Growing importance of minibuses stressed while EVs and autonomous technology discussed
Chris Green, Member of Parliament for Bolton West, visited Mellor Coachcraft’s parent company Woodall Nicholson’s premises last Thursday (26 January).
Mr Green was briefed by CEO Geoff Hudson, who confirmed that Mellor is pursuing both full-electric and autonomous minibuses, with a 16-seat electric model promised for later in 2017.
“Woodall Nicholson is conscious of government targets for clean air and vehicle autonomy in public transport,” says Mr Hudson.
Mr Green sits on the Commons Science and Technology Committee, and initiatives are being led by the government to promote the development of autonomous vehicles.
“Size-appropriate buses feed the developing Mobility as a Service market which will be further enabled by electrification and autonomy,” adds Mr Hudson.
Mr Green also met Mellor General Manager John Randerson, who points out that Mellor’s low-floor Strata and Tucana II minibuses allow services to be provided at much lower cost than with full-size buses.
