Solaris, a leading European manufacturer of electric buses, has been added to the procurement list of the French Union of Public Purchasing Groups (UGAP). The announcement comes after UGAP added Solaris’ two Polish electric bus models, the Trollino 18 and the Urbino 18 electric, to its list of available vehicles. As a result, Solaris is now a potential supplier of electric buses and trolleybuses for public transport projects in France, without the need for an additional tendering procedure.
According to Solaris, the inclusion of their vehicles in the UGAP catalogue is for a period of 24 months, with the possibility of extending the contract. The move comes after UGAP recently invited tenders for electric-powered public transport vehicles, including minibuses, buses, and mini-cars, for procurement, variants, and implementation of additional services. Solaris received ten bids for its articulated electric vehicles with a length of 17 to 19 metres, of which four were selected, including the Trollino 18 and Urbino 18 electric.
Olivier Michard, Solaris board member for sales, after-sales, and marketing, expressed pride in being awarded UGAP credentials, saying, “We are very pleased to be able to offer two models from our extensive portfolio of zero-emission vehicles: the Trollino 18 articulated trolleybus and the Urbino 18 electric articulated bus.” Michard also highlighted France as a key market for Solaris and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to offer the company’s “excellent, state-of-the-art products directly” to French transport companies.
See also: Solaris Unveils New Urbino 18 Electric Bus at Elekbu Trade Fair
The announcement is a significant milestone for Solaris and underscores the growing demand for zero-emission vehicles in the public transport sector. With increasing pressure on governments to reduce carbon emissions, the use of electric buses is becoming more commonplace, and Solaris is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The inclusion of its vehicles in the UGAP catalogue will undoubtedly enhance the company’s reputation and drive sales growth in France and beyond.
