Operator confidence in the Optare Tempo, an attractive and low weight heavy duty single-decker, has been confirmed this month by four operators – Konectbus in Dereham, Norfolk Green of Kings Lynn, Express Motors of North Wales and Johnsons of Henley in Arden – which have all placed repeat orders for a total of eight Tempos. A variety of specifications are involved, including SCR technology from Mercedes with Allison gearboxes and EGR from MAN with ZF transmission.

One of those operators – Peter Johnson of Johnsons Coaches – spelled out why the company has several Solos on its fleet and has now re-ordered Tempos: “We value long term relationships and Optare has if not the best then one of the very best after sales service operations in the business. That’s critical to us – we depend upon reliable vehicles and both Solo and Tempo have performed excellently for us”.

Chris Wise, Optare’s Sales Director, said: “Confidence in Tempo’s ability to deliver high quality passenger service within an advanced, low weight package which has dramatic benefits on fuel consumption and thus operating costs, is growing strongly. Across the country operators are finding Tempo the first choice for their high density urban routes”.

To date this year Optare has registered 33 Tempos in the UK, compared with just 13 at the same point of 2006. The market for heavy duty single deckers is falling significantly but Optare is predicting further growth for Tempo sales in the year ahead.

First reactions to the Optare Tempo in service in Kiel, Germany, are good and Optare is hopeful of significant fleet interest from Continental operators at the Busworld event in Belgium this week and next.

For further information please contact:

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