LARBERT, Scotland, Jan. 29, 2021 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI)
Alexander Dennis Limited ("ADL"), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc.
("NFI"), one of the world's largest independent global bus
manufacturers, today welcomed the announcement by the New Zealand
Government of NZD50 million funding
to help councils fully decarbonise their public transport bus fleet
by 2035. ADL is to build zero emission buses in New Zealand in cooperation with local partner
Kiwi Bus Builders, creating jobs and adding value to the local
economy.
The funding to be given to councils for the procurement of zero
emission buses is part of a series of measures intended to help
meet New Zealand's 2050 carbon
neutral target that have been announced by Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern and Transport
Minister Michael Wood. By
decarbonising the bus fleet, the country aims to prevent up to 4.5
million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
ADL recently announced that it will assemble zero emission buses
locally in New Zealand, renewing a
partnership with local manufacturer Kiwi Bus Builders. ADL's
electric buses for New Zealand are
part of the BYD ADL Enviro200EV range using latest BYD iron
phosphate battery and driveline technology. In addition to two-axle
models, the partners will produce 12.6m long, three-axle electric buses, which ADL
has designed for the specific requirements of bus operation in
New Zealand by carrying 78
passengers without the requirement of an overweight permit.
Richard Drummond, Managing
Director of Kiwi Bus Builders, said: "We are primed to kick start
the partnership, we have already started the process to create
apprenticeships, creating jobs and supporting jobs that have been
lost due to the coronavirus. This is in line with the New Zealand
Government's plan to build the economy back stronger."
ADL President & Managing Director, Paul Davies, said: "With a strong track record
of innovation and as a member of NFI Group, we are leveraging
global expertise in the design and deployment of clean buses while
collaborating in close partnership with our customers by tailoring
our vehicles to their requirements and assembling them locally.
Together with Kiwi Bus Builders, we look forward to helping
councils across New Zealand
deliver on the Government's commitments for a sustainable
future."
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements
which reflect the expectations of management regarding ADL's and
NFI's future growth and potential business prospects and sales
opportunities. These forward-looking statements reflect
management's current expectations regarding future events and
opportunities and speak only as of the date of this press release.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and
uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future events,
performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate
indications of whether or not or the times at or by which such
events, performance or results will be achieved. Actual results may
differ materially from management expectations as projected in such
forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including
market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of
and funding availability for transit operators and customers to
purchase buses; the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact
operators and customers or delay their decisions to purchase buses
and services; there is no guarantee that operators and customers
will draw upon all or any of the available funding to purchase
buses from ADL or from any other original equipment manufacturer;
and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials
filed by NFI with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities
and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential
impact of these factors, ADL and NFI disclaim any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
unless required by applicable law.
About NFI
Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the
electrification of mass mobility around the world. With
zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology,
NFI meets today's urban demands for scalable smart mobility
solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through
connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.
With 8,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading
global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands
New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor coaches),
Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton
(motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses),
and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of
sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission
electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric
hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base
of over 105,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI common
shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
NFI. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com,
www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com,
www.alexander-dennis.com, and www.nfi.parts.
About Alexander Dennis
Alexander Dennis Limited ("ADL") is a global leader in the
design and manufacture of double deck buses and is also the UK's
largest bus and coach manufacturer. ADL offers single and double
deck vehicles under the brands of Alexander
Dennis and Plaxton, and has over 31,000 vehicles in service
in the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, New
Zealand, Mexico,
Canada and the United States. Further information is
available at www.alexander-dennis.com.
SOURCE NFI Group Inc.