Higer V-Series debuts as Harris Bus and Coach builds plans for UK

The first V-Series coaches from the constructor have arrived, while work on the Azure electric bus accelerates.

Harris Bus & Coach has unveiled the first Higer V-Series coaches as it prepares to receive 37 vehicles from the series in three lengths as part of a 45-unit order from the Chinese company for delivery in the UK in March 2026. Along with the coaches, there will be eight Azure battery-electric buses.

The V-Series will be available in nominal 10m, 12m, and 14m lengths in diesel form as the V10, V12, and now the V14 with a tri-axle. The dealer says it has already committed to bringing the latter here in battery-electric form as the V14E, with potential range expansion.

Two V10s for the Irish market are currently in the UK for operator and dealer familiarisation.

One of those is accessible; the passenger lift has been fitted in China, but UK coaches that conform with PSVAR will have such equipment from PLS or Dhollandia, with Hanover to fit destination displays. Harris Bus & Coach still has some wheel-forward Steed battery-electric variants in stock.

Once sold, a shorter variation of the door-forward Azure will be introduced to meet the needs of the mid-sized field, alongside the 12m type that is currently established in Ireland.

Chris Hunt, a former MAN coach sales figure, has been named Harris’ Head of Coach Sales in the UK.

He shares James Hooker’s role as Head of Bus Sales and has substantial experience in the sector. The latest developments follow prior announcements in August on the Higer brand’s relaunch and early direction in the UK.

Higer V-Series will lead coach line for UK dealership

The V-Series coach platform builds on Harris’ previous models, the Super 9 midi and the 12m Pegasus.

Cummins power is installed to diesel models, and the dramatic V-Series frontal appearance was already seen in left-hand drive version at Busworld Brussels. Although the V10 is smaller than its sisters, the three coaches have several characteristics.

As displayed, the pair of Irish market V10s include Higer’s unique seat covered in synthetic black leather with diamond stitching, as well as a variety of amenities such as drop-down tables, footrests, and lateral adjustment.

Harris Truck and Bus UK Managing Director Bill Laidlaw says that stock coach builds will come in a variety of trim choices.

Customer orders will also be taken with an expected lead time of six months. The two V10s already present have a tablet-based dash binnacle, with a separate tablet for extra operations to the left.

The cabin mood is welcoming, though Mr Laidlaw notes that UK coaches will have some slight differences from those intended for Ireland, with final specifications to be determined shortly.

Stock models on order include ten V10s, fifteen V12s in a variety of configurations, and twelve V14s, two of which have a more basic layout and ten that are suitable for touring duties.

A further order for 25 vehicles for Ireland is also being processed. Beyond diesel in coach, the V14E battery-electric is being developed. Like Higer buses, it will include CATL energy storage, with approximately 480kWh to be installed.

Warranty coverage will be established soon, but 15-year coverage is planned for electric products. Other V14E specification aspects, such as maximum charging power, have yet to be agreed.

Approximately 30 UK coach operators will be shown the V10 pair in November. A roadshow will occur later.

Mr Laidlaw says Harris Bus and Coach UK has been startled by the volume of interest from possible buyers in both the coach and bus markets.

Azure battery-electric bus generating big group interest

Interest in the Azure bus is also growing, with Mr Laidlaw mentioning that early negotiations have begun with more than one of the large groupings.

Higher battery-electric vehicles have already gained momentum among private operators in Ireland, where the remaining Steed models are anticipated to find homes.

Harris currently plans to deliver a diesel single-deck bus to the UK as part of a five-year plan, building on its position in August, as well as battery-electric and diesel double-deckers.

Such expansion, along with the introduction of the V14E electric coach, is scheduled to begin in 2027. The priority for next year will be to establish dealers.

Those will come from the Maxus light commercial vehicle network, which is also supplied by Harris Group, but Mr Laidlaw adds that some other partners have put their heads in the ring to assist Higer vehicles.

Previously, the Dublin-based company planned to open ten Higer specialist locations in the area, all of which would provide aftersales service and eight of which would also sell new vehicles.

However, interest from such potential parties has been larger than expected, and Mr Laidlaw expects the forecast numbers to rise.

Complementing them will be a central Harris Bus and Coach hub for the UK, complete with showroom facilities, as Harris’ existing buildings in Liverpool are projected to be outgrown.

Cheshire is now the favourite for that development. “It is all looking good for us in the coach and bus world,” Mr Laidlaw believes.

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