Alexander Dennis will restart production of its Enviro500 tri-axle double-decker range in North America after reaching agreement with Big Rig Manufacturing of Las Vegas to act as build partner.
Previous production facilities in Indiana and Toronto were closed from 2020, although Alexander Dennis notes that its longer-term order book has remained buoyant as interest in the Enviro500 in North America is “resurging.” Parent NFI Group reports its largest order book and backlog in history.
Big Rig Manufacturing will assemble both the diesel Enviro500 and the battery-electric Enviro500EV Charge models. Alexander Dennis engineering and production staff will be located permanently at the new Nevada facility to support chassis production, major subassembly and full production of the body. The first buses will be released in 2024.
Alexander Dennis has confirmed that the future Enviro500EV Charge is intended to be based on the global next-generation electric bus platform currently being launched. Enviro500EVs that are the fruits of that work have already been delivered in Hong Kong.
Big Rig Manufacturing is a subsidiary of Big Rig Collision Group, which provides coach, bus and truck accident repairs in Canada and the United States. Agreement between the two parties allows Alexander Dennis to meet Buy America Act stipulations in the United States for the spending of public money on public transport projects.
Speaking about conclusion of the agreement, Alexander Dennis North America Vice-President and General Manager Stephen Walsh says: “We are excited about this new opportunity with Big Rig Manufacturing, which provides an elegant solution to restarting double-deck production in North America.
“I am pleased that we have been able to team up with a familiar partner for many of our current double-deck customers, who have previously selected Big Rig Collision Group to complete comprehensive mid-life overhauls of their buses.
“Its intimate knowledge of our bus construction and design processes will help Big Rig Manufacturing to ensure a smooth production of the Enviro500.”
Mr Walsh adds that over 1,000 Alexander Dennis double-deckers are in service in North America. Many existing customers have vehicles approaching replacement, “and this production agreement allows us to support their fleet investment.”
