Wrightbus has received its first major coach order in over 30 years following the signing of a new contract with Irish operator Bus Eireann for 39 Contour coaches.
The vehicles, which will be built to a bespoke specification for urban and school operation, will feature a Cummins Euro 6 400BHP X11 engine and a ZF automatic gearbox be capable of carrying up to 55 seated passengers.
The fleet will be prepared for PSVAR fitment later in their service life, and are set to be delivered during the first half of 2026.
In addition, each vehicle will be fitted with a multiple CCTV camera system and CMS mirrors and will be fully GSR II compliant.
Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales said:As the first new fleet of Wrightbus coaches on the roads for more than three decades, this is an important milestone for us.
We are particularly pleased to have received the order just months after launching the coach to market.
The Contour was launched because at Wrightbus, we recognised the gaps in the market, alongside a growing demand for coaches. The Contour is an attractive option thanks to its affordability and high quality.
Our fast lead time also matches the need to be responsive and agile in a market that has undergone drastic changes in recent years, resulting in customers often experiencing extended delays in the vehicle procurement process.
We’re looking forward to working closely with Bus Eireann to deliver and launch the coaches onto the streets of Ireland next year.
The vehicles will be supported by a full Wrightbus warranty, as well as a service and maintenance package from AllServiceOne, the manufacturer’s own repair and maintenance arm.
Wrightbus has also re-confirmed intentions to increase its coach range with a new zero-emission hydrogen coach within the next 18 months. The tri-axle hydrogen fuel cell electric coach is now under development in Ballymena.
