Q Radio News
Wrightbus in Ballymena has signed a landmark deal with Australia’s number one bus body builder that could open up a significant export market.
Wrightbus has partnered with Volgren to provide its ground-breaking hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technology for the manufacture of two zero-emission hydrogen single deck buses which will be the first European-Australian hydrogen combination in the country.
And bosses hope the first two buses will be the start of many as Australia looks to replace tens of thousands of buses with zero-emission vehicles over the next decade to hit its net zero commitments.
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has hailed the first significant deal involving Northern Ireland following the UK's post-Brexit trade agreement with Australia.
The DUP MP said: "Today I was at Farnborough to be present at the first significant export trade deal signed between Australia and Northern Ireland post Brexit.
Other world bus companies are in the wake of Wrightbus and this is a significant booster for the local workforce of whom I am immensely proud. It is a clear demonstration that when you make the best product in the world, then customers will follow!"
The innovative hydrogen powertrains - which will be built in the Wrightbus Ballymena factory are expected to be ready for trial in the first few months of 2023.
L:R - Head of Wrightbus International Nathan Hodge, Volgren COO Yuri Tessari, Volgren CEO Thiago Deiro, Ian Paisley Jr MP for North Antrim, Wrightbus CEO Buta Atwal, Department of International Trade's Deputy Director of Northern Ireland James Toolan
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