GROUP TEST | 17
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German, Dutch and Swedish models vie for International Coach of the Year title
Although Covid-19 was still prevalent in early Autumn, the staging of Coach Euro Test 2021 (CET) in Slovenia was never really in doubt. Last year, a similar group test event was due to be held in Limerick, hosted by Fleet Bus & Coach, but unfortunately the International Bus & Coach Jury had to cancel the Bus Euro Test 2020, due to the global pandemic. This year, even with the cloud of Covid 19 overhead, eighteen of
the twenty-two jury members from all around Europe made their way to Bled, Slovenia for the event. Four manufacturers were represented, Volvo Buses, Setra, Neoplan and VDL Bus & Coach. On this occasion, two new sponsors, Goodyear and DKV came on board to join regular main supporters, Busworld and ZF. Tourism and Coach Operators were among the worst effected by Covid-19, and nobody can yet be sure what the long term consequences of the global crisis will be. Initially most people have been concerned about their health and that of their loved ones, but as we ease out of the crisis, business people, especially bus and coach operators are now looking at how their companies can be brought out of their slumber, back to life and profitability. From a manufacturer’s point of view they will need to be ready for what trends will emerge. Most coaches will have had a year off the road at least. Will this lead to a slow down in sales for the coming future? Who knows. At the CET, four manufacturers put their best foot forward, two with double-decker models, namely the VDL Futura FDD2 and Volvo with its 9700 DD. The other two were high-floor tourist buses: the Neoplan Cityliner C and compact Setra S 511 HD.
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