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Switch Mobility
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Switch Mobility (Optare until 2020)[1] is a British bus manufacturer based in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire. It is a subsidiary of Indian company Ashok Leyland. The company is responsible for the EV operations of the group with Ashok Leyland focusing on its core business of diesel-powered vehicles as well as work on alternative fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen.[2]
Key Information
After being rebranded from Optare[3] to Switch Mobility in November 2020,[4] it announced plans in 2021 to set up a plant in India for its electric vehicle business.[5] Later, it acquired the EV division from parent company Ashok Leyland via a slump sale of 2.4 billion rupees (~£23 million).[6][7]
Switch Mobility has two subsidiary companies. The first subsidiary is Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd, which brings together Ashok Leyland's Indian based EV operations with the expertise of the UK-based bus manufacturing division. The second subsidiary is named OHM Global Mobility Private Ltd which provides Mobility as a Service (eMaaS) solutions in India.[8]
History
[edit]
Formation of Optare
[edit]In September 1984, Leyland Bus closed its Charles H Roe vehicle bodywork building business in Leeds.[9] In response, Russell Richardson, a former plant director at Roe, backed by the West Yorkshire Enterprise Board and many redundant former employees, formed Optare in February 1985.[10][11]
The company was created at a very difficult time for the bus and coach industry, with the challenges of privatisation and deregulation meaning very few orders for new vehicles. The first orders came from the still publicly owned West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (WYPTE) and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE). The publicly owned but arms-length company Yorkshire Rider, as successor to the WYPTE bus fleet, also took early vehicles.
When the Roe business closed down, WYPTE had an unfulfilled order for five Leyland Olympian coach-seated double-decker buses in place for its Metro coach operation. These five part finished buses went from Roe to Eastern Coach Works as shells for completion, but subsequently ten more were completed as Optare buses but to the Roe design, the first of which was completed in September 1985, the 17th Optare bus body. Five went to WYPTE, and five to its successor Yorkshire Rider, and a further five standard seated Olympians were also delivered to WYPTE, two as convertible open top buses.[12]
The first Optare designed bodies were fourteen Dennis Dominos for the SYPTE built starting in February 1986. Optare also bodied fifteen Leyland Cubs for the WYPTE. A preserved Cub later visited the Optare plant in 2005.[13]
Starting in August 1986, Optare built fifteen minibuses converted from the Freight Rover Sherpa 350 vans for the WYPTE.[14][15]
Early minibuses
[edit]
In 1986, Optare introduced the CityPacer minibus.[16] This was based on a heavier version of the Volkswagen LT50 van chassis, to which Optare made modifications prior to bodying.[17] The engine was a six-cylinder 2.4-litre and the body seated 25, with space for a further five standing passengers, a size that met the minibus vogue of the late 1980s. While its competitors looked like the modified vans they were, the CityPacer had attractive styling notable for its large one-piece raked windscreen. London Regional Transport bought 52, and other major operators bought small batches. More than 290 CityPacers were produced in total between 1986 and 1992.
In 1987, the StarRider, based on the Mercedes-Benz 811D chassis, was introduced. This was a heavier chassis with a proven reliability record and had seating for 33 passengers.[18] London Regional Transport took 123 StarRiders and a total of just under 320 were built between 1987 and 1994.
In an attempt to break into the export market, the ColumboRider was subsequently developed, named after the city of Colombo in Sri Lanka, where the first examples were sold. The ColumboRider was a semi-integral version of the StarRider, based on a chassis made by a consortium including Optare, Japanese technology company Itochu and local Sri Lankan manufacturer Ceylinco.[19] The ColumboRider was replaced by an export version of the MetroRider.
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In 1990, Optare bodied thirteen Renault S50 minibuses with a welfare bodywork which has since come to be known as the 9000-series, due to the allocated body numbers. As standard, the 9000-series community transport minibus had a front door, nine passenger seats and a rear tail lift for wheelchair access. All thirteen examples built were delivered to Leeds City Council between March and May 1990, and no further orders were ever placed.[20]
Expansion
[edit]
In 1988 the first full size Optare product appeared, the Delta. This was a single-deck bus based on the DAF SB220 chassis. The Delta bodywork featured contemporary styling and was aluminium with a bolted frame licensed from Alusuisse.[21][22] The Delta successfully found a niche in the full-size single deck bus market, which was very limited at that time. Approaching 370 Deltas were built before production ended in 1998.
Dennis had effectively created a new market segment, known as a midibus, with the introduction of the Dennis Dart. Optare soon introduced a competitor, the Vecta, albeit slightly bigger and wider than the Dart at that time, seating 40 in a full-width 2.5 m body. The chassis was the MAN 11.190 and featured a ZF gearbox and full air suspension. The bodywork was a scaled down version of the Delta.
The CityPacer and StarRider were phased out in the years after Optare purchased the design for the MCW Metrorider in July 1989, rebranding it as the Optare MetroRider.[23] This was a larger design than the CityPacer, and more robust when compared to the StarRider. It was Optare's first venture into fully integral vehicle manufacturing, and became the mainstay of the Optare midi/minibus offering until the low floor Solo was introduced in 1997.
DAF/United Bus
[edit]In 1990, Optare joined a group called the United Bus, which included DAF Bus.[24][25]
Having already used a DAF SB220 chassis on the Delta, now as part of United Bus, Optare collaborated with DAF to design the Optare Spectra. It was based on the modified design of the MCW Metrobus purchased by Optare, and combined parts from it and the SB220 to form a new double deck chassis, designated DB250, with Optare bodywork called Spectra.[26] Due to the United bus relationship and joint design, the Spectra was built exclusively on the DB250 chassis. As well as having a striking front end, the Spectra was also recognisable for having no rear window. Introduced in 1990 it was described as a "partly low-floor double-decker".[27] Despite the association with DAF, in 1991 Optare also launched a conventional height midibus on the MAN 11.180 chassis, the Vecta.[28]
After the collapse of United Bus in 1993, Optare was again returned to independent status with another management buyout. The reaction to the collapse of United Bus was the release in the next two years of two Delta derived single deck buses on different non-DAF chassis, the Sigma and Prisma, the latter being on the Mercedes-Benz O405 chassis which had a Mercedes-Benz style front end rather than the Optare family face.[29]
Optare acquired Autobus Classique in 1996, shortly after the launch of their Nouvelle luxury minicoach. Optare significantly redesigned and rebadged it in 1997 as the Nouvelle 2, and it served similar markets to the StarRider/MetroRider coach versions. Also in 1997 a relationship with a Spanish mini and midi coach manufacturer named Ferqui SL began, with the importation of the Solera luxury midicoach into the UK.
While part of United Bus, Optare also for a time became the exclusive UK dealer for the distinctive full size Bova Futura coach.
Low floor era
[edit].jpg)
Optare began introduction of low-floor buses in the UK in 1995 with the launch of the Optare Excel full size single decker. Although low floor single decker buses had begun to appear as early as 1993. Initially, the Excel used Cummins engines and Allison Transmissions with later examples (Excel 2) having Mercedes-Benz engines available as an option. The introduction of the Excel marked the start of a sustained period of selling integral bus products rather than body on chassis combinations, which continued until the Darwen merger briefly brought East Lancs models to the range.
With modifications of the DB250 chassis to become the DB250LF, in 1997, the Spectra became the first fully low-floor double decker bus on offer in the UK.
Also in 1997 the Solo was launched and became a success for Optare. With a unique design of a front axle forward of the door, it allowed a low-floor layout in a very short bus, and also came equipped with kneeling suspension for even greater access. Its styling and innovation led to a Millennium Products award and the Queen's Award for Innovation.
North American Bus Industries
[edit]In 2000, Optare was bought by Hungarian owned North American Bus Industries (NABI). This gave Optare products exposure in the North American market, with an export version of the Solo finding success at several US airports and with Miami-Dade Transit in Florida.
The NABI era saw the introduction of the Alero low-floor minicoach in 2001, filling a gap in the market for a low floor vehicle for use on low intensity services such as demand responsive transport, already covered at the higher capacity by the Solo. In 2004 the new derivatives of Solo were introduced offering a longer variant and also a narrower 'SlimLine' model to further capture the market. Also introduced in 2004 was the first new bus model since the Solo, the Tempo, a full size single decker with another striking design, even when considered in the environment of increasingly stylish competitor products.
On 1 August 2005, NABI found itself in financial difficulties, and speculation about the future of Optare was ended with the announcement that Optare had, once again, been acquired by its management. This change did not affect the further roll out of the new range, leading to the Versa and a radically restyled Solo (the Solo SR), both with a distinctive raised part of the roofline towards the front of the bus.
Darwen purchase and subsequent reverse takeover
[edit]
On 12 March 2008, Optare was purchased by Jamesstan Investments, an investment company controlled by the Darwen Group's parent company chairman Ron Stanley. Optare initially remained an independent company but by 17 July 2008, a reverse takeover by Darwen Group had been completed. Darwen was the much smaller company, but its Alternative Investment Market listing saw the enlarged Optare gain a stock exchange listing itself as Optare plc. The combined business employed 830 people with a £90 million turnover.[30][31][32] With the respective histories of the two entities, Optare plc could be considered the successor company to the historical British bus manufacturers Charles H Roe (through Optare), founded in Leeds in 1923, and East Lancashire Coachbuilders, (through Darwen), founded in 1934 in Blackburn.
Optare plc
[edit]The Optare website was relaunched with a new logo, and with the ex East Lancs Olympus and Esteem models marketed as Optare products. At the time of merger, Optare manufactured buses from three sites, the primary sites being in Leeds (the former Leyland Bus site) and Blackburn (the former East Lancs site), with a further facility in Rotherham.
The merger brought together the single deck and midibus portfolio of Optare and the primarily double deck order book of Darwen.
After the merger, Optare began rationalisation of its bus manufacturing business. In 2009 the production of Esteem single-deck bodywork was ceased, and the manufacturing site at Rotherham was closed.
Ashok Leyland acquisition and name rebrand
[edit]In summer 2010, Ashok Leyland (the former Indian subsidiary of British Leyland) bought a 26% stake in Optare.[33] Subsequently, in December 2011 Ashok Leyland increased its stake to 75%.[34]
In 2011, a new fully enclosed 13,000-square-metre (140,000 sq ft) factory opened in Sherburn-in-Elmet, replacing the Leeds plant.[35] In 2012, the former East Lancs site also closed putting all manufacturing processes under one roof. In June 2015, Optare was delisted from the Alternative Investment Market.[36][37] In October 2017, Ashok Leyland increased its shareholding to 98%, and in 2018 to 99%.[38] In November 2020, Ashok Leyland announced that Optare would be rebranded Switch Mobility.[4][39]
In July 2021, Switch Mobility Ltd announced plans to roll out its electric (E) buses and light commercial vehicles (LCV) from the group's UK and Indian plants.[40] In December 2021, Switch Mobility Ltd announced the setting up of a manufacturing and technology centre in Castilla y León, Spain, at an investment of about €100 million spread over the next 10 years.[41]
Switch Mobility announced in November 2021 plans to supply 300 technologically advanced twelve-metre electric buses and the charging infrastructure to Bengaluru's Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) with the aim to reduce carbon emissions by over 14,500 tonnes every year.[42] A month later, parent company Ashok Leyland published an EV road map with plans to launch its first e-LCV in December 2021.[43]
In January 2022, Switch Mobility announced plans to build a new manufacturing and technology centre on a greenfield site in the Soto de Medinilla area of Valladolid, Spain.[44] A month later, it announced that 40 new electric buses would be operational in Chandigarh. These zero-emission buses would be delivered to the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) the same month.[45]
In March 2025, it was announced that a consultation process had begun for the closure of the Sherburn-in-Elmet factory, with the reason given a slower than expected transition to electric vehicles by public transport operators.[46][47]
Optare product support
[edit]The Optare parts and service division Unitec has locations at the former Rotherham factory, as well as in Thurrock, Essex.
Since 1997, many of Optare's electrical systems have been designed and constructed in collaboration with Actia.[48]
Coach imports
[edit]In August 2008, the minicoach models Toro, Solera and Soroco were imported by Optare from the Spanish manufacturer Ferqui, and marketed as Optare products.[49] They were luxury minicoach bodies built on Mercedes-Benz chassis, however, due to significantly reduced demand for mini and midi coaches, as part of its restructuring process, Optare took the decision to concentrate on its bus manufacturing activities and the relationship with Ferqui was formally ended in 2012.[when?]
Products
[edit]Buses
[edit]
- Current
- Solo SR; Solo SR EV (2007–present)
- Metrocity; Metrocity EV (2012–present)
- Metrodecker; Metrodecker EV (2014–present)
- E1 single decker (2022–present)[50]
- EiV 12 single decker (2022–present, for the Indian market)[51]
- EiV 22 double decker (2022–present, for the Indian market)[52]
- EiV 7 (2023–present, for the Indian market)[53]
- Discontinued
- CityPacer minibus (1985–1992, replaced by the MetroRider)
- StarRider minibus (1987–1994, replaced by the MetroRider)
- ColumboRider integral variant for export to Sri Lanka (1987–1994, replaced by the MetroRider)[19]
- Delta single decker (1988–1999)
- MetroRider minibus (1989–2000, replaced by Solo)
- 9000-series minibus on Renault chassis for Leeds City Council (1990, replaced by the MetroRider)[20]
- Spectra double decker (1991–1997, low floor 1997–2005)
- Vecta midibus (1991–1997)
- Sigma (1994–1996, single-deck version of the Spectra)
- Prisma (1995–1998) single decker, Mercedes front
- Excel (1995–1999) (Excel 2 1999–2004, replaced by Tempo)
- Solo low floor midibus (1997–2012, replaced by restyled SR model)
- (Solo+ (2008) Concept only)
- (Solo EV 2009–2012 Replaced by restyled SR EV model)
- Alero low floor minibus, (Alero 2001–2006, Alero Plus 2006–2008)
- Irisbus Agora Line ((2002–2007) right-hand-drive version bodied by Optare, 23 were built for the UK)
- Tempo single decker (2004–2012)
- Tempo SR (2011–2020, Oceanian market only since 2017)
- Versa, midibus between Solo and Tempo (2007–2018)
- Esteem single decker (formerly East Lancs Esteem) (2008–2009)
- Olympus double decker (formerly East Lancs Olympus) (2008–2011)
- Visionaire open-top double decker (formerly East Lancs Visionaire) (2008–2011)
- OmniDekka double decker (formerly East Lancs Omnidekka) (2008–2011, only adopted by Nottingham City Transport)
- Rapta double decker ((2009) Concept only)
Coaches
[edit]- Discontinued
Pick-up trucks
[edit]Current
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Switch Mobility Limited". Companies House. UK Government. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ^ "Ashok Leyland to transfer complete electric vehicles business to new arm Switch Mobility". The Economic Times. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "URI". data.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Optare Group Limited renamed as Switch Mobility Limited". Optare. 30 November 2020. Archived from the original on 15 March 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Ashok Leyland to set up 'mother EV' plant in India under UK-subsidiary Switch". The Economic Times. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Ashok Leyland ups shareholding in Optare to 99.08% to help arm slash debt burden". financialexpress.com. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Ashok Leyland" (PDF). Motilal Oswal. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
- ^ "Ashok Leyland to carve out two new units to strengthen green transport solutions". mint. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ Leyland Bus chief blames deregulation uncertainty Commercial Motor 2 June 1984
- ^ Optare forms new division for minibuses Commercial Motor 20 July 1985
- ^ Optare Chose Survival Commercial Motor 14 September 1985
- ^ 5507 Transport Yorkshire Preservation Group
- ^ 1807 Transport Yorkshire Preservation Group
- ^ 1705 Transport Yorkshire Preservation Group
- ^ Sherpas for West Yorkshire PTE Commercial Motor 2 August 1986
- ^ An Orphington debut for Optare CityPacer Commercial Motor 13 September 1986
- ^ VW Optare dereg flare Commercial Motor 30 November 1985
- ^ StarRider's touchdown Commercial Motor 6 August 1987
- ^ a b "The Sunday Times On The Web – Business". www.sundaytimes.lk.
- ^ a b Optare Renault Bus Lists on the Web
- ^ Optare launches Delta city bus Commercial Motor 2 June 1988
- ^ Split Personality Commercial Motor 18 May 1989
- ^ Optare takes Metrorider Commercial Motor 3 August 1989
- ^ DAF plans to take Optare Commercial Motor 24 May 1990
- ^ High hopes for United Bus Commercial Motor 4 October 1990
- ^ Green claim for Spectra Commercial Motor 13 February 1992
- ^ British double deckers Archived 21 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine http://www.busexplorer.com
- ^ Optare Vectra citybus unveiled Commercial Motor 14 March 1991
- ^ Mat underframed Prisma Commercial Motor 30 March 1995
- ^ "Roy Stanley company buys Optare". Bus & Coach Professional. 12 March 2008. Archived from the original on 1 May 2009. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ Briggs, Ben (19 May 2008). "Blackburn-based coach builder is powering on". Lancashire Telegraph. Blackburn. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ Briggs, Ben (27 June 2008). "Blackburn-based coach firm in £15.95m buyout". Lancashire Telegraph. Blackburn. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ Ashok Leyland takes 26% stake in Optare Automotive World 30 July 2010
- ^ Deal secures Optare's future as part of Ashok Leyland's global bus strategy Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders 20 December 2011
- ^ Optare's efficient new UK bus production plant Archived 2 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine Transport News Brief 16 December 2013
- ^ Optare annbounces next step in transformation to deliver growth Optare 30 April 2015
- ^ Optare de-lists from market in bid to deploy funds elsewhere The Press 1 May 2015
- ^ Ashok Leyland ups shareholding in Optare to 99.08% to help arm slash debt burden The Financial Express (India) 26 October 2018
- ^ Optare becomes Switch Mobility as parent company Ashok Leyland unveils global electric vehicle plans Coach & Bus Week 1 December 2020
- ^ Jacob, Shine (29 July 2021). "Ashok Leyland draws up EV road map, plans to launch first e-LCV in Dec". Business Standard India.
- ^ Carey, Nick (28 July 2021). "Ashok Leyland's Switch plans global electric van around 2024". Reuters. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ Reporter, B. S. (16 November 2021). "Ashok Leyland arm Switch Mobility to supply 300 e-buses to Bengaluru". Business Standard India. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "ALL's EV arm to set up tech unit in Spain". The Hindu. 15 December 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ www.ETAuto.com. "Switch Mobility confirms Valladolid, Spain, as site for new production and tech centre – ET Auto". ETAuto.com. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Chandigarh: 40 new electric buses to be operational soon". India Today. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Hundreds of jobs under threat as owners consider closing North Yorkshire factory". York Press. 27 March 2025. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "Sherburn-in-Elmet bus factory to be closed by Indian owners". BBC News. 28 March 2025. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ Holley, Mel (22 March 2012). "Complete Package (Launch: Traws Cymru)". Route One (Magazine) (428): 32–33.
- ^ "East Lancs name set to disappear as Optare and Darwen agree to merge" Buses issue 641 August 2008 page 6
- ^ "Switch Mobility e1 electric bus launched. ZF motors, NMC batteries, lightweight body". Sustainable Bus. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ Singh, Aaradhya. "Ashok-Leyland owned Switch Mobility launches EiV 12 electric bus". Evo India. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ^ "Switch Mobility Reveals New EiV 22 Electric Double Decker In India". carandbike. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- ^ "Auto Expo 2023: SWITCH EiV 7 electric bus for smart city travel unveiled". CNBCTV18. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ^ "Ashok Leyland to roll out first electric LCV by FY22-end under Switch Mobility". Financialexpress. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Ashok Leyland targets new markets with Switch Mobility, to launch e-LCV this year". autocarpro.in. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Switch Mobility launches e-LCVs Bada Dost (IEV4) and Chhota Dost (IEV3) • EVreporter". 7 September 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Switch Mobility at Wikimedia Commons- Optare's official website
- A useful listing of all bodies/complete buses built from 1985 to date Archived 6 January 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- Transport Yorkshire Preservation Group, owners of various preserved Optare vehicles
- Dennis Domino Buses, details of Optare's first design
- Buszone Optare page details of Optare and Reading Transport
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Switch Mobility
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation as Optare
Optare was founded in February 1985 by Russell Richardson, the former plant director at Charles H. Roe, in the wake of Leyland Bus's closure of the Crossgates coachbuilding operation in 1984 amid the broader decline of the UK bus manufacturing sector.[7][8] Backed by the West Yorkshire Enterprise Board and a group of redundant former Roe employees who pledged portions of their redundancy payments to fund the venture, Richardson led a management buyout that acquired the Crossgates facility and remnants of Roe's assets, including tooling and jigs, to restart production.[7][9] This employee-driven initiative aimed to capitalize on the growing demand for smaller vehicles in a deregulated market, but the company faced immediate financial pressures due to the industry's contraction and limited initial orders.[8] The firm's early output focused on minibuses, beginning with completions of unfinished Roe midibus bodies for South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive in mid-1985, which provided a crucial foothold.[9] In 1986, Optare launched its first original design, the City Pacer, a 25-seat minibus body built on the Volkswagen LT55 van chassis, marking a shift toward purpose-built vehicles suited to urban routes inaccessible to larger buses.[10] This model addressed the post-deregulation boom in minibus operations, though early sales were modest; a significant boost came from orders including 52 units to Lancashire Transport in 1986, helping stabilize finances amid ongoing cash flow challenges.[11] By 1987, Optare expanded its lineup with the StarRider, a larger 33-seat midibus on the Mercedes-Benz 811D chassis, notable for its lightweight aluminum-intensive construction that improved fuel efficiency and ride quality for one-person operations.[12] The 1989 introduction of the Delta, a full-length single-deck bus on the DAF SB220 chassis, further emphasized Optare's commitment to lightweight bonded panel designs, offering up to 40 seats while maintaining structural integrity and reducing operational costs in a competitive market.[13] These early models established Optare's reputation for innovative, compact vehicles tailored to the evolving needs of UK bus operators.Early Development and Expansion
In the mid-1990s, Optare advanced its product lineup by introducing low-floor buses to meet growing demands for accessibility in public transport. The Optare Excel, launched in 1995, was one of the first fully low-floor single-decker buses in the UK, constructed as an integral vehicle with midibus components scaled up for full-size operation, offering seating for 29 to 41 passengers depending on configuration.[14] This model represented a key technological shift, emphasizing ease of access for passengers with disabilities and aligning with emerging regulatory trends. The Excel's successor, the Excel 2, debuted in 1999 with upgraded mechanical systems, including improved engine options and a restyled front end that echoed the design language of Optare's Solo midibus family, enhancing its market appeal for urban and suburban routes.[14] Optare's growth during this period was bolstered by strategic partnerships, notably its involvement in the United Bus group formed in 1990 with DAF Bus and other entities, which fostered joint development of chassis and body designs.[9] This collaboration produced the Optare Spectra, a double-decker bus body on the DAF DB250 chassis introduced in 1991, with a low-floor variant on the DB250LF chassis launched in 1997 to further capitalize on accessibility innovations.[14] Although the United Bus alliance dissolved amid financial challenges in 1993, it enabled Optare to refine its engineering expertise and expand its portfolio beyond minibuses into larger vehicles.[9] The company's expansion accelerated in the late 1990s and early 2000s through infrastructure investments and international ties. In 1998, Optare opened a second manufacturing facility in Rotherham to increase production capacity amid rising demand for its low-floor models.[14] A pivotal development came in 2000 when Hungarian-owned North American Bus Industries (NABI) acquired Optare for £21.5 million (approximately $35.2 million), integrating its UK operations to facilitate technology transfers and market entry into North America.[15] This ownership shift led to adaptations of Optare designs for export, such as the 2002 rebadging of the Excel 2 as the NABI 700SE for the Hungarian market, demonstrating Optare's growing global positioning.[14] Domestically, Optare secured significant contracts with London-area operators in the early 2000s, enhancing its market share in the competitive capital region. For instance, Harris Bus in Essex deployed a batch of ten Excel models in 2000 for routes like the 108 Blackwall Tunnel service, while suburban operators such as Metrobus, Trustline, and Capital Logistics adopted Excels for local services in the former London Transport areas.[16] These deals underscored Optare's reputation for reliable, accessible vehicles suited to high-density urban environments, contributing to steady revenue growth before later financial restructurings.[14]Key Acquisitions and Restructuring
In the mid-2000s, Optare encountered financial challenges linked to its ownership under North American Bus Industries (NABI), culminating in a management buyout on 1 August 2005 that restored the company to independent operation.[14] This restructuring allowed Optare to refocus on its core bus manufacturing activities amid a turbulent period for the industry. The company's ownership shifted again in March 2008 when Jamesstan Investments, an entity controlled by Roy Stanley—the founder and chairman of the Darwen Group—acquired Optare for an undisclosed sum.[17] Later that year, on 23 June 2008, AIM-listed Darwen Holdings announced its agreement to purchase Jamesstan Investments for £15.95 million, subject to shareholder approval, through the issuance of 40 million new shares at 40 pence each.[18] This transaction facilitated a reverse takeover, integrating Darwen's operations and forming Optare plc, with Roy Stanley serving as chairman and the largest shareholder.[19] The move was described as transformational, combining Optare's established production capabilities with Darwen's expertise to enhance efficiency and market position.[20] Amid these changes, Optare introduced the Solo SR in October 2007 as a premium, restyled evolution of its popular Solo midibus, featuring updated exterior design elements for improved accessibility and appeal.[14] In 2008, the company also advanced its Tempo single-deck model with the launch of a diesel-electric hybrid variant at the Euro Bus Expo, targeting growing demand for more fuel-efficient urban transport solutions.[21] As part of post-acquisition restructuring, Optare relocated its Blackburn manufacturing operations from the Whitebirk site to a new facility at the former Corus plant in Guide, aiming to streamline production and secure long-term stability.[22] The onset of the 2008 global financial crisis exacerbated pressures on Optare, resulting in sharply reduced demand and a critically low order book of £8.8 million by the fourth quarter of 2009, which curtaled production volumes and contributed to ongoing financial strain.[23]Ashok Leyland Ownership and Rebranding
In July 2010, Ashok Leyland, an Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer and part of the Hinduja Group, acquired a 26% stake in Optare plc for approximately $7.5 million (equivalent to about £4.8 million at the time), marking the beginning of its strategic entry into the UK bus market and providing Optare with financial stability amid its pre-existing challenges.[24][25] By December 2011, Ashok Leyland increased its holding to 75.1% through an additional investment of over Rs 30 crore (about £3.5 million) for a 49.1% stake, coupled with a £12 million credit facility to support Optare's operations and refinancing needs.[26][27][28] Under Ashok Leyland's majority ownership, Optare saw enhanced technological collaboration, including the integration of components and engineering expertise from its Indian parent to improve efficiency and expand product capabilities. This influence was evident in updated models such as the Optare Versa, which received refinements post-2012 acquisition and later evolved into electric variants like the Versa EV introduced in 2014, incorporating advanced battery systems aligned with Ashok Leyland's growing focus on sustainable mobility.[29] By November 2017, through the conversion of outstanding loans into equity, Ashok Leyland's stake rose to 98.31%, achieving near-full control and deeper operational integration.[30] The ownership culminated in a significant rebranding effort in 2020, as Ashok Leyland announced on November 27 that its UK subsidiary Optare Group Ltd would be renamed Switch Mobility Ltd, reflecting a strategic pivot toward electric vehicles and innovative urban mobility solutions.[31][32] This name change, effective immediately, underscored the company's commitment to electrification, building on Ashok Leyland's global expertise in commercial vehicles. Early models under the new branding included the continued production and deployment of the MetroDecker EV, a battery-electric double-decker bus that secured major orders in London during 2020, exemplifying the transition to zero-emission public transport.[33][34]Shift to Electric Focus and Recent Challenges
In 2021, Switch Mobility underwent a significant internal reorganization as part of its pivot toward electric vehicles, with Optare Plc acquiring the assets of Switch Mobility Automotive Limited for approximately £23.9 million in October to consolidate its EV operations under a unified structure.[35] This move aligned with the company's broader strategy to focus exclusively on electrification, building on its rebranding from Optare the previous year. Concurrently, Switch Mobility announced plans to establish a dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing plant in India, specifically in the Ennore area near Chennai, to support growing demand in the domestic market and enable exports; as of early 2025, groundbreaking had yet to occur.[36] The company marked its entry into the Indian EV market with key contracts and product launches, including a November 2021 order to supply, operate, and maintain 300 twelve-meter electric buses for the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) under a twelve-year agreement, representing one of its earliest large-scale deployments.[37] This initiative aimed to enhance urban mobility in Bengaluru while demonstrating the scalability of Switch Mobility's electric platform. In June 2022, it launched the Switch EiV 12, its first fully electric bus designed specifically for the Indian market, featuring a low-floor variant for accessibility and an architecture shared with European models to optimize production efficiency.[38] To expand its European footprint, Switch Mobility announced in December 2021 the establishment of an advanced manufacturing and technology center in Valladolid, Spain, with a planned €100 million investment over the next decade to produce electric buses and light commercial vehicles starting in late 2022. Groundbreaking occurred in March 2022, positioning the facility as the company's first in continental Europe and targeting job creation of up to 7,000 direct and indirect roles in the region. However, the project was postponed indefinitely in July 2024 due to economic challenges.[39][40][41] Deliveries of electric buses to UK and European operators commenced in mid-2022, including initial units of the e1 single-deck model showcased at events like Euro Bus Expo, supporting contracts with fleets such as Stagecoach in London.[42][43] In March 2025, Switch Mobility initiated a consultation process regarding the potential closure of its Sherburn-in-Elmet manufacturing facility in the UK, citing persistent financial losses from slow electric bus adoption, cost pressures, and infrastructure delays, which affected around 240 employees. Following the consultation, the facility was closed later in 2025, with manufacturing and assembly activities relocated to an expanded site in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, involving an investment of under $3 million to improve cost structure and market access. This strategic shift supported the company's return to profitability in the first half of fiscal year 2025-26, while maintaining after-sales support for UK customers and focusing on growth in India and the Middle East.[5][44][45][46][47][48]Corporate Operations
Ownership and Leadership
Switch Mobility is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, a major commercial vehicle manufacturer and part of the Hinduja Group, following Optare Plc's acquisition of the remaining 1.01% stake from Dana Incorporated in June 2025, which completed 100% ownership by the Hinduja Group.[49] The company operates through key subsidiaries, including Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd., which handles electric vehicle strategy and manufacturing in India, and OHM Global Mobility Private Ltd., a wholly owned entity focused on electric mobility-as-a-service (eMaaS) solutions.[50][51] As of September 2025, Ganesh Mani serves as CEO of Switch Mobility, holding the position additionally to his role as Chief Operating Officer at Ashok Leyland, ensuring close alignment with the parent company's operations. The board of directors maintains strong ties to Ashok Leyland executives, reflecting the integrated governance structure within the Hinduja Group's automotive division.[52] Financially, Switch Mobility reported annual revenue of approximately £66.6 million as of March 31, 2024, with an employee count of around 568 prior to 2025 restructuring efforts.[53] In response to persistent losses in its UK operations, the company announced in March 2025 the potential cessation of manufacturing and assembly at its Sherburn-in-Elmet facility, initiating employee consultations that resulted in cost-saving measures, including redundancies affecting 200-240 staff.[44][54] This governance shift emphasized operational consolidation to enhance profitability and focus on high-growth electric vehicle markets.[55]Manufacturing Facilities and Production
Switch Mobility maintains manufacturing operations at facilities in India and the United Arab Emirates, following the closure of its UK facility in September 2025. The company's former UK production site was a 13,000-square-meter facility in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire, which opened in 2011 to replace the earlier Leeds plant and focused on assembling buses and electric vehicles. This plant supported the development and production of models like the Switch E1 and Metrodecker electric buses until its operational cessation. In March 2025, Switch Mobility launched a consultation process to halt manufacturing and assembly activities at Sherburn due to persistent financial losses, economic uncertainty in the UK bus sector, and slower-than-expected electric vehicle adoption. The closure proceeded in phases, with full cessation by September 2025, impacting approximately 194 jobs, though some employees were redeployed to aftermarket support roles.[56][5][57] In November 2025, Switch Mobility announced the relocation of EV bus production from the UK to a facility in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE, with an investment of under $3 million to expand operations there. This site will produce buses for the UK, European, and GCC markets, improving cost structure and market access while maintaining commitment to these regions. UK customer orders post-closure are now supported via the RAK facility.[58][47][46] In India, Switch Mobility operates from a dedicated electric vehicle assembly facility at Ennore, Chennai, integrated within Ashok Leyland's larger plant complex; the EV business was transferred here in October 2021, with dedicated production lines scaling up from initial operations around 2023 to meet rising demand for e-buses and light commercial vehicles. The site has an installed annual capacity of 2,500 electric buses and 3,000 electric light commercial vehicles, recently expanded to improve efficiency and output for domestic and export markets. As of September 2024, the facility had delivered 651 electric buses, contributing to Switch Mobility's global deployment of more than 2,000 electric vehicles as of late 2025.[59][57][1] Production processes at these sites prioritize electric vehicle-specific techniques, including modular assembly on scalable platforms such as the EIV series, which allows for flexible configuration of buses and LCVs to suit varied operational needs. Battery integration is central to these operations, employing advanced lithium-ion packs with modular designs that enable customizable energy capacities—up to 500 km range per charge—while ensuring high uptime exceeding 98% through efficient thermal management and NMC chemistry optimized for regional climates. These methods underscore Switch Mobility's focus on sustainable, high-performance EV manufacturing amid the transition to zero-emission transport.[38][60][61]Product Support and After-Sales Services
Switch Mobility provides comprehensive after-sales support for its electric buses and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) through a network of dedicated service centers and dealer partnerships, emphasizing rapid response times and skilled technicians equipped for EV-specific maintenance. In the United Kingdom, the company operates service facilities in the Leeds area, including its primary location at Unit 3 Hurricane Way South, Sherburn-in-Elmet, LS25 6PT, which handles vehicle servicing and EV battery maintenance.[62] Additionally, a dedicated London service email ([email protected]) supports regional inquiries, complemented by a toll-free helpline (+44 (0) 871 230 1324) available from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday, for warranty claims and technical assistance.[63] This infrastructure builds on the legacy support systems established during its time as Optare, ensuring continuity for existing fleets, with aftermarket support continuing from Rotherham and Thurrock facilities post-UK manufacturing closure.[57] In India, Switch Mobility maintains after-sales operations with dedicated centers in Chennai and Bengaluru to facilitate efficient vehicle upkeep. The Chennai facility, located at 3rd Floor, Prestige Cosmopolitan, 36 Sardar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032, serves as a hub for service and support, reachable via toll-free number 1800 570 9925 from 6 AM to 10 PM daily.[64] In Bengaluru, operations include a contact point at 403, 3rd Main, B-Block, AECS Layout, and partnerships with local dealers such as Cauvery Motors in Yeshwanthpur for hands-on servicing.[65][66] These centers integrate 24/7 telematics via the proprietary Switch iON system, enabling real-time fleet monitoring of metrics like vehicle performance, battery levels, and kilometers covered to optimize maintenance and reduce downtime.[67][68] Warranty programs underscore Switch Mobility's commitment to reliability, particularly for EV components. For its IeV series LCVs, the company offers a battery warranty of 7 years or 175,000 km (5 years/150,000 km standard plus 2 years/25,000 km extended), alongside a 3-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship.[69] Electric bus models similarly feature extended coverage, with battery warranties up to 8 years reflecting an expected lifespan of 8-10 years, and options for comprehensive service contracts on buses and LCVs to extend protection beyond standard terms.[70] The parts supply chain benefits from deep integration with parent company Ashok Leyland, leveraging its global sourcing for common components like steering and suspension to ensure availability and cost efficiency.[71] Following the 2021 restructuring focused on EV expansion, Switch Mobility implemented EV-specific upgrades, including a 24/7 online UK Parts Portal for seamless ordering and enhanced supply logistics tailored to electric drivetrains.[63] This setup supports timely repairs across regions, minimizing operational disruptions for fleet operators.Products
Electric Buses
Switch Mobility's electric buses represent a core component of its shift toward sustainable urban mobility, featuring zero-emission designs optimized for public transport in both the UK and India. These vehicles utilize advanced battery-electric propulsion systems, lightweight monocoque construction, and modular battery packs to achieve high efficiency and reliability. The lineup includes single-deck, double-decker, and midibus variants tailored for varying route demands, with deployments emphasizing low-floor access for accessibility and integration with smart charging infrastructure.[72] The Switch E1 is a 12-meter low-floor single-deck electric bus designed for urban routes, equipped with a 389 kWh NMC battery pack that delivers up to 390 km of range on a full charge. Launched in 2022, it prioritizes efficiency in city environments, accommodating up to 93 passengers with low-floor entry for ease of boarding. Its NMC battery technology supports fast charging in under 3 hours via DC, and the vehicle incorporates regenerative braking to extend operational efficiency.[73] The Metrocity EV serves as a flagship 10.8-meter low-floor single-deck model, featuring a 250 kWh battery for a 220-300 km range, making it suitable for medium-length city services since its introduction in 2021. This bus supports up to 60 passengers with ergonomic seating and advanced driver aids, including telematics for route optimization and predictive maintenance. Deployed extensively in the UK and India, it has been upgraded with higher energy-density cells to reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining a lightweight aluminum body for better energy use.[74][75] Switch Mobility's Metrodecker EV is a double-decker variant with a 300 kWh battery providing up to 260 km of range, ideal for high-capacity urban corridors. First EV deliveries occurred in 2022 to operators in London, where it carries up to 80 passengers across two levels, complying with strict emission standards like London's Ultra Low Emission Zone. The model's hub-motor drive system and aerodynamic design enhance hill-climbing performance and energy recovery, supporting all-day operations with strategic charging.[76][77] The Solo SR EV functions as a versatile midibus with up to 135 kWh battery, targeted at smaller operators for feeder services and narrow streets. Measuring 9.3 meters, it offers capacity for up to 55 passengers and emphasizes compact dimensions without sacrificing range or comfort features like air conditioning and USB charging ports. This model builds on legacy designs with updated EV components for quieter operation and lower vibration.[78] As of 2025, Switch Mobility had deployed over 1,000 electric bus units globally, contributing to greener public transport networks in cities like London, Delhi, and York, with cumulative mileage exceeding 150 million kilometers. These deployments often involve partnerships with local authorities for subsidized charging and fleet integration, demonstrating the buses' 99% uptime through remote monitoring via Switch i-ON technology.[72]Electric Light Commercial Vehicles
Switch Mobility has developed the IeV Series as its primary lineup of electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs), targeting mid- and last-mile logistics in urban and semi-urban environments in India. These vehicles emphasize modular design, high-voltage EV architecture, and features like regenerative braking and telematics integration via the SWITCH iON platform to enhance efficiency and driver comfort. Launched initially at the Auto Expo in January 2023, the series represents Switch Mobility's entry into the eLCV segment, leveraging the company's expertise in electric propulsion to offer zero-emission alternatives to traditional diesel mini trucks.[79][80] The SWITCH IeV3 is a compact four-wheeler electric mini truck designed for urban logistics, featuring a 25.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a range of up to 140 km on a standard duty cycle. It supports a payload of 1.25 tons with a gross vehicle weight of 2,590 kg, powered by a 40 kW motor delivering 190 Nm of torque, and can achieve a full charge in 3-4 hours using standard AC charging. Deliveries of the IeV3 commenced in July 2024 to customers in India, focusing on sectors like e-commerce and FMCG distribution, with its spacious cargo body and electric power steering enabling maneuverability in congested city streets.[81][82][83] Complementing the IeV3, the SWITCH IeV4 offers enhanced capacity for slightly larger loads, with a payload of up to 1.7 tons and a range of approximately 130 km from its 32.2 kWh battery pack. Equipped with a 60 kW motor producing 230 Nm of torque, it includes a cargo volume of up to 340 cubic feet in a body extending 9.8 feet, making it suitable for bulkier last-mile deliveries, with full charge in 4-5 hours. The first batch of IeV4 units was deployed in Delhi in April 2024 as part of an e-mobility initiative, highlighting its role in sustainable urban freight solutions.[79][84][85] In January 2025, Switch Mobility expanded the IeV Series with the IeV8, a heavier-duty model with a payload of up to 4 tonnes, aimed at mid-mile logistics applications, offering a 250 km range. This vehicle incorporates advanced lithium battery technology for improved energy density and integrates seamlessly with the company's high-voltage architecture, building on the modular platform shared across the series to reduce development costs and accelerate market entry. As a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, Switch Mobility benefits from shared manufacturing resources, including chassis and component integration from the parent company's facilities in India, supporting scaled production at plants like the one in Ennore, Tamil Nadu. By mid-2025, the IeV Series had secured over 1,000 orders, including 2,500 to MoEVing and 350 reefer units to Celcius Logistics in October 2025, reflecting strong market demand, though specific production volumes for eLCVs remain focused on meeting initial deployments rather than mass output.[86][87][80][88]Discontinued and Historical Models
Switch Mobility, formerly known as Optare, has a legacy of producing various non-electric buses and coaches, many of which were discontinued as the company shifted toward electric vehicle development under Ashok Leyland's ownership. These historical models, primarily diesel-powered, represent the evolution of Optare's design from minibuses to full-size single-deckers and limited coach variants, with production ceasing post-rebranding in the late 2010s and early 2020s.Minibuses
Optare's early minibuses catered to urban and rural transport needs, featuring compact designs on van or light chassis for maneuverability in tight spaces. The CityPacer, introduced in 1985, was a 25-seat minibus based on the Volkswagen LT55 chassis and remained in production until 1992, marking Optare's initial foray into purpose-built minibuses.[89] The StarRider followed in 1987, utilizing a Mercedes-Benz 811D chassis for up to 33 seats, and was produced through 1994, offering a coach-seated variant for longer routes.[90] Complementing these, the Delta midibus debuted in 1989 on a DAF SB220 chassis, providing low-floor access options by the mid-1990s, with production ending in 1996.[89]Full-Size Models
As Optare expanded into larger vehicles, it developed full-size single-deck buses emphasizing reliability and passenger capacity for city services. The MetroRider, launched in 1992 based on the acquired MCW Metrobus design, was an integral minibus-to-midibus that evolved into a low-floor version and was built until 2002.[91] The Spectra, a full-size single-deck model developed in collaboration with DAF on the DB250 chassis, entered production in 1991 and continued until 2006, known for its lightweight aluminum structure and adaptability to step-entrance or low-floor configurations.[90] Similarly, the Excel, Optare's first low-floor full-size single-decker introduced in 1995, featured advanced suspension for improved ride quality and was produced until 2007.[89]Later Models
In the 2000s and 2010s, Optare focused on modernizing its lineup with hybrid-compatible designs, though these diesel and hybrid variants were eventually phased out amid the transition to electric propulsion. The Versa midibus, launched in 2007, offered flexible lengths from 8.6 to 10.8 meters on MAN or Cummins chassis, with over 800 units built before production ended around 2018 following the company's reorientation.[9] The Tempo, an integral full-size single-decker introduced in 2004, emphasized fuel efficiency with its lightweight composite body and was updated to the Tempo SR in 2012; it was discontinued by 2018 as longer Metrocity variants took over.Coach Variants
Optare produced limited coach models, primarily as derivatives of its bus range rather than dedicated lines. The Opus, a rare full-size coach variant based on the Excel platform, was offered briefly in the early 2000s for intercity services but discontinued by 2012 due to low demand and shifting priorities toward urban buses.[89] These coaches highlighted Optare's occasional diversification beyond standard bus bodies, though they never formed a core product segment.International Presence
Operations in India
Switch Mobility established its Indian operations through OHM Global Mobility Private Ltd in 2021, a subsidiary focused on electric mobility-as-a-service (eMaaS) solutions, leveraging the Hinduja Group's engineering expertise to accelerate zero-emission transport in the region.[50][92] At its assembly facility in the Ennore plant near Chennai, Switch Mobility produces electric buses tailored for Indian urban environments, emphasizing low-floor designs for accessibility and efficiency in high-density traffic. A notable early contract involved supplying 40 electric buses to the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking in 2022, which were deployed on city routes to support sustainable public transport.[93][94][95] These vehicles feature right-hand drive configurations adapted for India's road infrastructure and incorporate features like fast-charging capabilities to navigate congested urban areas effectively. Operations benefit from government support under the FAME-II scheme, which provides subsidies to promote electric vehicle adoption and reduce emissions in public fleets.[96][94][97] In 2025, following the cessation of manufacturing at its UK facility, Switch Mobility expanded production capacity in India to double down on the domestic EV market, positioning the country as a key hub for a significant share of its global output amid growing orders for over 1,000 electric buses.[54][98]Activities in Europe and Beyond
Switch Mobility has established a notable presence in the UK through deployments of its electric buses in major urban fleets. Since introducing the first British-built pure electric buses to London's roads in 2014, the company has deployed over 950 electric vehicles across the UK, with significant contributions to fleets in London and Manchester.[99] In London, examples include 10 Metrocity 9.5m electric buses supplied to Stagecoach for operation on route W11 starting in early 2024, and 11 MetroCity single-deckers for Abellio London on route 322.[100][101] In Manchester, Switch Mobility vehicles support the Bee Network's transition to zero-emission public transport, building on earlier Optare models integrated into local services. These deployments underscore the company's role in advancing sustainable urban mobility in the UK despite market challenges.[102] In continental Europe, Switch Mobility pursued expansion through research and development initiatives focused on battery technology. In December 2021, the company announced plans for an advanced manufacturing and technology centre in Valladolid, Spain, representing its first facility in continental Europe and involving a €100 million investment over 10 years.[39] The hub was intended to support production of electric buses and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), including battery assembly using nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) technology, with groundbreaking held in March 2022.[103][40] However, the project faced delays and was suspended in June 2024 amid economic pressures, shifting focus to exports from India rather than local operations.[104] Beyond Europe, Switch Mobility has initiated limited exports and pilots, leveraging its historical ties to the North American market through the former North American Bus Industries (NABI) acquisition by parent company Ashok Leyland in 2013, which provided early exposure for Optare products in the US. In 2024, the company conducted initial pilots of its e1-series light commercial vehicles in select international markets, though details remain sparse. More concretely, exports to the Middle East gained momentum with the December 2024 launch of the E1 low-floor electric city bus, designed specifically for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.[105] Trial operations of electric buses were conducted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia during summer 2025, aiming for commercial rollout across the GCC by the end of 2025 to support regional green mobility goals.[106] Following the 2025 production halt at its UK facility, Switch Mobility's strategy emphasizes resilience through diversified supply chains. In March 2025, the company initiated consultations to cease manufacturing and assembly at the Sherburn-in-Elmet plant, citing ongoing losses and economic uncertainty in the British bus sector; the closure was completed, impacting up to 200 jobs.[56] To maintain presence in Europe and beyond, Switch Mobility fulfills existing orders and supplies future demand via assembly and production at parent facilities in India and the UAE, avoiding full market exit while prioritizing cost efficiency. This includes relocation of manufacturing to a facility in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, with an investment of under $3 million to expand operations for serving Europe, the UK, and the GCC.[107][108][47] This shift aligns with a broader focus on high-volume markets like the GCC and Europe, where the E1 model will facilitate entry through exports rather than local manufacturing.[108]Vehicle Imports and Partnerships
During its time as Optare, the company established a significant partnership with Spanish coachbuilder Carrocería Ferqui in the late 1990s, beginning with the launch of the Solera midicoach in 1997, which was built on a Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis and imported to the UK for sale under the Optare brand.[14] This collaboration expanded to include other minicoach models such as the Toro, Solera, and Soroco, which were imported from Ferqui's facilities in Spain starting around 2008 and marketed as Optare products to meet demand for compact luxury coaches in the UK market.[109] The partnership enabled Optare to offer these vehicles without in-house production for smaller segments, with the Solera, for instance, noted for its 10-meter length and suitability for midicoach applications.[110] The arrangement with Ferqui concluded in January 2012 when Optare withdrew from the small luxury coach sector, shifting focus to its core bus manufacturing amid changing market dynamics.[14] Following the 2017 acquisition by Ashok Leyland and the subsequent rebranding to Switch Mobility in 2020, the company began sourcing key components from its parent in India to support electric vehicle assembly, leveraging Ashok Leyland's engineering expertise for global EV production.[1] In terms of strategic alliances, Switch Mobility formed a notable partnership with drivetrain supplier Dana in 2021, under which Dana invested $18 million for a 1% stake and became a preferred provider of electric propulsion systems for Switch's e-buses and light commercial vehicles, enhancing integration of e-axles and motors.[111] This collaboration supports Switch's transition to self-produced EVs, reducing reliance on external imports for core components while import volumes of complete coaches have since become minimal.[112]References
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1986_Optare_City_Pacer_OV-Type_bus_No.OV2_%25E2%2580%2598Hurricane%25E2%2580%2599.jpg