Shearings group expand coach offering

Shearings Group has invested over £10million in a new fleet of modern coaches to help deal with increased demand for coach holidays this summer.

The 45 new Setra coaches from manufacturer EvoBus, is the largest order for Setra ComfortClass 400 series coaches in the UK and represents 15% of Shearings fleet being updated.

Built at the EvoBus Setra plant in Neu Ulm, Germany, all of the vehicles are powered by Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz engines, which are environmentally friendly, modern and reduce emissions. 30 of the new vehicles are tri-axle (a first for Shearings), and are 13.2m long which allows for increased luggage, higher passenger numbers and a more comfortable journey. 20 of the Shearings coaches have 52 seats, while 10 “Grand Tourer” coaches have 48 seats, allowing for increased legroom.

National Holidays has also purchased 15, 12m double axle coaches which feature 48 seats.

Caroline Brown, Commercial Director at Shearings Holidays, said: “By investing in this fleet of 45 Setra coaches, our aim is to provide an even more pleasurable experience for our customers as well as continuing to develop our coach offering across the group.

“The new vehicles are amongst the newest and greenest in the UK. By carrying more people per journey we are reducing overall emissions.

“We are also happy to be making a major investment in a key asset in the current economy, sending out a strong message about the group’s ongoing success”

The timing of the Setra launch coincides with the launch of the Great British Summer campaign, which includes a new brochure and is designed to encourage customers to “fall in love with Britain again” highlights Shearings best summer deals to the UK’s most-loved seaside resorts, cities and country retreats. Destinations include Eastbourne, Llandudno, the Lake District, Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands and Dublin, all with departures available from May and October.

Shearings were winners of Best Coach Operator in the Globe Travel Awards 2009 and Best Escorted Tours Operator in the British Travel Awards 2008.