FirstGroup invests £70m in over 300 new buses

Majority of vehicles will be manufactured in the UK

Transport operator FirstGroup has ordered 305 new vehicles worth £70 million, 98% of which will be manufactured in the UK.

The order, which comprises 204 double deckers, will all be fitted with the latest Euro VI engines, which produce 95% less oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions compared to buses with Euro V engines.

Scottish firm ADL will manufacture 204 vehicles, while Northern Ireland’s Wrightbus has secured an order for 91 buses, and Volvo has won a contract to build 10 coach chassis in Sweden, with the bodies manufactured by ADL.

Giles Fearnley, managing director of First Bus, said: “In 2015, we announced the largest order on record in the UK for vehicles with Euro VI engines, complementing efforts from our partners in local councils to improve air quality in our towns and cities.  Our 2016 order again reflects our commitment to working with our partners to reduce emissions and improve the environment.

“First Bus is proud to continue supporting British bus manufacturers,” he added.  “Our manufacturing partners continue to lead the world in quality, innovation, fuel efficiency and value for money.  I’m pleased that we’ve again invested heavily in our fleet and our tradition of supporting the British manufacturing industry remains strong.”

The order brings the company’s investment over the past six years to £455 million in 2,500 new vehicles.