The Optare Group and GM Allison Transmissions have signed an agreement under which Britain’s leading independent bus maker will be the first UK producer to offer Allison’s revolutionary new hybrid transmission system which offers lower emissions, higher fuel efficiency, strong reliability and ease of packaging.

The development was first announced at Euro Bus Expo in November but has now been confirmed in a far reaching supply agreement signed by both companies. It is expected that the first Optare Tempo full size single decker to be fitted with the new transmission will be available in the second half of 2007.

The GM Allison Hybrid System has been proven in excellent operational experience in North America and is a unique parallel hybrid design combining power from a diesel engine with electric power from an energy storage system. It offers bus manufacturers the opportunity to cut emissions, increase fuel economy and improve vehicle performance.

For further information please contact:
Martin Hayes, Communications Advisor, +44 (0) 207 494 8050