The article actually says "If future electric models by ADL are developed on the basis of NFI development, both manufacturers will hardly get in each other’s way with their other brands, which should all be retained." So I'm not sure that I interpret it the same way as you do.
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The article actually says "If future electric models by ADL are developed on the basis of NFI development, both manufacturers will hardly get in each other’s way with their other brands, which should all be retained." So I'm not sure that I interpret it the same way as you do.
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Goldfish62
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Not sure how wise that would, certainly in respect of the UK. ADL/BYD have a solid customer base in London, which is going to be by far the largest domestic electric bus market for the foreseeable future. Given that charging points are not (currently) interchangeable between bus types it's highly likely that those who have already gone for BYD will stick with BYD.
ClydeCoaster
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2019/08/18/chinas-byd-mulls-riding-rescue-wrightbus/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/troubled-bus-maker-wrightbus-en-route-to-being-rescued-z6580s8w8
And numerous other large media outlets are running with BYD.
In several reports about the takeover, not least in NFI's own, they state "ADL enhances NFI’s technical competencies on lightweight chassis and bodies. NFI’s electric vehicle (“EV”) experience will enhance ADL’s EV offering and ensure both companies drive the future of clean transportation". The statement that they'll not get in each other's way with their other brands I took to mean that New Flyer, MCI, ADL, Plaxton brands are all being retained, though the EV platform will be jointly developed within the group.
Robertj21a
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I don't think it's ADL that is involved.
ClydeCoaster
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You don't think it's ADL that is involved in what?
Robertj21a
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Anything to do with Wrights problems/sale/investment.
ClydeCoaster
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No one is suggesting they are... The reports are it is BYD who are interested, and while Wrightbus has made no comment, the head of BYD in Europe is quoted in those articles saying that Wrightbus is iconic and [BYD] are working closely with the UK government and are monitoring opportunities - he didn't confirm it, but didn't deny it either.
Tetchytyke
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They're not that strict, as you see with shipbuilding on the Clyde.
Robertj21a
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Well, reading back on the posts last night (re CBW) and this morning, I would have said that some people were certainly suggesting that ADL were interested. How do you read it ?
Your own post refers to the very same posts, and ADL.
Are we misunderstanding each other ?
LOL The Irony
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If that was the case, it would have to pass both eu & UK competition rules as they would essentially have a stranglehold on the UK built UK bus market.
Mikey C
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None of the posts suggested ADL were interested in Wrights. The last thing they need is more UK bodybuilding capacity
IF BDL are interested in Wrights that would affect ADL as they are paired up to produce electric E200s and E400s and presumably would rather pair up with Wrights instead if they took them over. But as ADL have been taken over by NFI it's entirely possible that they would rather bring electric powertrains in house, and BDL would then need a new local partner anyway.
Robertj21a
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Sorry, my fault. I typed ADL throughout, when I meant BYD.
Apologies.
Apologies.
That depends, Ferguson's are now pretty much barred from bidding on any private sector contracts.
Remember also that the ability to buy the yard for £1 was one of the conditions in order for them to secure £45m in loans after Clyde Blowers rescued them.
Back on topic, I'm not surprised BYD are interested when you think they are a battery manufacturer who makes buses. By buying Wrights they could greatly improve the appeal of their whole bus portfolio in quite a number of markets.
cnjb8
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I cant see why BYD acquiring Wright will stop BYD ADL working together.
Robertj21a
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I'm reasonably sure that it's not BYD interested in acquiring Wrights, as I attempted to (badly) say earlier !
cnjb8
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I agree with you.
It's people making a fuss about if the event happens
ClydeCoaster
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In terms of BYD acquiring Wright not stopping them with their ADL work, why continue to use ADL as a bodywork supplier to your chassis, when you've literally just purchased a well established British bodybuilder od your own?
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Goldfish62
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Coach & Bus Week are claiming it's BYD.
Alexbus12
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It would certainly be an interesting move, and maybe a move that is now necessary. Now it's time to build a decent product, that is actually a good competitor to the latest ADL products..
If you'd like to sample an ADL/BYD competitor, there are now 3 (according to LOTS) Optare MetroDecker Electrics running on the 134 (North Finchley - Warren Street). The route shares the road with the 43 between Muswell Hill & Archway if you'd be interested in comparing & contrasting with the Enviro400 electric.
I suppose all depends on whether ADL have signed some sort of exclusivity agreement with BYD to body their electric chassis for the UK market.
Robertj21a
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Yes, I know. That doesn't necessarily make it correct.
cnjb8
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Chassis and bodies from different companies in one bus are very common and can be seen across the country.
There's also one currently in York with First, I'm not sure what route(s) it can be found on though. It is TfL spec complete with full London livery.
GaryMcEwan
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I'm sure it's 39500 (YJ17FXX) unless they've got another one.
ClydeCoaster
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Yes I'm aware of that, thanks, but then why don't you see a Wright Gemini bodied ADL E40D? The E40D chassis is manufactured in Guildford, so why don't Wright body it? If BYD have their own in-house bodybuilder in Wright, then it would not make good business sense to continue to tout the virtues of an Enviro400City as an outstanding bus against their very own Gemini 3. It's a bit different from Volvo offering a range of bodywork because Volvo doesn't own any of them, it doesn't offer it's own body so it doesn't care who you go with as long as the underpinnings are a B5.
Wright's had a falling out with Dennis as it was at the time some years ago and hence there hasn't been a Wright body on a Dennis chassis for nearly 20 years. Add in it is no doubt cheaper to buy an all ADL Enviro 400 rather than buy the chassis and then get Wright to body it then it is not hard to see there is no demand for anything other than an ADL body on a ADL chassis. ADL have been quite savvy in recent years bodying other brand chassis to either retain customers (Stagecoach) or win old one back (Lothian, Metroline)
I'm sure it will either be for one or more of the following reasons:
1. Wright's wouldn't want to be lining a direct competitors pockets in any way, not when they are haemorrhaging business
2. Wright's would rather sell a Streetlite/Deck integral for better profit margins
3. ADL only sell their own chassis as an integral, same as Wright's with their own products, so the option to buy it for bodying (like a Volvo etc) isn't offered.
ClydeCoaster
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Exactly. Hence why BYD and ADL are unlikely to carry on working together IF BYD-Wrightbus becomes a reality while ADL will be offering an NFI alternative...