Rochdale based Mellor to showcase its Sprinter-based bus, with high capacity and low running costs

The high-floor version of Mellor’s Strata bus with up to 19 seats, is to make its CV Show debut on 25 April 2017.

The Strata HF, aimed primarily at the local authority and community transport sectors, is a fully-accessible vehicle based on the acclaimed Mercedes Sprinter chassis cab, which, like its low-floor stablemate, capitalises on lightweight composite materials throughout.

The construction helps to offer a capacity of up to 19 seated passengers or as many as seven wheelchairs. Internal space has been maximised to allow 2+2 seating of 450mm wide seats on a completely flat floor with no slope and no internal steps.

Strata HF has been fully engineered in CAD and boasts a stainless steel body frame and a modern and stylish interior fitted with wipe-clean and hard wearing GRP mouldings throughout. There will be medium and long-wheelbase options and the higher 19 capacity versions are to be fitted with a composite floor system.

The two-step entry with forward opening inswing door combines with a new design of header panel which can be used as convenient overhead storage above the cab. Alternatively, it can incorporate destination equipment for stage carriage work. To minimise downtime after minor accidents, all skirt panels and bumpers are bolt-on for quick replacement.

The medium wheelbase version will accommodate up to 16 seats or up to six wheelchairs. The long-wheelbase Strata HF can have up to 19 seats, or up to seven wheelchairs. Both variants will be fitted with full-length tracking to offer the ultimate in seating flexibility. Both variants will also have a passenger lift mounted at the rear, these can be either underfloor or inboard type. 

Mellor’s design team has paid particular attention to the driver’s cab, which has excellent all-round visibility and the ergonomic environment is one in which drivers are sure to feel at home. Features such as a full-width electric sun blind, dedicated driver’s storage compartment and a luggage pen on the nearside front are fitted as standard equipment on all models. An integrated reversing camera, monitor and cyclist protection system are just some of the safety features that will come as standard.

  A new demonstrator vehicle is nearing completion at the Rochdale facility and with competitive pricing for both versions, orders are currently being taken:

“Our approach with the new model has been to offer our customers greater value. Visitors to the CV Show will be able to see first-hand the leap forward we have made both in terms of internal space and the quality of finish we have been able to achieve,” said Mellor Managing Director John Randerson.

“The Sprinter base vehicle has a reputation for offering performance, robustness and a low whole-life cost which, coupled with this version of Strata, makes it an affordable choice in a number of different sectors.”

The Strata HF will be appearing on the Webasto Stand (5D10) at the Commercial Vehicle Show between 25 and 27 April 2017