VDL “has not taken over the warranty obligations on Van Hool buses and coaches already delivered”, according to OEM’s feedback to FBAA

The Federation of Belgian Bus and Coach Operators (FBAA) has received from VDL answers to some questions about how VDL is going to behave concerning obligations and warranties of Van Hool vehicles following takeover of the company, as reported on Belgian trade media PVMagazine.

Such answers were received after “repeated insistence and intensive consultations with VDL”.

Van Hool announced the plan to stop production of city buses (and relocating business in Macedonia) on 11th March 2024. On 8th April, was declared bankrupt. VDL – Schmitz Cargobull’s bid has been chosen by trustees in Van Hool’s case as the best fit to ensure continuity in the company on 10th April 2024.

VDL – Van Hool: what about warranties on buses?

As the media sums up, “VDL makes a clear distinction between everything that happened prior to Van Hool’s bankruptcy. Repayment of payment made in advance should be done by “receivers” (person or entity appointed by a court to manage the assets and affairs of a company that is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings).

VDL has also indicated that they have not taken over the warranty obligations on Van Hool buses and coaches already delivered. However, the manufacturer does indicate that it intends to provide customers with maximum support. This will be done through the existing network of 120 Van Hool service points across Europe, both for maintenance and for supplying parts and providing technical support.

For this too, VDL referred to the receivers. Guarantees on buses already ordered and yet to be completed will be considered individually and in consultation with the trustees, is reported.

For the vehicles delivered by Van Hool prior to Van Hool’s bankruptcy, VDL has not taken over any obligations but the manufacturer does indicate that it intends to provide customers with maximum support. This will be done through the existing network of 120 Van Hool service points across Europe, both for maintenance and for supplying parts and providing technical support. VDL Van Hool is currently working on organising this. Information on this is available at service@vdlvanhool.com.

“Dossier by dossier, VDL, in consultation with the trustees, will consider whether buses and coaches ordered will still be completed”, says again VDL.