Wrightbus to supply 60 Kite Hydroliners to Germany

Wrightbus has signed a deal with German Bus operator Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK) to supply up to 60 Kite Hydroliner single-deckers over the next two years. The buses will be the first integral left-hand drive vehicles that Wrightbus has made and exported since Jo Bamford bought the firm out of administration in 2019.

All of the buses will be fully built at the Wrightbus factory in Ballymena. The first vehicles will be delivered to RVK in 2023, with the remainder due in 2024.

RVK, which operates bus services in Cologne, already has the largest fleet of hydrogen Fuel Cell EV buses in Europe, introducing them to its fleet in 2011. It currently has 52 hydrogen buses of varying types.

“This deal is a significant one for us in many ways” – Wrightbus Executive Chairman, Jo Bamford

Wrightbus Executive Chairman, Jo Bamford, said: “This deal is a significant one for us in many ways. Not only is it our first European order since I took over, but it’s also our second international deal in quick succession and it shows that Wrightbus has a huge part to play on the global stage.

“RVK already has a substantial hydrogen fleet so for them to order from Wrightbus and recognise us as a leader in the sector is hugely gratifying and a testament to the reputation we’ve built up in the zero-emission sector. The recent appointment of our dedicated European Chief Commercial Officer Jean-Luc Deflandre highlights our desire to grow in the market, and we’re hoping this order marks the start of the roll out of many left-hand drive zero-emission buses in cities across Europe and beyond in the coming years.”

RVK Managing Director, Dr. Marcel Frank, said: “We have currently received federal funding to expand our hydrogen bus fleet by 2025. The combination of the most economical offer with a robust service concept is the reason why we placed the order with Wrightbus.”