Obituary: Adrian Wickens, a stalwart of the LowCVP

All of us in the LowCVP secretariat were very sorry to learn of the death of Adrian Wickens, former Volvo Bus UK Product Planning Manager and Corporate Spokesman. Adrian was a very active and strong supporter of the LowCVP and a highly respected industry figure. 

 

He worked for Volvo Bus for 42 years and was also chairman of the SMMT's Bus and Coach Section for 10 years. He retired from Volvo Bus in September 2015 with a presentation on the company's stand at Coach & Bus Live, held at the NEC.

 

Adrian was very active in the LowCVP’s Bus Working Group and a prominent actor in the move to ‘greener’ buses offering lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. He was involved in the development of environmentally-friendly vehicles including gas and more latterly, hybrid and electric-hybrid vehicles.

 

LowCVP's Managing Director, Andy Eastlake said: "Adrian was one of the very first LowCVP members, chairing a bus group meeting in 2002 even before our official launch. "I worked with him on bus testing before the LowCVP even existed; he was a key voice in helping get the first greener bus funding and targets established.

 

"Always able to see the 'big picture' in terms of the environment and wider economy, Adrian rose above narrow commercial interest and embodied the spirit of collaboration that the LowCVP values so highly. He was an important force in establishing the Partnership and making it the organisation it is today.

 

"A true gentleman and a driving force for progress, I was honoured to work with and learn from him."

 

Originally from Old Windsor, Adrian went to University College London, graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree and then a Masters in ergonomics.

 

He began his career with Park Royal Vehicles (by then part of British Leyland) B15 Titan bus project, initially in the drawing office.

 

Adrian also worked at Volvo’s Gothenburg, Sweden, HQ on a number of projects including the launch of the B12M/B12B coach range.