Optare has announced the end of production of its original Solo design after some 14 years. The original model is being retired in favour of the new look Solo SR for both UK and exports markets. Since its introduction in 1997, more than 4,000 of the original Solo design have entered service in the UK, […]

Further to the announcement on 25th November, UK bus manufacturer Optare plc can now confirm it has signed a contract worth up to £18 million under which it will supply 190 of its Solo SR midibus model to the City of Cape Town. The fleet of buses will form a key element of a Bus […]

The long term future of British bus maker Optare plc has been secured thanks to a refinancing agreement announced today. The deal involves Ashok Leyland increasing its holding in Optare to 75.1% allowing Optare to become fully integrated in Ashok’s ambitious global bus strategy which seeks to maintain and improve on its top five place […]

The Government’s announcement as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn statement of a £25 million extension of the Green Bus Fund (GBF) has been warmly welcomed by bus manufacturer Optare’s CEO Jim Sumner. Since Optare introduced eco-friendly buses across its range three years ago it has benefitted significantly from GBF support to its customers. From a […]

UK bus manufacturer Optare plc has been selected to supply 190 Solo SR midibus model to the City of Cape Town. The fleet of buses will form a key element of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network being introduced by the City Council as part of a world-class Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system combining all […]

To mark the final commissioning of Optare’s new bus assembly plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire, the company was today (Thursday, 03 November 2011) visited by Transport Minister Norman Baker. The Minister’s visit began with a brief overview of the numerous benefits that Optare and its customers will gain from the new facility. These include the potential […]

With production now in full swing at Optare’s brand new factory at Sherburn-in-Elmet, a major new chapter in the history of British bus manufacturing begins – while another ends as the gates at the company’s Crossgates works in Leeds are closed and locked for the last time. Optare has been building buses at Crossgates since […]

The first customer for Optare’s new Tempo SR model is leading East Midlands operator trent barton, which confirmed its order for 13 at Coach & Bus Live 2011. The order is part of an £8 million, three year contract placed last October under which Optare was awarded preferred supplier status by trent barton and which […]

At Coach & Bus Live 2011 Optare is again demonstrating its adaptability and flexibility in producing buses that meet detailed and very different customer specifications. On its stand (G1), it will be showing three models from a comprehensive range that now extends from 18 seater midibuses to 100 passenger double-deckers. One of the three vehicles […]