Originally only available on the Volvo B12B chassis, the Levante enabled both able-bodied and wheelchair passengers to enter the vehicle via the front door, using a combination of a front-mounted lift and two single pedestal-mounted seats in place of the traditional double at the front nearside of the passenger area. The Levante is used by most National Express contractors, although some contractors continued purchasing Plaxton Elites.
This model is similar to a Portuguese market model, Caetano Winner, which was presented in 2004 and was born from a collaboration with Evobus with the first units being equipped with Mercedes-Benz OC500 chassis, but other manufacturers' chassis can be applied. Levante bodies which are not built new for National Express work are known as CT650s.
Levante III
In September 2017, the Levante III was launched with prototypes built for National Express contractors Edwards Coaches on a Volvo B11R and Skills Coaches on a Scania.[4][5]
An upgraded variant named the Levante IIIA is currently being trialled by National Express. Built on a new Scania 'Step E' chassis suitable for a potential electric drivetrain and featuring a new front end module and suspension, the Levante IIIA is equipped with camera mirrors replacing the traditional mirror arms, warning sensors for road and blindspot hazards, and a new cab area layout. Two Levante IIIAs are to be operated on trial by contractors Clarkes of London and Bruce's Coaches before the type is rolled out across the National Express coaching fleet from spring 2023.[6][7]
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