This achievement by Vehicle Dealers International (VDI) underscores the company’s ability to meet diverse customer needs. Comfortable seats, fuel efficiency, driver comfort – the customer can piece together what they deem to be the perfect bus.
For Macarthur Anglican School in New South Wales, the Yutong C12 ticked all the boxes. Working with Yutong and its Australian distributor VDI for over a decade, the team at Macarthur have shown a strong preference for its products.
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“Since we bought our first Yutong, we have had nothing but quality and reliability with the vehicles,” Macarthur Anglican School transport manager Matt Kelly told ABC.
“We’ve had great experiences and built lasting relationships with the sales team at VDI, who have helped us choose the right bus each time. That’s why we keep buying them.”
Purchasing its first Yutong back in 2014, the Macarthur fleet has now grown to include nine Yutong buses, with its latest arrival carrying significant importance.
“This delivery marks our 300th Yutong bus sold in Australia,” VDI national sales manager Sara Clark told ABC.
“It’s an outstanding milestone for VDI and our partnership with Yutong in Australia, because it really shows the testament of the dedication, commitment and passion of the entire team.
“It’s not just about the number. It’s about our ability to connect with our customers, understand their needs and deliver fit for purpose products in Australia.”
The new C12 was the perfect solution for Macarthur, configured as a 57-seat school bus that prioritises passenger and driver comfort, as well as safety.
The new C12 offers advanced intelligent technology and integrated design. Convenient control configurations ensure a smooth driving experience.
The students are also well cared for, with the model sporting comfortable seating, individualised personal air-conditioning, USB ports and luggage room.
“This new model features some of our newer technology, from Advanced Emergency Braking System and 360 degree cameras to mobile eye and the Advanced Driver Assistance System,” VDI account manager Karl Rogan told ABC.
“By combining all of these features into the one model, we are ensuring that the students are travelling in a safe environment.”
Having a driving background himself, Kelly took a C12 demo model out on the road for a whole week before committing to the purchase.
“I wanted to make sure it would be suitable for the type of runs we do,” Kelly says.
“Yutong had made improvements to virtually every area compared to its older models, so it was a great bus to drive.”
The buses in the Macarthur fleet are often subject to longer runs, the longest being between Sandy Hook and Cobbitty in NSW. Due to the range needed, the C12 diesel model proved to be the most efficient for what was needed.
The C12 is powered by a Cummins six cylinder, turbocharged and charge air cooled engine, running 340hp with 1600 Nm torque, delivering reliable performance for long-distance travel.
All Yutong diesel buses are Euro 6 compliant, meeting the highest standards for emissions control. The company’s commitment ensures that customers benefit from the latest in clean technology, contributing to a healthier environment and more sustainable public transport solutions.
A highlight of the purchasing process for Kelly has been VDI’s ability to quickly deliver quotes and buses when required, with the VDI team pulling together quotations that ensure all of Kelly’s needs are met.
“They will sit down with me and work out exactly what I’m after, offering me advice and making sure the price is suitable,” he says.
“We wanted CCTV footage within the bus this time, and we thought we should get two quotes and see.
“They said it was much more productive if we had the one quote, and it worked out to be the best solution for everyone.”
While the VDI team is hands-on during the purchasing process, its aftersales support and parts division is the standout feature of what it offers local customers.
With more than 800 students needing to be shuttled from place to place, it’s imperative that the fleet is always in tip-top shape.
“They’ve got a great parts division over at VDI, so if I need parts, they’re always readily available in the shop,” Kelly says.
“We have no issues with parts. When we get our vehicles repaired, VDI has the parts that we need, and there’s not much of a delay, or no delay at all.
“We are able to get back up and running in no time.”
VDI prides itself on its customer service, securing long-lasting relationships that go beyond a typical sale.
“We have a strategic process where we approach and deal with customers after the sale,” VDI customer service co-ordinator Mark Tierney told ABC.
“That includes engaging with the customer, making sure that the bus is running, handling their issues and making sure we follow through on them.
“Communication is vital when it comes to maintaining these relationships, and our relationship with Macarthur proves that we are doing it right. This commitment to communication has been key to achieving the 300th delivery milestone.”
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