Bus manufacturer drives ahead with £21m New Zealand export deal

Bus manufacturer Optare has secured its biggest ever Australasian export order with a £21m deal to supply more than 100 buses to one of New Zealand’s largest public transport operators.

The Leeds-based company will supply 114 buses to Tranzit Group, which will be in service in New Zealand’s capital Wellington and the surrounding region.

Optare said the deal is one of the largest in its 100 year history and will provide ongoing security to its 300-strong workforce after a volatile few years for the bus manufacturing industry and the added uncertainty presented by Brexit.

Graham Belgum, president of Optare, said: “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.”

Paul Snelgrove, managing director of Tranzit Group, said: “A team of us travelled the world to find the ideal lightweight solution (12-tonne GVM) for New Zealand roads.  We were impressed with the lightweight design of the Metrocity combined with the excellent passenger capacities it offers. The design’s reputation for excellent performance with regards to fuel efficiency particularly appealed to us.

“In addition, the Metrocity provided us both a small and medium sized vehicle option 10.1m and 10.8m respectively, 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.

“Overall, we were impressed with Optare’s approach and willingness to work in partnership.”

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