Minibuses for rural routes are in production | Letter

The recent letter by Mike Parker highlights the necessity for manufacturing minibuses tailored for rural routes, emphasizing the potential for entrepreneurial opportunities in this sector. This letter coincides with a significant transport funding announcement made by Rachel Reeves, who unveiled a £15.6 billion investment aimed at enhancing public transport, particularly in rural areas. The funding announcement took place at Mellor Bus in Rochdale, a manufacturer that, along with its sister company Treka Bus located in Brighouse, produces various types of buses, including 16-seater models that are ideally suited for rural transportation needs. Both companies are under the Woodall Nicholson group, which was recently acquired by Belgian entrepreneur Guido Dumarey, raising hopes that he will maintain production within the UK and potentially expand the business further.

Despite the promising developments, there are challenges to address regarding the sourcing of bus chassis, which are currently imported from European manufacturers such as Mercedes and Iveco/Fiat. The absence of UK manufacturers capable of producing suitable chassis poses a significant gap in the domestic supply chain. Historically, companies like Ford and DAF ceased operations in the UK for this type of manufacturing, leaving a void that could be an opportunity for other manufacturers. There is speculation that Renault/Stellantis might consider producing chassis at their Ellesmere Port factory, which could help alleviate the reliance on European imports. The discussion not only underscores the importance of local manufacturing for rural transport solutions but also points to potential areas for growth and investment in the UK's automotive industry.