Wrightbus has entered the coach market with the launch of its new Contour coach, marking the company’s return to the sector after more than 30 years.
The Contour, a low-emission 55-seater vehicle, was officially launched at a customer showcase event on 5 March 2025. The vehicle is the first of two new coaches Wrightbus plans to introduce over the next 18 months.
The second vehicle, a zero-emission hydrogen coach, is still in development and is expected to be available within the same timeframe.
Wrightbus previously manufactured a Contour coach in 1987, before retiring the vehicle. Now, the modern-day Contour aims to offer an efficient and sustainable option for the coach sector. It features a Cummins Euro 6 400BHP X11 engine and a ZF automatic gearbox.
The coach includes up to 55 reclining seats, each with a USB port, and comes with a variety of bespoke options to meet the needs of customers. The coach is also designed to maximise luggage space.
One of the key selling points of the Contour is its short lead time, with delivery possible within just six months from order. This is notably faster than the industry average, which can range from one to two years. The coach can be ordered with or without PSVAR (Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations) compliance.
It is also available in a ‘pre-prepared’ version, which helps ensure flexibility and extends the vehicle’s lifespan.
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said:The coach market has changed over the last few years and it’s the right time for a new player to come to the market. We have long spoken about broadening our portfolio to offer customers an even greater range of Wrightbus vehicles. Our first entry into the coach sector after an absence of more than three decades is another significant step in our expansion plans.
We know there are gaps in the market and the demand for coaches is growing. This partnership allows us to bring high-quality low-emission vehicles to market almost immediately.
In addition to the new Contour, Wrightbus is continuing the development of its zero-emission hydrogen coach. The prototype of the hydrogen coach was first revealed in 2024, and when launched, it will be a tri-axle hydrogen fuel cell electric coach with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers, providing a similar range to traditional diesel coaches.
The hydrogen coach is expected to be available within the next 18 months.
With the launch of the Contour and the upcoming hydrogen coach, Wrightbus aims to make a significant return to the coach market.
The company has also ensured that its AllServiceOne repair and maintenance division will provide comprehensive support for the Contour. AllServiceOne boasts the largest fleet of mobile technicians in the UK and Northern Ireland, ensuring customers have access to reliable service and support. Technicians have undergone an extensive training programme to gain in-depth knowledge of the coach, ensuring high-quality aftersales care.
David Porter, Head of Coach Sales at Wrightbus said:It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to resurrect the Contour name. The coach market has changed greatly in recent years. The fact that we can deliver high-quality PSVAR compliant or ready vehicles so quickly is a hugely attractive proposition, as is the fact that we have such an extensive and knowledgeable aftersales service support network.
