Finland’s largest passenger transport company Koiviston Auto ordered 64 Citeas LLE from VDL Bus & Coach

Valkenswaard, Netherlands, 21-2-2014 — /EuropaWire/ — Koiviston Auto, the largest passenger transport company in Finland, has ordered no fewer than 64 Citeas LLE from VDL Bus & Coach.

“The design and production method of this lightweight bus perfectly match the requirements we specify for our vehicles. The low net weight of the VDL Citea offers many benefits. Of which, economically speaking, low fuel consumption is naturally the greatest,” says Antti Norrlin, CEO Koiviston Auto.

“This order is the largest in the history of VDL Bus & Coach for the Finnish market. So we are very proud that Koiviston Auto has chosen our buses. Moreover, this order confirms our strategy regarding lightweight concepts and Profit of Ownership with a focus on public transport in Europe,” said Rémi Henkemans, Managing Director VDL Bus & Coach bv.

The 64 Citeas are destined for the cities Kuopio and Lahti and will be delivered before the summer of this year.

VDL Citea LLE
The Citea LLE is a low-entry bus based on an innovative, lightweight concept, specially designed for the demanding conditions of city and regional transport. The sophisticated construction method results in a remarkably low unladen weight, the main benefits of which are significantly lower fuel consumption compared to conventional buses, reduction of CO2 emissions and lower maintenance costs. The low floor construction at the entry and exit doors provides optimal accessibility for wheelchair users and passengers with baby buggies. This accessibility is further enhanced by the lack of any floor height changes between the entry and exit.

Kuopio and Lahti are among the top-10 largest Finnish cities, each having more than 100,000 residents, and are located 100 to 380 km north of Helsinki. This means extremely cold winters, hot summers and demanding topography, conditions for which the Citea LLE is superbly suited.

Optimum comfort
To make travel as pleasant as possible for the passengers, considerable attention was paid to the comfort of the Citeas for Koiviston Auto. The bright interior colours, combined with the large windows, create a very spacious feeling. Energy-saving LED lamps provide balanced lighting. All the Citeas have a 39+1 seating arrangement and space for around 40 standing passengers. A climate control system with extra heating and extra air conditioning ensures comfortable temperatures year round.

Koiviston Auto
Koiviston Auto is the largest passenger transport company in Finland, with an annual turnover of 118 million euro, generated in equal shares by the city service and long-distance transport divisions. The company has 1,500 employees. Its fleet comprises 750 coaches and public transport buses, which drive around 58 million km per year.

Valkenswaard, February 2014

VDL Bus & Coach bv
Marleen van Zeeland
Communications
+31 (0)40 208 44 14
m.van.zeeland@vdlbuscoach.com

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Finland’s largest passenger transport company Koiviston Auto ordered 64 Citeas LLE from VDL Bus & Coach