A pre-production vehicle will be one of the main attractions at November's Community Transport Event in Manchester.

"This is an exciting new product which takes our expertise and reputation in building accessible vehicles and unites it with all the strengths of the Mercedes-Benz brand," says Mellor sales and marketing director Geoff Hudson. "That includes full Mercedes after sale support for the complete vehicle - body and chassis - offering buyers of the Sprinter Accessible a unique package in terms of accessibility, carrying capacity and unrivalled after sales service."

The Sprinter accessible is 2.46m wide and 7.86m long, which offers plenty of interior space. Access is by a1250mm-wide door with a step-free entrance 320mm from the ground. This figure is reduced to 250mm using the lowering suspension. A manually operated ramp gives a gentle approach angle for wheelchair users. Tracking is provided in the low front section to secure wheelchairs.

"There are few vehicles of this size which wheelchair passengers can board without using a lift, Geoff Hudson continues, "the ramp allows people to board from the pavement, and to do so quickly and easily. For people with impaired mobility this is an easy vehicle to use thanks to the step-free entrance, wide body, and just two shallow steps to the rear seated area."

The new Sprinter is assembled by Mellor at its Rochdale factory, using a kit of parts supplied from Germany by EvoBus, the passenger vehicle division of Mercedes- Benz. The kit comprises a complete chassis and body framing which assembles and then trims to its customers requirements. This arrangement combines Mellor's ability to tailor-make vehicles for community transport and welfare fleets, with the benefits of Mercedes' high-volume Sprinter production.

In a unique agreement between Mellor and Evobus UK, signed earlier this year Mellor has total responsibility for selling and marketing the new model, while Mercedes-Benz takes total responsibility for after sale support.

With safety very much in mind, the Sprinter Accessible has a strong steel structure, which is fully corrosion-protected for a long operational life. It also has anti-lock disc brakes all round, with electronic control. The use of EBS ensures even wear of disc pads. Halogen headlights provide first-class illumination of the road ahead.

Power-assisted steering is standard, as is five-speed manual gearbox. Am automatic gearbox is available as an option. For cost-conscious transport managers, the sprinter accessible so powered by the reliable and economical Mercedes-Benz OM612 2.7-litre 154bhp five-cylinder diesel engine. With much of the running gear being shared with the Sprinter can and light truck range, there is an unrivalled network of Mercedes-Benz parts and service dealers throughout the UK, guaranteeing speedy parts availability at competitive prices.

The Sprinter Accessible has a 12-volt electrical system with a high-capacity 150A alternator and heavy-duty batteries. A 100-litre fuel tank provides ample capacity for a full day's operation.

Geoff Hudson concludes: "This is a significant opportunity for Mellor to enter the low-floor market. We have been monitoring developments at the major chassis manufacturers over the last two years, waiting for the right vehicle to become available before moving into this sector. We are convinced that the Sprinter is that vehicle and have already seen high levels of interest in our new model in advance of its launch."

The new Sprinter Accessible will be launched with a pre-production vehicle at the Community Transport Event in Manchester. Series production starts in the first quarter of 2004.