Mistral Group says it is looking towards embracing zero-emission technologies as the coach and bus financing, rental and sales specialist celebrates its 30th anniversary this summer.
The company was established in 1992 as Cheshire Bus and Coach, a side business to Knutsford-based bus operator Starline Travel, owned by Simon Fawcett. The Mistral name debuted in 1998 and growth quickly followed, particularly as the low floor revolution came to the industry.
Mistral Asset Finance was formed in 1998, while in 2013 Mistral entered a partnership with Alexander Dennis that remains in place. That arrangement now captures Plaxton coaches in addition to ADL buses, while further growth has come in 2022 with the establishment of The Bus Shop.
The next stage of the business’s development will be a move into zero-emission, says Group Managing Director Steve Low. “The industry in which we operate has undergone considerable change, and it has been vital that we have kept up with the speed of innovation that has been experienced.
“Now more than ever, we are on the cusp of another wave of change with the move towards a net zero transport system. Once again, we are looking to lead the way in finding innovative ways to get this technology cost-effectively into the hands of operators around the country.” That includes alternative fuels, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric, the company adds.
Sales Director Martyn Bellis re-joined Mistral in late 2021 after an eight-year period away. He says that the group’s diesel-powered rental fleet continues to grow, but adds that he also looks forward to Mistral further developing “as it transitions with the industry to zero-emission.”
Mr Fawcett, who is Chief Executive of Mistral Group, has thanked customers, partners, staff and suppliers for their contribution to the business’s success as it marks its 30th anniversary.
“It is incredible to see how times have changed since I was a small bus operator and I saw an opportunity in the market to become a supplier to the industry. It has been a big learning curve and I have been blessed by a brilliant team around me, who have dedicated such a lot of time, energy and real expertise to our business.
“They have dreamed up ideas that we have been able to put into practice, become bus enthusiasts and industry nerds, and above all, poured their enthusiasm into everything that we have achieved so far.
“Just as the last few years have presented us with issues that we had never anticipated, the next few are set to bring us many more exciting challenges and we look forward eagerly to see where the new advances in the industry will take us.”
