Optare Solo

[Aaron Ashton]

I've heard multiple rumours that Optare/Switch has started doing small numbers of diesel powered Solos again after the electric side of buses fell off a cliff...is anyone able to confirm/deny this? I know there have been the sporadic 'new' Solos built but only in a single digit numbers bar the NI ones.

 

[MotCO]

They were making buses for Dubai, I think. Maybe it's an export order?

 

[Aaron Ashton]

They were making buses for Dubai, I think. Maybe it's an export order?

Well, Optare/Switch built new Solos for Sargeants, Flintshire Council, Hatch Green (these 3 having 72 plates) and London Fire Brigade (on 23 plates) so I'm wondering if they're doing what they did with the Omnidekka and keeping the product as a special order product?

 

[m79900]

and London Fire Brigade (on 23 plates)

Are these fire engines or transport for fire fighters?

 

[Aaron Ashton]

Are these fire engines or transport for fire fighters?

Command Units - https://flic.kr/p/2ozjzRL
Credit to Peter Murch on Flickr.

 

[m79900]

thanks

 

[Mollman]

I seem to recall one of the issue was that they were no longer able to get new Daimler engines, however they might still be offering Cummins. It wouldn't surprise me if they have changed their mind given no-one seems to be ordering Solo EVs and they don't want to leave the midibus market to Mellor.

 

[MotCO]

I seem to recall one of the issue was that they were no longer able to get new Daimler engines, however they might still be offering Cummins. It wouldn't surprise me if they have changed their mind given no-one seems to be ordering Solo EVs and they don't want to leave the midibus market to Mellor.

Or Streetlite df (do wrightbus still make it /does anyone want to buy them?) Or the new ADL100

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

I've heard multiple rumours that Optare/Switch has started doing small numbers of diesel powered Solos again after the electric side of buses fell off a cliff...is anyone able to confirm/deny this? I know there have been the sporadic 'new' Solos built but only in a single digit numbers bar the NI ones.

It would seem so.

Stagecoach has announced new diesel slimline solos have been purchased, alongside some Metrocity EVs as well.

 

[GusB]

The recent Stagecoach order is being discussed here:

Bus Manufacturer News & Discussion

I'm sure a thread like this was created before, however i had a look and can no longer find it. The purpose of this thread is to post news and updates regarding bus manufacturers based in the UK such as ADL, Optare and Wright. Builders like Mellor Coachcraft who do the minibus van bodies are...

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