Global Bus Ventures: Pioneering the Future of Green Transport in Rolleston
Key Ideas
- Global Bus Ventures, initially founded in Ashburton in 1985, has evolved into a leading player in the transport industry, producing a variety of electric buses with impressive ranges.
- The company's shift towards electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles aligns with the global trend towards sustainable transportation solutions, showcasing a commitment to environmental consciousness.
- Facing competition from cheaper imported buses, Global Bus Ventures navigates challenges by focusing on local manufacturing and potentially establishing manufacturing operations in other countries to enhance competitiveness.
- The development of hydrogen-powered trucks by the company signifies further strides towards sustainability, with plans to expand into this segment pending advancements in hydrogen filling station infrastructure.
Global Bus Ventures, originally founded in Ashburton in 1985 by John Turton, has transformed into an innovative force in the transport sector, now headquartered in Rolleston's Izone. The company's journey from designing early electric buses in the 1990s to its current production of buses, trucks, and even hydrogen-powered vehicles demonstrates its evolution at the forefront of green transport technology. With a workforce of 126 employees at its Rolleston factory, Global Bus Ventures manufactures about 130 buses annually, with a growing focus on electric and hydrogen-powered options. Sales manager Tom McLeish highlights the inevitability of electric buses in urban settings and foresees a shift towards hydrogen for long-haul vehicles in the future. Additionally, the company faces competition from cheaper imported buses but aims to maintain its competitive edge by focusing on local manufacturing. Global Bus Ventures also explores opportunities in Australia, with plans to send buses across the Tasman and potentially establish manufacturing operations in New South Wales. Apart from buses, the company is venturing into hydrogen-powered trucks, awaiting advancements in hydrogen infrastructure to fully realize this initiative. The article showcases Global Bus Ventures' commitment to sustainability and innovation, positioning the company as a key player in shaping the future of green transport.