Optare's double debut
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Optare has unveiled details of its first double-decker, developed in partnership with Daf Bus and Alusuisse.
The bus, which has yet to be named, is due to debut at the Bus & Coach Council show in October and will go into service before the end of the year.
The aluminium extrusionbased body, designed by Alusuisse, is a first in double-decker design, but the Zurich-based company's track record — it provides 14 bodybuilders with a similar design for single-deckers — should give buyers confidence that it will "stay the course", says Optare managing director Russell Richardson. The body is stiffer and rattles less than conventional decker bodies and will be more comfortable for passengers, he believes.
The Alusuisse design has a smooth, rivetless exterior finish; the deep lower deck windows have tinted glass as standard. An insulating bulkhead between the engine and passengers is designed to minimise internal noise levels. The front door will be more than 10cm wider than anything currently available.
The SB250 chassis, most of the front end, and the engine are all Daf; many components are shared with the SB220 chassis which is used on the Optare Delta bus. However, this means that there is no place for Cummins or Gardner engines.
The transverse, rear mounted Daf engine delivers 200kW (268hp) at 2,400rpm with 1,500Nm (1,1061bft) of torque at 950rpm.
The bus will be available with a choice of maximum speed determined by the gearbox: ZF for 78km/h and 991cm/h; Voith for 110km/h. Optare's starting point for the new design was the MCW Metrobus Mark II, but little of that remains except for the basic chassis form and drivetrain configuration.
Richardson says: "We are aiming to provide a bus with an attractive image which moves to wards car-type standards on PCVs, but the bus will be competitively priced." Lease packages will be available through Leyland Daf. Some orders have already been taken for the new bus, and sales are being sought in the Far East.
Optare's workforce of 272 are working overtime, and it is likely that more workers will be taken on if sales of the double-decker live up to expectations.
Optare's parent, United Bus, has completed a share issue which reduces Dal's shareholding from 56% to 35%.