Zero-emission Orion E and Strata LF make left-hand drive debuts as builder’s ambitions are spelt out
Mellor continued its charge into Europe at Busworld, displaying the zero-emission Orion E and low-floor Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Strata LF in left-hand drive form for the first time alongside a right-hand drive Tucana.
Three European distribution partners have been appointed and the Orion E leads Mellor’s export aspirations, says MD John Randerson.
“Our presence at Busworld is the result of incredible effort from the entire team. We did some serious ‘crystal ball gazing’ backed by customer and engineering research into future needs.
“This work has been extended to look at the European bus market under the same lens; we want to better understand and work out the synergies and opportunities there.”
Mellor says that changes in passenger transport have been driven by a reduction in passenger numbers.
In conjunction with the emergence of app-based demand responsive services and the pressure to do better environmentally, that has created space for smaller electric and Euro 6 diesel buses. “We look forward to the next chapter as we aim to become Europe’s leading specialist small bus manufacturer,” adds Mr Randerson.
The Orion E displayed is the second one built. Unlike the UK demonstrator, it has no rear doors and instead comes with a nearside emergency exit and four seats on the back row.
