Colin Robertson, chief executive of ADL, says the new small coach is the next stage in the process of changing vehicles built by the Scarborough facility (acquired by ADL back in 2007).
"Cheetah XL takes the process of step-change model introductions a stage further," he says.
"It is extra large, as the XL suffix suggests; it has more passenger capacity – 36, plus crew," he continues.
"And it has more luggage space and a more powerful 5.1 litre engine, all of which moves the Cheetah from the mini to midi coach sector."
The new vehicle replaces Plaxton's previouis best-seller in the mini coach sector, which Robertson concedes was in need of "radical change" in line with operator requirements.
"The vehicle we are launching will be class-leading in terms of passenger capacity, luggage space, performance and whole-life cost," says Robertson.
"It builds on the best of the best: two decades of experience in the small to medium-sized coach sector; a winning Plaxton-Mercedes combination; and clever design that improves reliability, durability and serviceability."