Hybrid Difficulties

Hybrid technology, which replaces a conventional diesel engine and transmission, is seen as the best intermediate solution available to reducing emissions and noise. The time is so right to reduce the amount of oil burnt on bus services, as costs have increased by about 70 per cent in two years. In spite of good performance in Newcastle, hybrid continues with its bumpy ride. Witness Merseyside’s trials, for example. ADLs Ecoturas project is believed to be a little behind schedule. And now, Traction Technologies.

Traction Technologies announced on Friday that it may be experiencing problems. Behind schedule London hybrid trials and delays in testing a hybrid unit for a prototype Optare Versa ahead of 10 Traction/Optare partnership production Versas have led to a reassessment of its trading position.

Traction feels that it is ‘unlikely to generate positive cash flow from its present activities for the foreseeable future’ and is ‘currently considering a range of options… which could include the raising of further funds, moving the business model to a licensing operation, the reduction or cessation of current activities or a sale of the business to a third party.’