Bus rental and sales specialist, Mistral Group, have placed their largest ever order with Leeds based bus manufacturer Optare.

The order is for 110 Optare Solo buses to be delivered in 2007 for distribution by Mistral through its rental fleet or by direct sale. The order is an increase on previous years and underlines Mistral’s commitment to the Optare brand, which forms the mainstay of its rental fleet.

Commenting on the order, Mistral’s Chairman and CEO, Simon Fawcett, said, ‘The Optare Solo has proved to be an excellent product for this business, allowing us to develop both our sales and rental activities. This order emphasises our support of Optare and its continued development since the management buy-out was completed. We have now managed to reach an agreement with Optare that provides a strong framework for both of our businesses to develop together in partnership, which can only give further benefits to our joint customers.’

Optare’s Group Managing Director Bob Coombes said: “This major order for the Solo from Mistral underlines the strong relationship between our businesses. Mistral gives us added strength in our product and market offering and this latest order – at a time of increased competition in the small bus sector – demonstrates the resilience and superiority both of the Solo concept and the excellent in service support we offer to customers”.

Mistral’s Operations Director, Steve Low; added; ‘Developments within the Solo range such as the new SE specification will further expand the appeal of the product, and allow us to reach new areas of the market, in particular the replacement market for Mercedes based minibuses. Coupled to added choice of solutions to the Euro 4 emissions regulations, this makes the Solo the most comprehensive range in the market. This suits our business as operators see real benefits from having a common vehicle platform that is available at a number of capacities’

Mistral is the market leader in the provision of super low floor vehicles and can provide a wide range of financial solutions to operators, including rental, operating lease and direct sale. Call free on 0800 781 4144 for further details.

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