• New Mercedes-Benz Tourismo 17 RHD with 54 passenger seats
• An enthusiastic welcome at the handover at the Daimler Buses headquarters in Belgium
• Frederik Vandekerckhove: “We know the product and are very satisfied!”

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!”

Tourismo promotes tourism at this Belgian coach company

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.

VDK Autocars regards Mercedes-Benz as its “signature brand”

Buses from Mercedes-Benz are the pulse of VDK Autocars: Its bus fleet is made up of 26 vehicles, no fewer than 24 of which bear the Mercedes star. Frederik Vandekerckhove appreciates the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo, and considers it an extremely comfortable touring coach with an excellent suspension system. “The big advantage is that all components come from Mercedes-Benz,” he says, adding: "Our next Tourismo should be arriving soon. We know the product and are very satisfied!"