'We are no longer just a UK success story': Northern Ireland manufacturer takes global stage with major showcases 7,000 miles apart
Wrightbus unveils new tri-axle double-decker in Singapore while showcasing its latest zero-emission technology at UK bus expo as it marks 80 years in business
Wrightbus has underlined its global vision by stealing the spotlight at two major industry events simultaneously - despite being 7,000 miles apart!
The leading zero-emission bus manufacturer took the wraps off its head-turning 6x2 tri-axle double-decker at Singapore Urban Mobility Week while simultaneously presenting a suite of vehicles and services at the Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham.
The dual appearance underlines the UK manufacturer’s growing international reach as it celebrates 80 years of engineering and manufacturing, with a continued focus on developing zero-emission solutions for operators worldwide.
At Euro Bus, Wrightbus showed off its double-deck StreetDeck Electroliner Gen 2.0 alongside a StreetDeck converted from diesel to electric power, which is currently operating with First Bus. Visitors were also able to meet teams from Wrightbus’s subsidiaries NewPower, NewLife and AllServiceOne.
Meanwhile, at Singapore Urban Mobility Week, which runs until November 6, Wrightbus unveiled its new Electroliner 6x2 three-door double-decker. The tri-axle vehicle reflects the company’s ambitions in international markets, with Hong Kong operator Citybus having ordered 17 vehicles in a multi-million pound deal.
Christian Reynolds, managing director of Wrightbus, said: “These events are a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the breadth of what Wrightbus can offer operators around the world, from new zero-emission buses designed to meet the latest requirements through to repowering existing vehicles and extending their operational life.
“Whether we are talking to operators in the UK, Asia or elsewhere, our focus is the same: developing practical, proven solutions that meet the needs of their networks and help them make the transition to cleaner public transport.
“As we celebrate 80 years of manufacturing, we are proud of the engineering expertise we have built up in the UK and the role our people and partners play in delivering innovation for customers around the world.”
Founded in 1946, Wrightbus has pioneered developments including aluminium bus framing, low-floor technology and hydrogen-powered buses. It has now produced 4,000 zero-emission buses for operators worldwide, with its vehicles having clocked up more than 150 million electric miles.
That operational experience is powering continued product development, including advances in telematics and data management, as Wrightbus works to help operators get the best performance from their vehicles throughout their working lives.
The StreetDeck Electroliner Gen 2.0 on display at Euro Bus Expo incorporates developments designed to improve safety, efficiency and passenger experience, including enhanced heating and air conditioning, advanced emergency braking, improved fire protection, updated passenger information systems and telematics capabilities.
The repowered StreetDeck demonstrates a complementary approach to fleet decarbonisation, converting an existing diesel bus to zero-emission operation rather than requiring the replacement of the entire vehicle.
Wrightbus is also working with Transport for London (TfL) to prepare for the next phase of its Bus Vehicle Specification. Developments include new door logic and in-service and CO2 testing procedures, ahead of BVS 2.7-compliant deliveries scheduled for October 2027.
UK manufacturing remains central to the company’s growth. More than 2,300 people work at Wrightbus factories, with a further 7,500 jobs supported across its UK supply chain, valued at more than £300 million annually. The business is also extending its international reach through its manufacturing operation in Malaysia and its team in Australia.
John McLeister, managing director of sales for the UK and Ireland, speaking from Euro Bus Expo, added: “The message from our MD Christian Reynolds has been crystal clear - we want to establish Wrightbus as a partner of choice, helping customers get the best performance from their vehicles throughout their working lives.
“Wrightbus has more than 150 million EV miles behind it now, along with 3,500 EVs in service, all providing data from which it continues to learn.
“While the last 80 years have been about cementing Wrightbus’s position in the UK market, we are no longer just a UK success story. Our factory in Malaysia and our team in Australia has helped us spread the word in far-flung corners of the world.”