BUS manufacturer Optare has launched its newest vehicle after designing a new double decker bus for the London market.

Directors from the Sherburn-in-Elmet firm travelled to the capital to join the Mayor of London Boris Johnson in officially launching the MetroDecker.

The vehicle has been designed with the dual purpose of improved fuel economy and increased customer comfort.

Mr Johnson said he considered this “an important development in the bus manufacturing industry and is testament to the hard work the Hinduja Group has achieved since taking control of Optare”

Enrico Vassallo, chief executive at Optare said: “The MetroDecker represents the evolution of Optare design and quality standards.

"We have worked hard to assess and evaluate every part of the vehicle to ensure it is as efficient as possible; consolidating parts, reducing complexity and removing duplication.

"And all this has been achieved with real-world fuel savings and outstanding safety and customer comfort at the top of our agenda."

The MetroDecker is the second product for London after the Metrocity and the first in the Optare Double Decker range.

John Horn, UK sales director at Optare said: “This new model reflects Optare’s commitment to our key customer base and desire to offer our customers a wide choice of quality, emission efficient, cost effective solutions for their fleet.”

The Optare group PLC is part of Ashok Leyland, one of the top five global bus producers, and part of the Hinduja Group.