AC Williams invests £1.7m in new Tourismos

Lincolnshire-based AC Williams Coaches has invested £1.7m in seven new Mercedes-Benz Euro VI Tourismo touring coaches.

The company’s Executive Chairman, Glen Pratt, has said it is setting its sights on further expansion. AC Williams operate over 30 vehicles, ranging from executive coaches through to double-deckers and wheelchair accessible vehicles. The operator has earned its reputation as a major contractor for schools transport with a wide and expanding customer base in commercial contracts, local private hire and the tourist sector.

David Pratt, Managing Director of AC Williams, said: “Following very successful trials of the Tourismo we found Mercedes-Benz to be the best all round vehicle for the fleet. Its performance and fuel economy coupled with the three-pointed star passenger appeal meant it was ideal for us.”

The Tourismos have 53 TSE seat capacity and are powered by the OM437 10.7l Euro VI engine coupled with both ZF EcoLife and MB Powershift gearboxes. Further features include centre sunken toilet, full two zone climate control and multimedia systems including satellite navigation. Enhanced safety systems feature heavily with the new Front Collision Guard (FCG), Advanced braking system (AEBS) and lane assist (SPA) all fitted as standard.

Glen Pratt said: “We provide a valuable service to our local communities and are benefiting from new business in the domestic and international tourist sector. We continue to invest heavily in new vehicles as we win new business across the country. This is great news for our Lincolnshire based workforce. Plans are now in place to expand into London and the South East.”