In a historic week for British engineering and technology, Wrightbus has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 6×2 zero-emission StreetDeck bus, a major milestone in a journey two years in the making.
The groundbreaking prototype rolled off production lines simultaneously at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Ballymena, Northern Ireland and in Malaysia — marking a pivotal moment in the UK’s green transport revolution.
With international orders already secured for the Far East and Europe, the 6×2 StreetDeck further cements Wrightbus’s status as the world’s fastest-growing zero-emission bus manufacturer. The company, which turns 80 next year, has enjoyed a record-breaking 12 months, having already launched a new electric midi-bus range, a next-generation hydrogen coach, a diesel coach, and a hydrogen-powered double-decker.
Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Gales called the 6×2 a “triumph of engineering,” reflecting the company’s global ambitions and technical prowess.
“Our team has worked round the clock for the last two years to create this new zero-emission product,” Gales said.
“To design a chassis which copes not only with fixed axle and steering axle configurations but also enables increased battery capability without compromising on passenger numbers is a real triumph for our engineers.”
The 6×2 StreetDeck will undergo rigorous efficiency and durability testing over the summer, with the first demonstrator unit set to be deployed in Hong Kong for 12 months. The model is expected to meet strong demand in international markets, including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
“We are building momentum not just in our home territories but overseas as well, as news of our brand reaches all corners of the globe,” Gales added.
“We are the leading manufacturer in zero-emission technology, and we have more than 100 hydrogen buses heading to Germany, as well as fleets of hydrogen and battery-electrics across the UK.
Our 6×2 will be another important string to our bow, showing that Wrightbus – 80 years old next year – is at the very forefront of technology.”
The unveiling comes on the heels of a £150 million finance package secured from HSBC UK, positioning Wrightbus to ramp up production and meet soaring global demand.
Since being rescued from administration in 2019 by British entrepreneur Jo Bamford, Wrightbus has transformed into a beacon of innovation and industrial resurgence. It now employs over 2,300 people, with 95% of its 1,200 annual bus output being zero-emission vehicles.
Wrightbus’s expansion extends beyond manufacturing. The company has bolstered staffing in both Ballymena and Malaysia, opened a new facility for its repowering arm, NewPower, in Bicester, and launched a European service centre in Brühl, Germany.
“We’ve invested into our growth significantly over the last 12 months,” Gales said.
“Wrightbus also supports 7,500 jobs in the wider supply chain so our growth is great for the wider economy too.”
As the UK continues its drive toward net zero, Wrightbus stands at the vanguard — delivering sustainable innovation, creating jobs, and showcasing British engineering on a global stage.
Source: https://wrightbus.com/en-gb/Wrightbus-unveil-6×2-zero-emission-bus
