MacNeillie unveils new Care and Community Transport Package
The all-new MacNeillie Community Transport Demonstrator, being launched at the 2007 Community Transport Exhibition, has been evolved following extensive user-focused industry consultation and research. The result is a very carefully specified vehicle, which incorporates high quality build and fittings - and offers a range of configuration options for optimum flexibility in use. All materials are designed for durability, ease of maintenance and reduced downtime in service - and the total package is supported by MacNeillie’s recently strengthened aftercare and customer support programme. MacNeillies can also offer a ‘key-for-key’ through life vehicle management package to support community transport fleet requirements.
The highly ergonomic layout and configuration of the new Care and Community Transport vehicle takes full account of crew and operator requirements – whilst fully acknowledging the comfort and any special needs of passengers. Special attention has been given to optimising weight savings, to ensure that the all-up weight of the vehicle remains well within the 3.5 tonnes gvw weight limit.
The host vehicle is Renault’s Master LM35 100dCi, which is already well established in the sector. The conversion includes the installation of a driver’s protection screen and roller blind – and, on the show vehicle, the passenger seat is removed to provide space for a generous luggage pen. Additional stowage is provided within a large over-cab area with retaining straps.
The show vehicle’s passenger area includes five removable single seats with wheeled legs, and two additional tip and fold seats. Full height grab poles are fitted as well as other handles. Access is via a well-lit side entrance, with a manual kick-out step – and, at the rear, entry and exit for wheelchair occupants is by a tail-lift.
Patient passenger comfort receives particular attention – the specification includes the replacement of nearside and offside saloon windows with bonded top slider units. For those high impact areas around the windows, additional ABS trims have been added to complement the soft trim lining.
A high efficiency heater is fitted, complete with a shutdown timer – and two 500mm square roof vents are included for additional air circulation. Other features of the installation include high efficiency LED lighting, to reduce on-board energy consumption and optimise battery life.
In recent years, the company has also significantly grown its emergency services, defence and homeland security business. The Walsall based specialist and emergency vehicle converter and bodybuilder is now one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers to all the mainstream blue light and related services. The firm employs around 300 people at its Walsall factory, a significant number of whom have progressed through the company’s own long established and respected apprenticeship scheme. MacNeillies is fully accredited to ISO 9001: 2000 and listed by the Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) as an approved NHS supplier.