Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., has announced that AD24 – its aftermarket service – is launching new parts, service and maintenance contracts to give UK operators improved long-term support for their vehicles, including next-generation electric buses.
The new packages replace AD24’s pence-per-mile contracts, with an improved offering that encompasses not just parts, but also HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) systems – and, in future, servicing and MOT as well.
The contracts give operators more flexibility, with structured, scalable service packages to meet their fleet needs. The fixed monthly fee never changes through the whole duration of the contract, with contract lengths between five and 15 years available.
The first new package to launch is the Essential parts contract, which covers replacement OEM components for all agreed Alexander Dennis diesel and electric buses. It sees next-day delivery for quality-assured parts, eliminating unpredictable component costs and ensuring minimal downtime.
It can be combined with the HVAC bolt-on, a completely new product giving service and maintenance for the integrated battery, powertrain and interior thermal management systems of next-generation electric buses. It delivers fault diagnosis, repair support, discounted call-out rates and seasonal readiness checks. The bolt-on offers operators reassurance that this key technology of their electric buses is serviced and maintained as efficiently as possible by qualified technicians. It is launching initially with the Enviro100EV and Enviro200EV, with the Enviro400EV to follow.
AD24 will roll out an Advanced inspection & service plan later, which will offer all the benefits of the Essential parts contract together with added vehicle health inspections, forward and preventative maintenance planning and reporting, and lifecycle tracking.
An MOT bolt-on will also follow for pre-MOT health assessments, MOT scheduling and management, remedial works planning, and compliance reporting and support. The Advanced contract and MOT bolt-on will both be available on all diesel and electric Alexander Dennis vehicles.
All of the new packages will offer one price for up to 15 years of the vehicle’s life with no price hikes. Operators can take out a contract for five, seven, 10 or 15 years, with interest and likely cost increases amortised across the length of the contract.
Customers will be able to access the contract’s services at any time through the AD24 portal. They will also have a dedicated account manager for human support when needed.
The contracts can be taken out on a single vehicle or across a mixed fleet of diesel and electric buses, all for a single price per month. In addition to brand-new vehicles, they can be applied to buses up to 10 years old, subject to inspection.
The hallmark of the contracts will be their flexibility. For example, there will be an option for larger customers to have AD24 supply their workshop with impress stock, so they can pull a part off their own shelf whenever they need it. Operators could opt for a contract instead of paying a premium for an extended warranty, and it will be possible for customers buying a new fleet to cover their older vehicles with the same contract.
James Belgum, Head of Commercial at AD24, said: “We are delighted to offer these new parts and HVAC contracts to our customers, with more fantastic services coming soon.
“The new contracts are as simple as we can make them. Offering a subscription-based, fixed-fee model gives our customers a greater degree of flexibility, as well as the benefit that they know their costs for the next five, seven, 10 or 15 years.
“It gives them reassurance, and the secure knowledge of their liabilities for a set period. And they know it’s from a trusted source: a leading manufacturer, with OEM-standard parts at the level of service expected from AD24 and Alexander Dennis.”
Laura Tofts, AD24’s Head of Product Support, added: “We’re particularly pleased to offer the new HVAC contract, giving operators the option of professional, routine servicing for the critical heating and cooling systems in their electric buses.
“The idea of the new packages is to give every customer structured service coverage that’s built for their operation, across mixed fleets and across new vehicle technologies, with online ordering for extra simplicity. They can start where they need to and scale up their requirements as they grow. We’re looking forward to our customers seeing the benefits.”
