This adds additional capacity to Ashok Leyland’s bus manufacturing – in FY2023/24 output exceeded 17,000 FBU buses and bus chassis.

In an era of volatility and change, some companies not only survive but continue to lead. Leicester-based BPW Ltd (the UK arm of the BPW Group, headquartered in Wiehl, Germany) is one of those companies. Truck & Bus Builder (T&BB) recently travelled to Leicester to discover how the company has retained its market leadership and what lessons the wider commercial vehicle (CV) industry can draw from its approach.

As part of the agreement, Volvo will support GB Auto in upgrading its bus manufacturing facility by providing corporate and technical expertise as well as ongoing guidance with quality control and sustainable sourcing.

Rivian is investing nearly USD120m in the 1.2m square-foot “supplier park”, next to the site where it builds all its electric vehicles (including its ‘Electric Delivery Van’).

Employing 1,350 people, the facility manufactures a diverse range of vehicles, including the Urbanway and Crealis city buses, the Magelys and Evadys coaches, and more recently, electric and hydrogen-powered models such as the GX ELEC and E-WAY-H2.

As the market continues to shift toward greener transportation, AEM’s rare-earth-free technology positions it as a distinctive player in the electrification of public transport.

A new production line is being installed to produce ‘ModuIT’ brake calipers from Swedish brand Haldex, which SAF-Holland acquired over two years ago.

Jeff Campbell, Plant Manager at Elysburg, praised the achievement: “I’m incredibly proud of the hard work, resilience, and dedication this milestone represents. Our team plays a vital role in keeping the supply chain moving.”

Karsan has actively expanded its global footprint with the e-JEST now operating in more than 23 countries. The company is also producing right-hand drive models for the Japanese market and plans to enter the UK later this year through Horsham-based dealer, EVM UK Ltd.

The bus manufacturer was bought for USD52m by Rivaz Inc shortly after its former owner, REV Group, announced that it would terminate operations after fulfilling outstanding commitments to its customers.

It has expanded its Custom-Tailored Center (CTC) at its factory in São Bernardo do Campo.

The move gives M&M a larger share of the CV market above 3.5 tons with multiple synergies for growth.