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Bus builder Solaris Bus & Coach continues its expansion with the first orders from two new markets. For the first time, Solaris buses will be operated in Spain and Bulgaria. This takes the number of countries with Solaris vehicles to 22.
Solaris Alpino 8.6 low-floor midibus
Solaris low-floor trolleybus Trollino 12 on delivery for Sofia Electrotransport EAD
Spain: Alpino 8.6 Midibus for Girona
Girona-based Transports Municipals del Gironès S.A. has become the first bus operator in Spain to choose Solaris buses. The Catalan operator has ordered an Alpino 8.6 low-floor midibus, which is expected to be delivered this autumn.
Solange CEO Solange Olszewska comments: “This first order from Spain may only be for one vehicle, but it is an important step for Solaris on the Spanish market, which has a long tradition of local body builders working on various chassis. We are convinced that Solaris’s integral solutions will appeal to Spanish customers and we are looking forward to working with further operators.”
Solaris last year established Solaris Bus Ibérica S.A. in Madrid for its activities on the Iberian peninsula. Solaris is currently present in Portugal with a Trollino 12 running on the Coimbra trolleybus network.
Bulgaria: Trollino 12 Trolleybuses for Capital Sofia
Over the coming months, the trolleybus fleet in the Bulgarian capital Sofia will benefit from the investment in 30 new Solaris Trollino 12. These quiet and eco-friendly trolleybuses will be supplied by Solaris Bus & Coach to Sofia Electrotransport EAD. They will be the first trolleybuses in Sofia to offer low-floor easy access throughout the vehicle, setting new standards in passenger comfort.
These vehicles will be supplied by Solaris with its Czech partner Škoda Electric, who will contribute the electric traction systems. Sofia’s Trollino 12 will be fitted with auxiliary diesel generators in order to be able to work away from overhead power supplies in case of service disruptions. Delivery will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2011.
These trolleybuses will be the first Solaris vehicles for Bulgaria. They demonstrate Solaris’s position as a leading supplier of e-mobility solutions. Since its launch nine years ago, more than 400 Solaris Trollino trolleybuses have been built for customers in 14 countries throughout Europe.