By Michael Elkins
Electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD (SZ:002594) today signed a framework agreement with bus and coach assembly specialist, Castrosua. The agreement launches a cooperative partnership to build electric buses for the Spanish market.
The BYD-Castrosua 12-metre eBuses will be built on the BYD chassis with an electric powertrain, and incorporate the Castrosua NELEC body to provide high-caliber electric transport solutions for Spanish customers.
Javier Contijoch, BYD Europe eBus Vice President of Sales, said: "It is a great honour for BYD to bring the world’s leading technology to Spain and start the partnership with Castrosua. We highly value our local partnerships and it is especially significant that the tailor-made eBuses will be manufactured locally in Spain, for Spanish customers. Together we are poised to expand zero-emission electric bus fleets throughout Spain to provide a cleaner environment for Spanish people. BYD firmly believes in the benefits of collaboration to accelerate the transition to electrification, and we welcome the opportunity to partner with other respected bus bodywork specialists in Europe."
Castrosua began as a family busines and has been producing bus and coach bodies for more than 70 years. Currently, Castrosua has facilities with more than 80,000 square meters located in Santiago de Compostela, Villagarcía de Arosa, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Beatriz Castro, CEO of Castrosua`s Group, said: "For Castrosua`s Group, it is very delighted to reach this agreement forming a strategic partnership with globally renowned BYD for the manufacture of urban and commuter electric buses. Castrosua and BYD now combine their strengths with the clear objective of offering customers highly personalized and innovative electric bus solutions. Together we continue to support eMobility, meeting customers’ specific needs, through a service that will benefit from the experience and professionalism of both our teams."
The first BYD-Castrosua 12-metre eBus is already under development and will soon be available for operation under the CE regulations.