It’s anyone’s guess with the chassis supply in the current market from any dealer, whether that be Mercedes-Benz, Iveco and so on. But technically speaking once you have an order number you’ve got the green light for your new minibus.
Why is getting a minibus taking so long at the moment?
There are various reasons. With prices rising, everyone else’s is and as the government are trying to retrieve funds back from COVID and Brexit, on top of that is the Ukraine war happening right now. This has meant that parts are delayed because of materials not in stock and then trying to source them elsewhere with long waiting times.
How to give yourself the best chance of getting a minibus before Christmas
If you’re thinking of buying a new minibus before the end of the year, we recommend placing a deposit so when a van does become available we can allocate it straight to you.
It’s on a first come first serve basis but this allows us to speed up the process.
So how long does it take to build my bus?
As soon as we have your bespoke order we arrange and order all the parts ahead of the build slot.
Once the van or chassis cab arrives from the chosen dealer we can start to build it. We normally allow a week to get it to the specific factory.
Depending on your build as all specifications are uniquely different, your minibus will go through multiple stages. You have engineering, electrical, assembly, pre inspection checks, valets and any additional works (such as CCTV fittings or livery) to be fitted.
Engineering takes place first. A mid-range specification will take approximately 160 hours. This process involves trimming the pillars, fitting floor panels, installing window ledges, built boot (if required), luggage racks, the list goes on! It’s the basic structure which is enhanced.
Moving onto electrics which would approximately take 45 hours on a mid range bus. Accessories, and lighting fixtures are installed and the obvious electric minibus parts such as PA systems etc.
Then you have assembly to put all the major components together such as table supports, air conditioning brackets, metal and fabrication work. This is estimated on a mid-range specification to take 58 hours.
The minibus then moves into the paint department. Here it would be prepared for paint if required and exterior parts to be fitted and bonded such as the passenger power door and surrounds. This usually takes 35 hours.
Then we arrange onwards movement to our sales office in Southwater where your minibus will have a dealer pre inspection check, an additional pre inspection check from our workshop to ensure everything is how it should be, valet, tacho calibration and plates assigned. This approximately takes two weeks.
Read more tips to configure your new minibus and what to consider here
Feeling ready to design your new minibus? Take a look at our models to choose from
** Times can vary due to how high the specification is and completion date can change based on the chassis arrival into our factory.