Southern comfort

Stuart Jones heads for the sunny south west to catch up with Moseley in the South, and discovers that despite a change of MD, it’s been both all change and no change

It is just over a year since Marcus Worth took over as Managing Director of Moseley in the South following the retirement of former MD, Allan Vaulter, and the acquisition of his majority stake by Moseley (PCV) Ltd in October 2016.

Moseley in the South was incorporated in 1990 and for the first six or so years of its existence operated from part of the yard of Berry’s Coaches in Taunton. Twenty one years ago it moved to the current site on the Chelston Business Park between Taunton and Wellington. A modern, purpose-built office, workshop and stores complex was created, and the large yard landscaped and surfaced to provide parking for in excess of 50 coaches. A key point about the site is how easy it is to access from Junction 26 of the M5 motorway.

Managing Director of Moseley in the South is Marcus Worth

Managing Director of Moseley in the South is Marcus Worth

Marcus joined the business as General Manager in March 2010 having already amassed considerable experience in the industry as well as in other fields, the common thread being that all the products he has been involved with were powered by engines.

Hailing from Norfolk, Marcus started young, learning mechanics on stock cars working for the late Crowland-based racer, Howard Cole (211). He subsequently qualified as a marine engineer with Herbert Woods on the Norfolk Broads and his first link with the Moseley organisation was when the boatyard acquired two coaches, running as Pennant Holidays.

He joined Moseley at Loughborough in 1986, leaving in 1990 to work as an aftersales manager for a Mercedes-Benz truck franchise. From 1994 to 1997 he ran a contract hire operation in Nottingham for Alltruck plc before rejoining the coach industry, initially as Aftersales Manager, for Alf Moseley Continental. He stayed until 2009 by which time he was Chief Executive. Marcus relocated to the South West in April 2010 and soon after his wife Corinne gave birth to their third son.

Bryan Read is officially the Workshop Manager but his responsibilities extend far beyond this. He is always ready to take this well-equipped van to help with a vehicle experiencing problems

Bryan Read is officially the Workshop Manager but his responsibilities extend far beyond this. He is always ready to take this well-equipped van to help with a vehicle experiencing problems

For the last seven years he has worked alongside Allan Vaulter, which completed an excellent grounding for the task he has now taken on. His hope is that customers will see very little difference as a result of his stepping up though he will look to take the business forward, embracing new ideas and technologies where appropriate and beneficial to customers.

“This business was built on providing 24/7 service, 365 days a year,” says Marcus. “Allan is no longer here but his philosophy on looking after our customer base remains. There have been tweaks but what we are trying to do has not changed. We try to completely adopt the same attitude of ‘If you want us, we’re there’.”

The need to provide excellent support is, he believes, only going to grow in future years as vehicles become more and more technologically advanced, driven by the demands of legislators: “It is getting more difficult for the average operator to maintain their own vehicles,” he observed, “…especially for the smaller ones who cannot justify the purchase of diagnostic equipment.”

A part of his role, as he sees it, is trying to explain to European manufacturers that, fundamentally, most UK operators maintain their own vehicles rather than putting them into dealers.

It makes having a good support team essential and Marcus’ belief in those working for him really came through when we were talking. He explained that the total headcount stands at 18. Handling sales are Sales Director Alan White, who at the time of writing was away from the business as a result of illness, and the team of Peter Jenkins, Steve Peck and Mike Elkin. Workshop Manager Bryan Read has Steve Jones, Tom Davies, Andrew Giles and Matthew Walker in his crew, while Parts Supervisor, Angie Hodgkinson has Warehouse Assistant, Royston Morris and Parts Advisors Steve Chambers and Alistair Shaw.

Three stock VDL Futura FHD2s and one for Hemmings Travel that will not be delivered until nearer the start of the 2018 season

Three stock VDL Futura FHD2s and one for Hemmings Travel that will not be delivered until nearer the start of the 2018 season

Alistair is the latest recruit to the team having joined from DAF Trucks. Administration is the domain of Office Supervisor, Claire Shepard, with Reception Administrator Christine Etherington and Pam Pike in accounts. Completing the team is Warranty Advisor, Simon Woolacott, who administers all warranty issues and additionally does vehicle handovers, enhancement road tests, and some quality control.

“We have always had the facility that Bryan will go out in the field and support customers and this has been even more important in the last three years. He also makes courtesy visits when he is in an area,” said Marcus. “He is one of the best technicians in the industry.” On one recent callout, the operator texted Marcus to tell him ‘The Doctor’s arrived.’ He doesn’t have a Tardis but the well-equipped van is the next best thing and the diagnostic tools the nearest thing to a sonic screwdriver yet devised.

“A challenge is the extent of our area and that is why we also have a number of tactical allies who can help us. We can usually arrange something to get people home. Most coaches now have on-board diagnosis so you can talk the driver through which buttons to press to get the fault code. It tells you whether it is safe to drive home and gives you a head start on finding a remedy.”

Used midicoach stock includes these three Sitcar Beluga bodied Mercedes-Benz Varios. The Sitcar Voyager on the left is a customer vehicle

Used midicoach stock includes these three Sitcar Beluga bodied Mercedes-Benz Varios. The Sitcar Voyager on the left is a customer vehicle

Bryan added: “I have some USB sticks I give customers with all of the fault codes, so if it is 3am they have something to refer to. The more people that know, the easier it is to keep people moving.”

In the parts department, in a process begun some time ago, new racking has been installed, the storage areas have been tidied up and reorganised to provide easier location and more space for fast-moving parts, particularly in those areas dedicated to Beulas and Indcar stock. At the end of this process it struck me that there was only one cardboard box containing all the parts left over with no stock numbers on them.

“Looking to the future I do think we need to modernise our systems to be able to more directly deal with issues from here without having to call in third parties as much,” said Marcus. “We will have a new phone system and increase our broadband speed. When all that is in, we will be installing a new parts control system, already in use at PCV, that will give us greater management clarity. We will run both systems in tandem to start with.”

Nationwide coverage

The three Moseley companies undertake to provide sales coverage for the UK and Ireland between them in terms of seeking their business, but it is by no means unheard of for deals to be done outside these areas, especially in the used market and if one of the trio can offer existing stock.

The current used selection of Van Hools includes both Volvo based and integral models, though the Astrobel nearest the camera is sold

The current used selection of Van Hools includes both Volvo based and integral models, though the Astrobel nearest the camera is sold

Moseley in the South’s area is split into three with Mid, South & West Wales covered by Peter Jenkins; Dorset, Hampshire, Isle Of Wight, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Cornwall, Devon & Somerset looked after by Mike Elkin; and Steve Peck taking responsibility for Essex, Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex and North & Central London. Robert White, who is on the Moseley (PCV) Sales payroll also handles South London and Middlesex on behalf of Taunton, as well as the block of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire for the Pontefract based operation. In Ireland, the Republic is looked after from Taunton while Moseley Distributors, headed by Jim Tweedie, are more active in Northern Ireland.

Challenges

Asked how he sees the market, Marcus said, “It’s a massive challenge at the moment. As an independent dealer one aspect is going head-to-head with manufacturers. On new, I think the market is going to change again dramatically in 2018.

This Euro V Scania K400 Irizar i6 is the newest used coach in stock, dating from 2013. The company has yet to have a stock Euro VI coach to sell. The Tourismo next to it has already been sold

This Euro V Scania K400 Irizar i6 is the newest used coach in stock, dating from 2013. The company has yet to have a stock Euro VI coach to sell. The Tourismo next to it has already been sold

“People will have to make a decision on whether they buy new, convert existing vehicles to Euro VI or buy something that has been converted in time for 2019. Some operators, especially rural ones, will say it’s not worth the cost, but those nearer the M4 corridor won’t have a choice; I think they’ll have to go for it. The other factor is where and if and when it is rolled out further across the UK and Europe.”

There is no doubt that the London Mayor’s ULEZ and the bringing forward of its introduction is distorting the market. This is creating a state of limbo while everyone decides what to do, knowing that all options are likely to be costly. Unsurprisingly, operators are not yet parting company with Euro VI coaches. “We’ve not had a Euro VI coach in part exchange yet,” said Marcus. “We’ve only ever been offered one, and as a result we’ve not physically marketed a Euro VI coach yet, although Tim and Jim have had some.” What is available is Euro V coaches and Marcus observed: “There are going to be younger Euro Vs that are going to be real candidates for putting an emissions kit on.”

He explained that Moseley PCV’s Mike Coleman has been charged with investigating the pros and cons of upgrading for the benefit of the three businesses; research he eagerly awaits. It will be difficult to decide which is the best way to go because, as Marcus said: “I don’t know yet whether anyone actually has a rubber-stamped Euro VI upgrade kit. So far, everyone we have spoken to has said that they are in the process of obtaining certification.”

In the past the business enjoyed a lot of success fitting Baumot systems to upgrade engines from Euro III to Euro IV or Euro V, but this time it will be altogether more complicated. Bryan Read commented that he would really like to run these solutions for a year before making a decision but this is unlikely to be an option given the time constraints being imposed.

“There must have to be software changes. It isn’t just replacing a silencer, it is extensively re-engineering and, as Bryan points out, there isn’t a lot of room in engine bays,” says Marcus. “I think every vehicle conversion has to be evaluated individually to safeguard he customer.”

Despite all of the attendant difficulties, the needs of the market will dictate that a solution has to be found – and quickly: “We have to be in a position where we have all of our ducks in a row so that we can offer a solution to people who are not in a position to buy new. We will be, but we are rather in the hands of the exhaust manufacturers in this regard.

“I know Green Urban and Eminox have systems but we have to know that they will do the job and are fully approved by the relevant authorities. We then have to produce a package with our used vehicles that represents value for money and a convincing package for our customers but it is going to increase the cost of trading up,” said Marcus, who finds it concerning that the deadline is only 12 months away and there is still no certainty. Bryan doubts that, nationally, it is possible to upgrade the fleet in time.

With no clear picture of what the level of demand will be, Marcus stressed: “We are going to do everything we can to provide a competitive solution. I’m awaiting Mike’s findings and looking forward to moving this on.”

Other challenges

It would be nice to be able to write an article without mentioning Brexit but, as Marcus points out, it is having a impact.

“Both operators and dealers are seeing the impact of currency fluctuations. If you look at where the Euro was, the pound was worth E1.42 on 30 November 2015 on the interspot bank rate, today it is E1.13. It is a massive swing and inevitably it affects prices, not just of coaches but holidays, tolls, everything. The upside is that you’d hope there’d be more inbound tourism.”

On the used side, the endless challenge of finding homes for used vehicles will become more difficult because, Marcus believes: “With emissions regulations, we will see older vehicles drop out much more quickly.” He also believes demand for tri-axle coaches is limited, noting that the company’s core product in the new market remains the Futura FHD2 with 57 seats and toilet on two axles: “In the used market tri-axles have to be high capacity,” he said.

A Futura FHD2 and a Sitcar Voyager receiving attention in the workshops

A Futura FHD2 and a Sitcar Voyager receiving attention in the workshops

The stores have been expanded and reorganised

The stores have been expanded and reorganised

Though there are challenges, there are also opportunities and advantages to being an independent dealership as Marcus was keen to point out.

“The big plus that we can offer is The Moseley Package. You don’t just buy the product; you become part of the family. That is how we see it. One of our strengths is the personal support we give our customers. It’s not just going an extra mile; it’s doing everything we can.”

There is strength in having the three operations too, says Marcus: “I’ve known Karl since he was at school,” said Marcus. “On a day-to-day basis Moseley in the South runs pretty autonomously, though I might well talk to Tim Fairless, Karl or Jim for their take on the structure of a deal. But we do work together to meet the needs of our respective customers and we help sell each other’s stock. We share information and stock lists and Tim and I are constantly bouncing prices off each other. The close relationship between the three businesses is part of our strength.”

Used

With regard to used coaches, one change that Marcus has introduced is that vehicles of a particular marque are now parked together in groups, with VDL products on one side of the yard and Van Hools opposite them. Large coaches of other marques are to one side of the VDLs and small coaches are further up the yard, opposite the offices, and next to the new stock.

He is very happy with the stock level but would like to see a slightly different balance that included some Euro VI options. The latest stock list gave details of 38 coaches, the newest of which was a 2013 13m Scania K400 Irizar i6 53 seater, still carrying the colours of Blake’s Tours. The oldest was a 2004 Volvo B12M Van Hool T9 53-seater with automatic transmission, an older Neoplan EuroLiner having a sold sticker in the window, as did a 59-plate Mercedes-Benz Tourismo and a 61-plate ex Berry’s Volvo Van Hool Astrobel.

Three Volvo-mounted Van Hools from the used stock

Three Volvo-mounted Van Hools from the used stock

Last word

Planning succession in a specialist business is always challenging and this transition has to be one of the best planned and most seamless I have witnessed. There is no question that Marcus and the team know what their customers expect of them and are determined to provide it. It is also clear that businesses have to evolve to continue to thrive and from our discussions Moseley in the South is positioned to meet the future.

 

Broad product range is offered

The associated Moseley companies have an impressive range of products on offer, all of them available through Moseley in the South.

The big seller is the VDL Futura 2 range which is now offered at 10.6m, 12.2m and 12.9m on two axles with a new 13.5m two-axle alternative, which offers up to 61 seats and a toilet, arriving in 2018. Launched at Busworld in Kortrijk, this has the Paccar-DAF MX11-370 engine and ZF EcoLife automatic transmission. With this new introduction, the former 13.1m tri-axle model has been discontinued leaving only the 13.9m on three axles. The 10.6m is also a new though much anticipated option, capable of carrying up to 43 with a toilet. It has the 370hp MX11 with EcoLife though you can have a 440hp with the ZF AS-Tronic. The double-deck Futura FDD2 can be supplied either 13.1m or 14.1m long.

Increasingly popular are the chassis-mounted coaches built at Arbucies in Spain by Beulas. The range of products has been extended considerably with the announcement at the NEC Show that the Beulas Spica, Cygnus, Mythos and Glory can now be supplied in conjunction with VDL chassis. Deliveries are expected from May/June 2018 and interest is said to be considerable. This is in addition to the full Beulas range, including the high-deck Aura and double-deck Jewel, which is already well established on MAN chassis. To date, Moseley in the South has supplied around a dozen Beulas-bodied vehicles.

Moseley in the South has a long-standing relationship with Van Hool, offering the extensive TX family of luxury coaches with MAN engines. Orders have been taken for 2018 though no stock is being held.

For smaller coach requirements, the main offering is now the Indcar range which is set to receive a boost with the Maxim 2 coming in 2018 on the Iveco CC100 chassis. Offering 33 seats within an overall length of 8.4m, it is already the subject of committed enquiries, with the first example set to arrive around the end of April.

The existing Next is supplied on either 10.5-tonne or 12-tonne Atego chassis with maximum capacities of 33 or 37 respectively with retail prices from £159,500 and £165,000. For next season a new seat design produced in-house will become standard rather than the current Kiel and Innova options. I am told it is sportier in appearance with more leather though I have not seen it.

The Sitcar concern which enjoyed considerable success with the Beluga has been experiencing some financial difficulties with the result that there are currently no Iveco-based Voyagers in stock. The Voyager has not proved as popular as its predecessor primarily because the maximum capacity of 25 seats restricted the market to which it appealed. Although currently still trading with court protection, Sitcar is expected to go into official administration at the end of January. The three Moseley companies are in the process of trying to source from Italy those parts that are specific to the UK operation.

A point worth noting is that all of the coachbuilding brands represented are family businesses, like Moseley: “A lot of customers still want to feel that they are dealing with a family business,” says Marcus.

In 2018 Marcus anticipates that new sales will represent at least 40 coaches with used sales likely to be slightly under the figure of around the 100 mark achieved in the past 12 months.

 

 

 

 

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