Leinfelden-Echterdingen / Kobbegem – Bus tour operator Vandekerckhove Autocars (VDK Autocars for short) from the Belgian town of Zwevezele-Wingene has received a brand-new Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo. The handover took place in Kobbegem at the headquarters of Evobus Belgium NV/SA, the Belgian sales company of Daimler Buses. Frederik Vandekerckhove, who, at 39, is one of the youngest managing directors and co-owners of the 24-employee bus company, is so enthusiastic about his Mercedes‑Benz buses that he traveled to Kobbegem with 25 bus drivers and travel customers. “We have been driving Mercedes‑Benz buses since the 1970s, and for good reason: because we rely on their quality and excellent service,” he says.

“This was a heart-warming and unique handover for us,” says Peter de Brandt, Sales Manager of Daimler Buses. “One of the guests said that the journey started for him as soon as he got on board this bus – and that’s fantastic to hear, of course!”

The new Mercedes‑Benz Tourismo 17 RHD high-deck touring coach from VDK Autocars has seating for 54 passengers. In addition to USB sockets next to each passenger seat and a refrigerator in the front, the three-axle vehicle is equipped with a roof box for the upcoming trips. The Tourismo will be used by VDK for tourist excursions, to provide shuttle services for passengers to cruise ships in the port of Zeebrugge and for multi-day trips in the company’s own travel program.