NFI Group Inc - North America’s largest and most diversified bus and coach manufacturer - has acquired Britain’s largest bus and coach builder, Alexander Dennis Ltd, for GBP320m; this represents an implied purchase multiple of 7.3 x ADL’s fiscal year 2018 adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation and on a cash-free, debt-free basis, subject to certain adjustments. 

BYD Co Ltd expects sales of its battery-powered buses to rise sharply in Japan with demand initially coming from the 2020 Olympic games.

Heuliez Bus, a subsidiary of London-headquartered CNH Industrial NV, has received an order from QBUZZ for 49 articulated Heuliez GX437 electric city buses to be used in the Groningen and Drenthe regions of The Netherlands.

New Flyer of America Inc has entered an exclusive partnership with Robotic Research LLC to advance autonomous bus technology through developing and deploying advanced driver assistance systems in heavy-duty transit bus applications. 

Optare Plc, the Yorkshire-based subsidiary of India’s Ashok Leyland Inc, is to supply a further 21 Metrodecker EV battery electric, zero-emission buses to First York.

Spanish coachbuilder, Carrocerías Ayats SA, has introduced a two-axle double deck intercity coach, designated Intercity.

Transport for London has ordered 20 zero-emission double deck buses from Wrightbus, which are to operate on three routes serving the west of London from Wembley to the West End.

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled a full electric tri-axle double-deck city bus, which is a first of its kind for Hyundai and is part of the company’s effort to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

New Flyer of America Inc (a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc), has delivered the first of five Xcelsior CHARGE battery electric buses to Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet).

Electric bus builder, Proterra Inc, has launched Proterra Energy fleet solutions; a full suite of options enabling turnkey delivery of a complete energy ‘ecosystem’ for heavy-duty electric fleets.

Following the announcement more than 18 months ago by Cummins Inc at the NACV Show 2017 in Atlanta, that it would be working with the Livermore bus builder, Gillig Corporation, to produce a fully-electric transit bus, last month saw the companies officially hold a preview of the 40ft GILLIG Battery Electric Bus at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bus & Paratransit Mobility Conference held in Louisville.

Winnipeg-based NFI Group has launched, what it is calling its Autonomous Technology Programme which is to be developed by its New Flyer of America Inc and New Flyer Industries Canada ULC subsidiaries.