The four new coaches are equipped with the latest ‘Euro 6’ engines. As the name suggests, Euro 6 is the latest round of regulation set by the European Commission governing the amount of harmful exhaust gases motor vehicles can emit.

Compared with the previous Euro 5 emissions standard, which focused largely on carbon dioxide emissions – Euro 6 is particularly targeting nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. But it will also reduce sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and diesel particulate matter emissions, as well as CO2.

NOx emissions have been scientifically linked to respiratory diseases and other health issues, and environmental damage including acid rain and the Euro 6 standard forces vehicle makers to reduce NOx by more than 55 percent. 

Two of the coaches are Scania Interlink Finesse 12.8m two axle vehicles with full touring specifications, to the company’s 49 seat Club Class – extra legroom configuration; and will be used on Johnsons’ extensive range of holidays and day excursions.  The other Scania is the same model but on 14 metres with 63 seats and toilet.  These are in addition to the Yutong TC9 37 seater midi-coach which arrived late in March.  Both of these will be kept busy on private hires for its many customers in the corporate, leisure and education sectors.

All the new intakes have reclining half real leather executive seats, climate control, audio and visual equipment, seat back tables and USB charging points.

John Johnson, Commercial Director of Johnsons Coach Travel said: “We are investing heavily in vehicles with the latest state of the art engine technology, which have amazingly low emissions, compared to older vehicles. We now have 18 Euro 6 coaches and buses and more investment is already being planned for next year.  With ULEZ already in place in London and CAZ’s being implemented in other cities very soon, we are well placed to meet the needs of our customers and these new regulations.”