Wrightbus lands first major coach order for more than 30 years

Wrightbus had landed its first major coach order for more than 30 years after re-entering the market with the launch of the low-emission Contour earlier this year.

Bus Eireann has ordered 39 Wrightbus Contour coaches that will be built to a bespoke specification for the operator’s urban and schools operations.

Featuring a Cummins Euro 6 400BHP X11 engine and a ZF automatic gearbox, the vehicles will be built with 55 passenger seats, each fitted with “All Age” adjustable seat belts, maximising capacity and safety.

The Bus Eireann vehicles, which will be prepared for PSVAR fitment at a later stage, protecting the second life, will be delivered to the state-owned Irish bus and coach company in the first half of 2026.

In addition to the base specifications, the coaches will also be fitted with multiple camera CCTV system and CMS mirrors. They will be GSR II compliant and will also include a fire suppression system.

The low emission Contour has a lead time of just six to eight months from order, which is considerably shorter than the current one-to-two-year average wait customers have come to expect from the sector.

Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales, said the order was significant.

“As the first new fleet of Wrightbus coaches on the roads for more than three decades, this is an important milestone for us,” said Mr Gales.

“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 Contour is supported by a full Wrightbus warranty, alongside an unparalleled service and maintenance package from AllServiceOne, the Wrightbus repair and maintenance arm.

With the largest fleet of mobile technicians throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, AllServiceOne is the ultimate one-stop-shop for fleet support and service.

Wrightbus will increase its coach range in the next 18 months with the addition of a zero-emission hydrogen coach, which is under development in Ballymena, Northern Ireland to help drive decarbonisation of the sector.

The hydrogen coach concept was first revealed in 2024 as a prototype vehicle. When launched, it will be a tri-axle hydrogen fuel cell electric coach capable of a 1,000km range, putting it on a par with traditional diesel.

ENDS