Coachtraders

See them yourselves

The latest model, the new rear engined, MAN powered Unvi Touring GTR 45 seater.

Operators who are able to get to Whitburn in the next few days can have the chance to see and drive both the new GT and the new GTR Tourings and see Coachtraders new premises. Both models will be on Show 09.00 to 18.00 every day from Friday 22 to Saturday 30 November. Please call ahead (01501 744000) to confirm a time slot for your test drive. Anyone actually ordering a vehicle during the Test Drive will receive an overnight dinner, bed and breakfast stay for two in a Sovereign Room at the World famous five star Gleneagles Hotel!

The future

Naturally as I sat chatting to Brian and Gordon talk turned to the thorny subject of Scottish independence. Neither of the them, despite being passionate Scots, are in favour of the move. They believe it will only make things more difficult for business and cannot see where the benefits are going to come from. ‘We would like it not to happen, ‘ said Brian, ‘but if it does we hope it doesn’t upset the existing trading arrangements because we cannot see how that is going to benefit anyone, least of all Scottish business.’ One major concern they do have is if Scotland decided to adopt the Euro as its currency rather than Sterling. ‘That really would put the cat amongst the pigeons,’ says Gordon. Philosophically he says, ‘we can’t do anything about it so we will just have to deal with it if it happens.’

I asked Brian and Gordon how they saw things going forward. Both are optimistic. They feel the market is recovering and that there is more confidence in the industry and that is beginning to translate into solid business going forward. The loss of the Vario is a concern because it is such a key model in their range, but they also know how key it is to Unvi’s wider business and are confident that the Spanish company will come up with a worthy alternative. They would like it to be quick but more than that they want it to be right and they have the confidence in Unvi that they will achieve that.

Conclusion

Coachtraders have come a long way in four years starting from bleak beginnings. That has been solely down to the sheer determination of Brian and Gordon and the enormous effort they and their families have put in. They have fought hard to uphold their principles of providing quality product, excellent after-care and scrupulously fair dealing. For me that combination will continue to bring them further success and they are to be congratulated on what they have achieved in such a short time.

• Contact
  For further information on Coachtraders, the Unvi range and pre-owned vehicles
  contact them on 01501 744000
  e-mail to [email protected]
  or check out their website www.coachtraders.co.uk

By Rob Orchard