Wrightbus has won a Europe-wide tender process to supply 12 hydrogen-powered Kite Hydroliners to German bus operator WestVerkehr.
The new buses, which will be put into operation in the town of Geilenkirchen, will be manufactured at Wrightbus’s Ballymena headquarters.
Following on from an order from German operator Regionalverkehr for 60 Hydroliners last year, the latest deal continues the Northern Ireland manufacturer’s drive to boost overseas sales.
Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus Chief Executive Officer, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with WestVerkehr to put more zero-emission hydrogen buses on the streets of Germany. For Wrightbus, hydrogen represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get ahead in the large-scale manufacturing of a technology that will be in demand across the world.
“This is another significant deal for us and is further evidence of the leading role we are playing on the global stage in tackling climate change through sustainable transport.
“The introduction of the new Kite Hydroliner will help to prevent even more carbon from being released and it’s fantastic to see WestVerkehr taking this vital and progressive step to decarbonise public transport.
“This order is further recognition of Wrightbus as a leader in the sector, which is hugely gratifying and a testament to the reputation we have built up.”
Udo Winkens, Managing Director of WestVerkehr, adds: “With the purchase of the 12 hydrogen-powered vehicles, we are taking an important step towards converting the West’s bus fleet to emission-free drives.
“We were able to convince ourselves on site that we have found an innovative and powerful partner in Wrightbus.”
