Mellor parent Woodall Nicholson buys Treka, with deal set to allow best practice to be shared by both
Mellor Coachcraft parent Woodall Nicholson Holdings has purchased Treka Bus.
The deal was completed in November. Both manufacturers continue to work independently, but there will be a crossover of engineering and administrative functions.
Mellor Managing Director John Randerson has been appointed Woodall Nicholson Bus Division MD and Morgan Clissett has been promoted to MD of Treka Bus, succeeding his father Mark. Mr Clissett Snr remains involved as a consultant.
“This is an excellent opportunity for both businesses,” says Mr Randerson. “Our distinct brands and products complement each other, providing additional choice for customers.”
He adds that as part of a sharing of knowledge, there is a possibility of Treka following Mellor into the zero-emission sector.
Treka has moved to reassure customers that it is business as usual, and that it remains fully committed to its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based accessible high-floor range.
“Our message to customers is that we remain the same Treka as before. The only difference is that we are now owned by Woodall Nicholson. Our people are the same and our products are the same,” says Morgan Clissett.
“This deal is an evolution of Treka. We are moving from being a self-contained business to being part of a larger machine. Our line-up complements Mellor’s and this year we are continuing our programme of incremental product improvements.”
2017 was a record year for Treka and it delivered over 320 coachbuilt and converted minibuses, a figure that is expected to grow further this year. Treka has secured sufficient numbers of the current Sprinter model to account for all of its 2018 build programme, having placed a 360-strong order with Mercedes-Benz. That mitigates any worries about availability as German production moves to the new variant and Mr Clissett says that it places Treka in a unique position.
“We will have no difficulties with supply of the existing Sprinter in 2018 and that will allow buyers to put off any cost increase that may come with the new model.
“But we will be more able than most of our competitors to make the transition to the new Sprinter. We are at an advanced stage in planning for it, and we anticipate switching over during early 2019. If buyers specifically want the new model, it will be available from mid-2018.”
Rental fleets were prominent in Treka’s deliveries for 2017, with the coachbuilt Treka 16 being adopted by some as their sole product in that segment. The converted Treka Van – now able to carry 22 seated passengers – is also of interest to many buyers, adds Mr Clissett.