AutoCRC has announced the commencement of a $170 million international research project to develop electric buses, with Australia’s leading independent bus manufacturer Bustech confirmed as the lead design and manufacturing partner.
According to the media release issued by AutoCRC, the E-Bus project brings together Australian organisations Bustech (part of Transit Australia Group) and Swinburne University of Technology with Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and a private Malaysian company to develop and produce the buses, which will be trialled in Malaysia later this year.
AutoCRC CEO Ian Christensen said the company was delighted to be able to initiate and manage the project which will see Australian and Malaysian companies work together to develop, produce and commercialise the new technology.
“This exciting project is one of the ways that AutoCRC has been working to bring opportunities to Australian SMEs. Australia has many innovative small companies looking for ways to engage with global supply chains and AutoCRC has been very focused on developing international relationships, particularly in Asia, that can provide opportunities for them,” Mr Christiansen said.
“We have been working with the Malaysia Automotive Institute for several years on technology development projects and business matching activities that provide benefits to both Australia and Malaysia.”
It is expected that the first bus will be produced in 2015 for trials commencing next September.
