The model
- this is one of two Wrights Explorer models announced on 17th April
2024 and released two days later, on 19th April 2024. The second
features AVW56 on route 69X to Tin Shui (KMB2023015).
The bus - the Wrightbus
Explorer is the three-axle version of the Wrights Eclipse Gemini
introduced into UK bus fleets in 2002/3. It has a very distinctive
appearance, and is sometimes referred to as the 'Nokia' bus, it's
frontal appearance resembling a mobile phone!. AVW1,
the prototype vehicle, commenced trials with KMB in January 2003.
Production examples began entering service in September 2003. The
initial order was for 50 buses, but in January 2004, a repeat order,
worth £6million, was placed with Ian Pearson MP, the Minister with
responsibility for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, saying "This
repeat order from KMB, the world’s biggest bus company, is a marvellous
endorsement of Wrightbus as a designer and manufacturer of a range of
superb vehicles which incorporate advanced technology for both drivers
and passengers. Repeat business placed so quickly after just a few
weeks of the first introduction of the vehicles by KMB on some of Hong
Kong’s busiest routes is a measure of the quality of the buses and of
this Northern Ireland company’s highly responsive customer services." AVW92 was first registered on 1st August 2005 and was retired on 12th July 2023.
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