Mellor Tucana
Mellor Tucana II operated by Somerset CC
(Bathpool, 2021)
Overview
ManufacturerBluebird Vehicles (2005-2014)
Mellor Coachcraft (2014-)
Production2005-present
Body and chassis
Doors1 side door or 2 door (1 side, 1 rear)
Floor typeLow floor
ChassisVolkswagen Transporter T5/ T6
Powertrain
Engine2.0-litre 4-cylinder Euro-6
Capacity15 seats or 4 wheelchairs
Power output140-150PS
Transmission7 speed Direct-shift gearbox
6 speed manual
Dimensions
Length6.83-7.01 metres
Width2.08 metres
Height2.41-2.57 metres
Curb weight4.1 tonnes

The Mellor Tucana (previously known as the Bluebird Tucana) is a small wheelchair-accessible minibus manufactured by Mellor Coachcraft in England.

Tucana

The Bluebird Tucana entered production in 2005 fitted to the Volkswagen Transporter T5 chassis.[1] Over 650 were built, with Transport for London purchasing over 250 for use on Dial-a-Ride services.[2][3][4] A number are also used by CT Plus on London commercial route 812 and by Sheffield Community Transport in South Yorkshire.[5]

Woodall Nicholson purchased the rights to the Tucana and transferred production from Scarborough to its Mellor Coachcraft subsidiary in Rochdale after Bluebird entered administration in 2014.[6][7][8]

Tucana II

In August 2016, Mellor Coachcraft launched the Mellor Tucana II based on the Volkswagen Transporter T6 chassis with the first delivered to Scarborough Dial-a-Ride.[4][9][10][11]

Gallery

References

  1. ^ CTA Show 2005 Review Bus & Coach Professional 21 November 2005
  2. ^ Thousands of older and disabled Londoners to gain as mayor introduces new Dial-a-ride vehicles Transport for London 3 September 2008
  3. ^ Mayor Boris Johnson launches the revamped Dial-a-Ride bus London Evening Standard 8 September 2008
  4. ^ a b New Mellor Tucana II Bus & Coach Buyer 18 October 2016
  5. ^ "In London: North of the Thames, hail-&-ride is alive and thriving" Buses Magazine issue 670 January 2011 page 25
  6. ^ Woodall Nicholson expands with bus acquisition Manchester Evening News 14 July 2014
  7. ^ Bluebird snapped up by rival Scarborough News 15 July 2014
  8. ^ New name, familiar product Bus & Coach Buyer 29 September 2014
  9. ^ Mellor Coachcraft launches redesigned Tucana II Route One 26 August 2016
  10. ^ Mellor launches Tucana II Bus & Coach Buyer 31 August 2016
  11. ^ Mellor Coachcraft launches Tucana II Coach & Bus Week issue 1258 20 September 2016 pages 40, 41

External links

Media related to Bluebird Tucana at Wikimedia Commons

Mellor Coachcraft buses
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