Mellor, the Rochdale-based manufacturer of size-appropriate buses, has built upon the early demand for its Sigma electric bus range as further significant orders from the UK and Europe boosts the company’s order book.

The zero-emission battery-electric bus range, which comprises six distinct models between seven- and 12-metres, has proven to be a success for Mellor, with public transport operators clearly impressed with its flexible, highly configurable design. To date, Mellor has received in excess of 100 Sigma orders in the UK and Europe. Mellor has most recently confirmed orders with accessible vehicle rental firm, London Hire, for a low-floor accessible Sigma 7, plus a fleet order for Sigma 8s (making its debut at EuroBus Expo) for a regional operator.

“We’re delighted that the demand for our electric Sigma range has continued apace,” said Mark Clissett, Mellor Bus Division Sales Director. “Operators of Sigma models will include local authorities, DRT firms and stage carriage service providers, demonstrating the truly versatile nature of the range. Sigma is also a key to open the door to electrification for our customers, many of whom haven’t previously had access to a suitable vehicle at a cost-effective price point.”

Sales success overseas
Mellor has enjoyed notable sales success for the Sigma range in mainland Europe, focused around the Scandinavian and German-speaking DACH regions, where a total of 49 confirmed orders have been placed – including a large order for a high-profile Swedish operator. Mellor has also provided a left-hand-drive Sigma 7 demonstrator for prospective customers with an intensive demo programme planned for Germany, Sweden and Holland in the coming months.

“The appeal of Sigma is certainly not limited to the UK.” said Gustavo Marqueta-Siibert, International Business Development Director at Mellor, “There’s healthy demand across Europe for size- and cost-appropriate electric buses that can be deployed on a huge variety of route and service patterns. In addition to orders received,” he said, “we have strong interest from even more operators keen to understand how Sigma can benefit them.”

Recently, Mellor announced that it had received orders from a number of Local Authorities, including Sigma 7 and Sigma 9 high-floor buses for the London Borough of Islington, a high floor Sigma 7 for East Riding Yorkshire Council and Sigma 10s for Dumfries & Galloway Council.