Hopkinsons choose Higer buses
Hopkinsons reportedly based their decision on the price, support and manoeuvrability of the Higer range. The well-known Sydney firm added seven new Higers to the fleet - replacing some of its older buses with new 12.3m Higer 'RoadBoss' models, as well as two new 28 seat 'Munro' midi buses.
According to Michelle Hopkinson, managing director at Hopkinsons, Higer has matched the company's needs from the very first dealings.
"Higer has been terrific right from when my late father Graham and our workshop manager Geoff Cooper began dealing with them," Michelle said.
"We have been very impressed with Higer's service and communications from our first negotiations, through the ordering and purchasing and on to the pre delivery and after sales service.
"The Higers have become an all-round favourite with our drivers because of their manoeuvrability and compact two-axle design.
"From a management point of view the Higer's are proving to be less expensive to buy and run which benefits our bottom line," she added.
Hopkinsons has also recorded a reduction in collisions and incidents thanks to the manoeuvrability and ease of operation of the Higers in inner city conditions.
"We've seen a reduction in the number of accidents compared with our three axle coaches that we were using for a lot of our work, and the Higers are perfect for day tours, rail replacement and city transfers," Michelle said.
"Overall we are very satisfied with Higer because they have provided our customers with coaches that better suit their travel requirements," Michelle concluded.
Higer buses are manufactured in China, utilising Cummins engines, Allison and ZF transmissions, Meritor Axles and European designed chassis. The company's product line up, from six metre buses up to full 18 metre vehicles, catersg to a variety of applications and specific requirements from high-end tourist coaches to high capacity city commuter route buses.
Higer was awarded the Asia BAAV Bus Expo Bus Coach Builder of the Year for 2007, 2008 and 2009. It also won the Equipment award and the Safest Brand of Choice award in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.