Independent bus maker Optare and bus rental and retail specialists Mistral have reached agreement to create a new force in UK bus sales.

With effect from January 2008 the trading relationship between Optare and Mistral will be extended with Mistral assuming primary responsibility for the further development of sales of the Optare bus range within the independent sector of the market. The availability of the innovative Versa and Tempo, together with the striking Solo SR, will deliver to Mistral customers a one stop shop service and provide Optare with a partner supplying its range exclusively to customers in this sector.

Mistral will operate exclusively in selling and renting the Optare range to smaller operators nationwide whilst the Optare sales team will focus on the larger fleet operators.

The two companies have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship over a number of years during which time the volume of Solos supplied through Mistral has risen to around 20% of the total sold each year. The parties expect as a result of this agreement that customers of all sizes will receive the same high level of attention and expertise in the handling of their orders and that the overall sales of Optare buses will increase sharply.

Optare’s Group Managing Director, Bob Coombes, welcomed the new agreement and commented: “Mistral has consistently grown its sales of Solo, to the point where they now account for approximately 20% of the total volume sold each year. This agreement gives them the confidence to develop their business with a much extended modern product range knowing that they have the full support of the manufacturer.

“Optare’s success is based on innovation and the ability to respond to changing market conditions with products that engage with the travelling public. We look forward to working more closely with our colleagues at Mistral to create a responsive approach to the independent sector of the market”, said Mr Coombes.

Mistral’s Steve Low added: “Mistral focuses exclusively on the small to medium size operator and through this specialisation has developed a deep understanding of that sector’s needs. This agreement gives both companies a clear route forward allowing us to concentrate on our respective strengths.

“The Optare product range has recently been strengthened considerably with the development of new ranges such as the Versa and the Solo SR. The success of the Solo has allowed these products to be instantly accepted by the market and we look forward to being able to work side by side with Optare to supply these vehicles to the market. 2008 sees our 10th anniversary at Mistral and this agreement allows us to look confidently to the future”, said Mr Low.

For further information please contact:

Mistral Group
Steve Low +44 (0)1565 621 881
or
Optare
Martin Hayes, Communications Advisor +44 (0)20 7494 8050