Wrightbus expands into Australia, showcasing zero emission bus portfolio at Australasia Bus & Coach Expo

Wrightbus has officially launched operations in Australia, introducing its battery-electric and hydrogen bus range as part of its international expansion strategy.

Wrightbus has announced the launch of its Australian operations, marking a new stage in the manufacturer’s international expansion. The official unveiling takes place at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney on 15 July, where the company is showcasing three vehicles.

Wrightbus said its Australian business will be led by Daniel Castro as Regional Director Asia Pacific and Julian Gurney as Head of Sales for Australia and New Zealand.

The launch coincides with Wrightbus’ 80th anniversary. According to the manufacturer, more than 3,000 zero-emission buses are currently operating across the UK and Europe, collectively covering over 200 million emission-free kilometres. The company states that its Australian business will focus on long-term collaboration with operators, public authorities and industry partners while establishing local capabilities and regional partnerships.

In 2023 Wrightbus had been awarded £50 million to boost exports of electric and hydrogen-powered buses (destination: Europe, Germany in particular, and North America) supported by a loan guarantee from the UK’s export credit agency.

Wrightbus introduces e-buses in Australia

Wrightbus is displaying three vehicles for the Australian market: the Kite battery-electric single-deck bus, the Kite hydrogen fuel cell single-deck bus and the StreetDeck 6×2 battery-electric double-decker.

The manufacturer states that both Kite models have already received approval under the Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) Procurement Panel, allowing them to be supplied to eligible operators. The StreetDeck 6×2 battery-electric double-decker is also being presented following an order for 20 units placed by City Bus in Hong Kong.

Wrightbus Australian organisation?

As mentioned above, Wrightbus said its Australian business will be led by Daniel Castro as Regional Director Asia Pacific and Julian Gurney as Head of Sales for Australia and New Zealand.

The manufacturer added that it currently operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and Malaysia, supported by more than 2,300 employees.

The Australian expansion follows earlier commercial activity in the country, with Wrightbus noting that its first exports to Canberra took place around 30 years ago.

Invest Northern Ireland, the regional economic development agency, is supporting Wrightbus’s expansion into the Australian market through business development and international market support.

In brief

• Which buses is Wrightbus launching in Australia? The company is presenting the Kite battery-electric single deck, Kite hydrogen fuel cell single deck and StreetDeck 6×2 battery-electric double-decker.
• Are the buses already approved for operation? Wrightbus states that both Kite single-deck models are approved under the TfNSW Procurement Panel.
• Who leads Wrightbus in Australia? Daniel Castro serves as Regional Director Asia Pacific and Julian Gurney as Head of Sales for Australia and New Zealand.

Jo Bamford, 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 (who has succeeded, since a few months, the previously appointed Axel Joachim Maschka) 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.”

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.”