Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The pair of SB3s are Leon’s first Volvo vehicles for some time, however it was Volvo who played a key role in the early days of their coach operations. It was in fact a Volvo B10M that carried a group of holiday makers to Sweden in 1989, a notable landmark in Leons history. The latest purchase of two B8R Sunsundegui SB3’s, represent a much more modern Volvo solution for the fleet.
The company can trace its roots back to a taxi company operated by Robert and Andrews grandmother in 1945. Leon Douglas took over in 1970, which is exactly where innovative travel group gets their trading name today. In 1982, Leon purchased his first new Volvo Vanhool executive coach. Sons Robert and Andy have run day to day operations for over 30 years and have overseen many changes during this time, including a move to their ultra-modern current headquarters in 2012. The impressive premises compromises of a three-bay workshop area and paint booth. The building is distinctively Leons just from passing by, with the frontage decked out in the well-known Leons red and yellow, matching the fleet livery. Robert and Andy now shift their focus towards the transition of the company moving into the hands of the next generation of the Leons family.
Andy Douglas at Leons Travel Group said, “The two purchases of the SB3’s with Volvo were made specifically with school work in mind, due to the high capacity offering that they provide. We will incorporate these into our local routes with the second vehicle being used at Happy Days Coaches, which is also part of the Leons Group. It is convenient for us that support is provided by Hartshorne’s at Walsall and Shrewsbury.”
The touring firm cater to a full range of clients with their extensive offering. From day trips to the sets of Coronation Street, to weeklong tours across the country and Europe as well as covering local weekday contracts, there is literally ‘something for everyone’. The high capacity, excellent maneuverability and fuel consumption make the SB3 an excellent addition to the fleet.
Phil Hudson, Regional Sales Manager for Volvo Bus said, “We are very pleased to be working with such a prestigious and well-respected midlands operator such as Leons for these two new vehicles. We know they will be well supported by the local Hartshorne’s team who provide dedicated bus and coach backup across the region.”