Optare has secured its biggest-ever Australasian export order, with a £21m deal to supply 114 Metrocity buses to Tranzit Group, whose MD Paul Snelgrove describes the purchase as a “no brainer.”
Tranzit is one of New Zealand’s largest public transport operators, and the buses will be used in and around Wellington, the capital city.
Optare, the UK’s third-largest bus manufacturer, will deliver the first buses in March 2018, with final deliveries by July 2018.
The Euro 6 buses will be built at Optare’s Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire plant.
The deal is one of the largest in the business’ 100 year history and will provide ongoing security to the firms 300-strong workforce after a volatile few years for the bus manufacturing industry and the added uncertainty presented by Brexit, it adds.
Says Optare President Graham Belgum: “This is a significant step for Optare as part of our international export strategy and signals the exciting growth opportunities available to us in Australasia.
“Further, it recognises our continued innovation in lightweight products that use fuel efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.”
Adds Mr Snelgrove: “A team of us travelled the world to find the ideal lightweight solution (12-tonne GVM) for New Zealand roads.
“Overall, we were impressed with Optare’s approach and willingness to work in partnership, it was a no-brainer decision for us.”
“We were impressed with the lightweight design of the Metrocity combined with the excellent passenger capacities. The design’s reputation for excellent performance with regards to fuel efficiency particularly appealed to us.
“In addition, the Metrocity provides us both a small and medium sized vehicle option (10.1m/10.8m), with identical body and running gear.
“The 10.1m Metrocity, with a shorter wheelbase is ideal for travelling through some of Wellington's narrow streets and hilly terrain.”
Optare is subsidiary of India-based Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group.
