Volvo announces Spanish electric bus tie-up

Volvo Buses and bus body manufacturer Castrosua have formalised a strategic collaboration for the development, manufacture and commercialisation of urban buses in Spain. The final project will be the union of the Volvo BZL Electric chassis and the Nelec body designed by Castrosua.

This agreement is intended to allow Volvo to continue the transformation of its business model in Spain, where it will focus on the urban segment with Castrosua. This alliance is based on the Volvo BZL model, focused on the growth and development of electromobility as a sustainable transport solution, continuing the transformation initiated by Volvo in Europe, where it will be implemented through other manufacturers.

Both companies aim to collaborate and share know-how and resources to develop urban buses, applying new technologies throughout development, production and operation. These processes will involve collaboration in monitoring the quality of both products, audits, the use of more environmentally sustainable methods, such as circularity and recycling of materials. The first vehicle, which will be used for commercial activities and testing in real operation, will be completed in the second quarter of next year, and the first deliveries to transport operators are expected by the end of 2024.

“Our shared vision of a future with cleaner and more efficient public transport has led us to this collaboration” – Jaime Verdú, General Manager of Volvo Buses in Spain

Jaime Verdú, General Manager of Volvo Buses in Spain, said: “We are excited to join forces with Castrosua in this initiative. Our shared vision of a future with cleaner and more efficient public transport has led us to this collaboration. Together, we will seek to provide mobility solutions that meet the highest standards in terms of quality, sustainability and performance.”

“We are very pleased to announce our collaboration with Volvo Buses to manufacture electric buses” – Beatriz Castro, CEO of Castrosua Group

Castrosua Group celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Beatriz Castro, CEO of Castrosua Group, said: “We are very pleased to announce our collaboration with Volvo Buses to manufacture electric buses, convinced that it will be a very interesting new proposal for the market and, undoubtedly, this agreement strengthens our goal of achieving strategic alliances of value.”

In the UK, Volvo’s BZL chassis is available with bodywork developed by MCV.