In the second award win of 2018, Optare was recognised for its export success at the York Press Business Awards. This award follows the delivery of 114 Metrocity buses to Tranzit Group in New Zealand in a deal worth £21m and an order for 94 Solo buses to Dubai to the Roads and Transport Authority in a deal valued at circa £18m.

“I am delighted that Optare has been recognised for its export success. Having a strong export component to the business in 2018 has helped to mitigate UK market challenges and provide opportunities to grow the business. We continue to build on our export success in Australasia and the Middle East and explore other regions where our lightweight buses provide a unique and commercially attractive offering to government agencies and established operators.”

Richard Butler, Chief Executive, Optare

Further awards recognition for Optare this year included the Metrodecker EV winning the CILT (Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics) award for contribution to environment, the UK Bus Awards Silver Environment award and reaching the finals of the technology category for the UK transport awards in October.