P. C. Coaches takes delivery of the UK's first Scania Fencer

Long-established Scania operator, Lincoln-based P. C. Coaches, has taken delivery of the UK's first Scania Fencer bus.  Handed over at a special ceremony at Scania's UK headquarters and customer support centre in Milton Keynes, the vehicle is the Fencer f1 demonstrator which featured in the global launch of the Fencer range, which was staged in the UK in May of this year.  The vehicle will now enter service on P. C. Coaches' fare stage operations within Lincolnshire.

"We were looking for a vehicle which would be suitable for both service and schools work, and with seat belts fitted the Fencer fits the bill perfectly," comments P. C. Coaches Managing Director, Peter Smith. "As a fully built-up bus from Scania, we regard the Fencer f1 as an exciting, innovative new product and are therefore delighted to be the first UK operator to put one into service.

"We had no hesitation in opting for Scania again as we purchased our first Scania back in 1988 and have been buying them ever since – today, all our 68 heavy buses and coaches are Scania.  We continue to support the brand because of the quality of its products and the service backup we receive, which is second-to-none.  Scania are always there when we need them, we have an excellent long term relationship with both the bus and coach team and our local dealer and, should any issues arise, they are always rectified without delay." 

"On behalf of the entire Scania team I would like to thank and congratulate P. C. Coaches on the acquisition of the UK's first Fencer f1," says Martin West, Sales Director – Bus and Coach for Scania (Great Britain) Limited.  "The single deck Fencer f1 is just the beginning of a new bus platform for Scania.  The vehicle has been extremely well received since its launch and the next demonstrators featuring our new generation chassis technology will be with us in early 2022. 

"New additions to the range are planned, meaning we will soon have a solution for every UK bus fleet operator. While P. C. Coaches' vehicle has our tried, tested and proven nine-litre engine, which can be operated on 100 percent HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) biofuel, the Fencer is built on a new chassis which has been designed from the outset as a future-proofed platform with a comprehensive selection of renewably-fuelled drivetrains including full battery electric and hybrid versions and biogas options (see Editor's note).

Scania Fencer: features and benefits

The nine-litre Scania engine fitted to the first Fencer vehicles will be SCR-only and meets the requirements of the Euro 6 Step E emissions standard.  Paired with ZF's  Ecolife 2 fully automatic six-speed gearbox, the vehicle is capable of achieving substantial fuel savings compared to its predecessors.  Other features of the transmission include fast and smooth shifting and a new 'unloaded starting' feature which enhances passenger comfort by reducing noise, improving starting performance and delivering consistent acceleration. 

Scania's in-house modular chassis development approach focuses on safety, performance and quality, and ensures all major components are under Scania's direct control.  Suspension, brakes and electrics are all controlled by Scania's own software, and all systems communicate with Scania's own diagnostic tool, thereby simplifying troubleshooting and programming.  In this way, Scania seeks to maximise uptime of the Fencer while maintaining optimal efficiency and performance at all times.

An all-new driver's area features an adjustable instrument panel for increased driver comfort.  Ergonomically designed, all controls are within arm’s reach for ease of use and to reduce driver fatigue and stress.

Externally, the Fencer's bodywork displays an innovative and contemporary profile, with low windows contributing to the natural flow of the vehicle's lines and kerbside appeal. Also incorporated into the design are stylish LED lights and enhanced side lighting.  Inside, the modern, spacious design approach continues, with a light and airy saloon complemented again by full LED lighting to create a stylish and relaxed ambience.

Editor's note

The Fencer range will be available with a choice of renewable powertrain technologies with hybrid, gas power with BioCNG and BioLNG options.  In addition, Scania's entire diesel offering can run on HVO without any modification.

The Scania Fencer will have Scania’s 100 percent battery electric powertrain, of which the first demonstrator will arrive in 2022.  A new fully integrated chassis will allow for an eight- or ten-battery pack set-up.  This chassis will also feature a host of mechanical revisions, new electrics and ECU, new independent front suspension and a new rigid front axle for improved passenger capacity load capacity and turning radius as well as increased comfort and aisle width.