The world's first amphibious coach has been launched, allowing bus passengers to take to the waves
The world's first amphibious coach has been launched, allowing bus passengers to take to the waves.
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The Amphicoach, which carries up to 50 passengers, is the brainchild of Scotsman George Smith.
The coach's wheels retract into a hull, made from marine-grade aluminium, allowing it to reach speeds of up to eight knots, powered by a jet-drive unit.
According to its makers, the Amphicoach can compete with any luxury standard road coach for performance, safety and comfort.
"On the other hand its sailing capabilities are accepted by marine experts involved in the project as being astonishing," said a spokesman.
"This feature consequently makes the vehicle suitable for extended water tours. The Amphicoach is able to operate day and night, in both fresh and salt water, which is highly unusual."
Twelve vehicles are to be built each year, under the supervision of Lloyd's Register, with Australian, Dutch and German companies said to be interested.
The spokesman added, "Due to the vehicle's superior stability and safety features the Amphicoach is a Modern Technological Wonder. Soon people will no longer be satisfied with just a city coach tour, they will want the complete package, a city coach tour with a water cruise built in."