numerous internal layouts available, with 7-16 passenger seats on offer along with driver, and the capability to carry up to five wheelchair passengers securely.
“We believe in transporting passengers with respect and dignity, whether able-bodied or disabled,” says Paneltex group sales manager David Evenett.
“We believe that this offers a more affordable solution to a coach built bus. It’s bespoke to the customer. We can use their own seats, offer air-conditioning or heating systems, anything that they wish.”
Paneltex can build using vans from companies other than Citroen, though for full kneeling it would need to be a front wheel drive vehicle. However by using a complete van for the conversion the customer will be able to get regular service work carried out by local dealers as well as Paneltex service engineers.
Paneltex acquired Agenda Specialist Vehicles, now Paneltex Southern, in 2008. The company was already building specialist and accessible vehicles in Andover. The division also builds delivery vehicles, library vehicles and horse boxes from the site.
The Paneltex group of companies has expanded rapidly over the last few years. It now offers home delivery vehicles from Paneltex and Somers, supplying the likes of Ocado, Tesco and Asda. The Paneltex site builds vehicles from van chassis right up to full 44 tonne trailer conversions.
The CSC Specialised Vehicles division produces medical screening trailers, military vehicles and mobile training facilities, while Martrans Trailers also purchased in 2008, offers a wide range of haulage solutions including bulk powder discharge trailers.
With the introduction of the Glissando range of accessible minibuses Paneltex is further broadening its offering to local authorities, government agencies and to private companies.
