Daimler Buses UK has underlined its commitment to electromobility with investment in staff and support functions at its Coventry base. The work sits alongside receipt of the first UK orders for the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro, including two deals with Transdev Blazefield for a total of 35 such buses.
Funding for the development at Coventry is coming from parent Daimler Truck AG. Among the fruits of that is creation of a further apprenticeship position, taking the total to eight.
Those apprenticeships cater to various skillsets including engineering, finance, HR and sales, and they “support the shift towards zero-emission transport solutions,” Daimler Buses UK says.
Apprenticeships start as a level three qualification, with some offering progression to level four, the dealership says. The latter is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, according to UCAS. Backing is via academic support and experience from external specialist training providers and the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Academy.
In addition to bolstering apprenticeships, Daimler Buses UK earlier completed an eMobility Centre at Coventry.
It showcases the latest in on-site battery repair and maintenance solutions for the eCitaro and presents new learning and skill-sharing opportunities for staff. Customer events are also staged.
Speaking about the investment, Daimler Buses UK Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Jens Heinemann says: “2023 continues to represent a pivotal year for our business, in terms of both strategic operations and personnel.
“We have invested heavily in technologically advanced equipment to support our complete eMobility package, and of course, we need to invest in our staff. As a forward-looking business, we see our future, the future of eMobility, and the future of our knowledge base, firmly in the city of Coventry.”
In addition to zero-emission buses on the electromobility journey, Daimler Buses recently confirmed that it will introduce its first zero-emission interurban coach in around 2025. Long-distance examples are set to follow by 2030.
