Leading British independent bus and coach company Optare has a major presence at Coach and Bus 2007 which opens at Birmingham’s NEC today.

Its stand features four important models, including an all new version of its market leading Solo midibus, the Solo SR, which will be unveiled this morning at 10.45.

The vehicles on the stand include:

Versa – the first production Versa and one of an order for 25 from Stagecoach, The Versa was unveiled at last year’s Show and is earning high regard even before it begins passenger-carrying service – the original prototype has completed a 10,000 mile ‘round Britain’ tour and has been demonstrated to a wide range of operators. This year’s Show vehicle is an 11m model, with 34 seats and MAN EGR engine.

Solo SE – this 7.1m variant is proving popular as a replacement for the Mercedes Benz 709 vehicle and has contributed to the Solo range’s remarkable performance – almost 3,000 have been sold and it is clear market leader in its sector. The Show vehicle, for rental specialists Mistral, has 21 fixed seats plus two tip ups and a Mercedes SCR engine. It is one of 123 so far ordered by Mistral in 2007.

Soroco – an instant hit when it was launched at last year’s Show, the Mercedes Sprinter-based Soroco’s appeal has been reinforced by the largest mid size coach order of the year from EasyBus. The 19-seat Show model is shown in the livery of Golden Boy Coaches of Hoddesdon, which already has a 16-seat Soroco on order.

Optare’s final Show exhibit is the first ever Solo SR. This additional model in the Solo range brings much of the visual and passenger appeal of the Versa to the Solo family, with many other specification enhancements as well. The SR is expected to become a firm favourite with existing Solo customers wishing to demonstrate to their passengers that they are investing in attractive and appealing vehicles with a futuristic look.

“Coach and Bus Live 2007 is another Show where Optare is setting the agenda with an exciting new model which has real relevance to our customers”, said Bob Coombes, Optare’s Group Managing Director. “The Solo SR builds on the proven strengths of Solo while moving the design forward in an exciting direction which has strong passenger and operator appeal”.

For further information please contact:

Martin Hayes, Communications Advisor +44 (0)20 7494 8050