New Launches
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford… Read More
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal… Read More
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Bonito takes Optare into small bus market
UK-based specialist bus and coach manufacturer Optare is entering the small, accessible bus market for the first time. Based on Fiat’s 4.0 tonne Ducato Maxi, the Bonito uses a fully integrated composite body structure with no separate chassis, is an up to 16-seater and can be configured to accommodate wheelchairs. It will be available in the UK from June 2012 with exports to other European markets following later in the year.Power comes from a 157hp version of Fiat Powertrain’s excellent 3.0-litre diesel and will be available with either a six-speed manual or automated manual semi-auto gearbox. Built in the Netherlands by Plastisol it will be sold directly by Optare’s sales team.
“We have been looking at a number of routes to enter the important small bus/accessible vehicle market and are convinced that the fully developed Bonito is the right answer," said Glenn Saint, Optare’s CEO. “We have a proven and successful direct sales team and service network which can fully support this competitive and attractive product. This move is consistent with the full review and re-positioning of Optare’s product range for growth.”