Global zero-emission bus manufacturer Wrightbus is launching operations in Australia in a significant new chapter for its international growth strategy, reinforcing its position as a world leader in sustainable transport innovation.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary with 3,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road across the UK and Europe, Wrightbus enters the Australian market with a long-term commitment to collaboration, working in partnership with operators, governments and industry partners to share global expertise and help accelerate the transition to zero-emission public transport.
Its new venture will be officially unveiled by Anna Shotbolt, British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner Asia Pacific (Australia & New Zealand) at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney tomorrow (JULY 15), and builds on historic links with Australia dating back to the company’s first exports to Canberra 30 years ago.
Today, Wrightbus is investing in local capability, strengthening partnerships across the region, and creating opportunities throughout its international supply chain as demand for zero-emission transport continues to grow.
Its zero-emission fleet operates worldwide – collectively travelling over 200 million emission-free kilometres – and brings proven battery-electric and hydrogen technologies backed by decades of engineering expertise and global operational experience.
Wrightbus is showcasing three vehicles for the Australian market: the Kite battery-electric single deck, Kite hydrogen fuel cell single deck – both of which are already fully approved on the TfNSW Procurement Panel underlining the company’s readiness to support operators from day one – and the StreetDeck 6×2 battery-electric double decker, 20 of which have just been ordered by City Bus in Hong Kong following an incredibly competitive tender process.
Jo Bamford CBE, Executive Chairman of Wrightbus, said: “Australia represents a hugely important market for Wrightbus, and we are delighted to be back with a renewed focus and a long-term commitment to supporting the country’s transition to zero-emission public transport.”
Wrightbus Managing Director Christian Reynolds added: “Our vehicles are already proving themselves every day in cities around the world, and we’re excited to share that experience with Australian customers. This is about more than supplying buses; it’s about building partnerships, creating ecosystems, supporting jobs and developing sustainable transport solutions for decades to come.
“Collaboration is central to how we operate, enabling us to share the expertise we’ve built delivering zero-emission fleets across the UK, Europe and Asia, while working with partners to understand local needs, share knowledge and develop solutions that deliver lasting impact.”
Anna Shotbolt, British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner, Asia Pacific (Australia & New Zealand), said “As Wrightbus celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is fantastic to see the Northern Irish bus and coach manufacturer returning to Australia to build on a partnership that began more than three decades ago. Combining a proud heritage of British engineering with their zero-emission expertise, Wrightbus will help operators and communities across Australia move toward a cleaner, greener transport future.”
Richard Ennis, Regional Director – Australia & New Zealand, Invest Northern Ireland, said: “As the economic development agency for Northern Ireland, we are proud to support Wrightbus on its journey into the Australian market, helping the company explore opportunities and building valuable connections across the region. Wrightbus’s growth in Australia demonstrates its strength in advanced manufacturing and clean technology, and we look forward to supporting the company’s continued success in the years ahead.”
Wrightbus’s expansion also reflects the growing market opportunity for clean transport technologies across Asia Pacific.
Justinian Habner, Head of Asia Pacific, Invest Northern Ireland, said: “Wrightbus’s launch in Australia demonstrates the growing international demand for Northern Ireland’s expertise in clean transport and sustainable innovation. With governments and operators across Asia Pacific investing in decarbonisation, Wrightbus is ideally positioned to support the transition to zero-emission public transport. We will continue to work with Wrightbus to support the company as it expands its international footprint and to showcaseNorthern Ireland’s sectoral strengths in clean technology transport throughout Asia-Pacific.”
From manufacturing bases across the UK and Malaysia, supported by more than 2,300 employees and an extended supply chain valued at more than £300m a year which sustains a further 7,500 jobs, the company has become one of the UK’s leading clean-transport success stories.
Leading the Australian operation are industry specialists Daniel Castro, Regional Director Asia Pacific, and Julian Gurney, Head of Sales – Australia & New Zealand, whose local market knowledge and relationships will help establish Wrightbus as a long-term partner for operators seeking practical, proven decarbonisation solutions.
Julian, who has 20 years’ experience in the region, including involvement with the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), said: “I am delighted to be back at the Sydney Expo with Wrightbus, a truly historic company, as it seeks to work with operators and partners in Australia and help them deliver their vision for a cleaner, greener transport network.
“Australia is a highly respected, mature and professional market and it’s really defining its own future. Daniel and I, along with the rest of the Wrightbus team are fully committed to supporting its decarbonisation goals.”
Daniel added: “With 80 years of engineering heritage behind us and a clear focus on the future, we’re excited to write the next chapter of the Wrightbus story in Australia.
“We’re not just introducing innovative vehicles – we’re establishing the partnerships and support network needed to help customers succeed as they modernise their fleets.”
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