Next up in our new Q&A series is Mellor Coachcraft, a leading manufacturer of specialist passenger carrying vehicles, including the world’s first fully-electric, small low-floor bus (the Orion E).
Company name: Mellor Coachcraft
Year founded: 1960
Headquarters: Rochdale
Main products: Strata Low Floor range, Orion, Orion E, Tucana and Maxima
Yearly output: up to 500 vehicles
Fun fact: Mellor launched the world’s first fully-electric, small low-floor bus, the Orion E, in 2017. The latest generation of which was revealed earlier this year.
How important is Coach & Bus UK to you and the industry?
It is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our new products and existing ranges while networking with customers and industry colleagues.
What are you most looking forward to about the show?
Talking to existing and new customers about the opportunities presented by our size-appropriate low-floor buses and the significant savings that can be made from operating vehicles of this type.
Looking ahead, what’s the biggest opportunity for the coach & bus industry in the coming years?
Mellor will continue to innovate within the small bus sector and will seek to meet the needs and challenges presented by a changing bus and coach market. In addition Mellor will continue to strive to extend its zero-emission product range in the UK and overseas territories.
Can you give us an example of what your business is doing to be even more sustainable?
All Mellor buses are appropriately sized, fuel costs and emissions can be halved with the targeted use of small buses, from a sustainability and cost perspective the relevance of small buses is becoming more and more important. In addition, Mellor will continue to grow its zero-emission range as the company believes in the importance of providing its customers with EV choices. This is currently a key focus for Mellor and the market should expect to see further innovation from the company in the weeks ahead.
What’s your view/standpoint on zero-emission vehicles?
Mellor sees zero-emission vehicles as having a key role to play in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in towns and cities in the UK as well as further afield.
In your opinion, how can the industry continue to reduce its carbon footprint?
Collectively the industry needs to push technological boundaries, a lot has been achieved already and it is important to continue to develop and deploy technology effectively.
What new tech should coach / bus operators be looking to invest in?
A large number of operators are already investing heavily in areas such as charging infrastructure, passenger environment and demand-responsive apps, to name but a few and this investment needs to continue. Support is required from local and central government to assist with this investment.
Why is innovation so vital to the future of the industry?
Buses are a vital part of the integrated transport network. Customers and their passengers demand, and should expect, the very best from the industry. This demand drives Mellor’s creative thought processes and innovation. This innovation does and will continue to play a part in solving the challenge faced in ensuring our environment and air quality is improved and is secured for the generations to come.
What’s your current bestseller?
Mellor’s low floor ranges have been very successful in recent years as part of a drive to provide inclusive transport for all.
What vehicles will you be promoting at the show?
Visitors to the Mellor stand will be able to see two models from the Strata range of varying sizes aimed at the low-floor small bus sector. The company believes that showcasing these small buses at Coach & Bus UK will spread the message of their many benefits to operators.
- Information supplied by Mellor Coachcraft.
Mellor Coachcraft is exhibiting at Coach & Bus UK on stand L20.
To register for a free trade ticket, please visit https://cbuk-2019.reg.buzz