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Sweden’s Nobina Increases BYD eBus Fleet

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Nobina, Sweden’s and the Nordic region’s largest bus operator, has again increased the size of its pure-electric, 100% emissions free, BYD eBus fleet with two separate deliveries this week totaling 34 vehicles for operations with Public Transport Authorities in Linköping and Halland.

The latest delivery comprises 18 low-floor 18.6-metre articulated eBuses for the city of Linköping and a total of 16 12-metre eBuses assigned for various services throughout the province of Halland on Sweden’s south-western coast. The 18.6-metre articulated model offers enhanced passenger capacity – approximately 105 (37 seated) – and, thanks to its centre-pivot design, boasts an impressively narrow 24-metre turning circle. For its Halland operation, Nobina has selected BYD’s best-selling 12-metre low-floor model with 26-seats and total carrying capacity of 68.

Nobina’s total intake of eBuses from BYD has now passed 160 units; either in operation or on order, and including an order for 13 12-metre models earlier in April for the town of Piteå in the north-east of Sweden. BYD now has nearly 300 eBuses either delivered or on order with PTA fleets right across Scandinavia with operators sharing BYD’s commitment in delivering 100% emissions free, pure-electric public transport.

Nobina is strengthening the position as the leading operator of electric and sustainable public transport services in the Nordics,” said Jens Råsten, Fleet Manager, Nobina Group. “Where the technical e-mobility concept by BYD has proven to fit perfectly well into the high demands among customers and PTAs in the Nordics regarding flexibility, total transport economy, quality and reliability.”

“Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to supporting Public Transport Operators with our products and services,” said Isbrand Ho, Managing Director, BYD Europe, “our customers are clearly planning ahead and they need to rely on BYD to continue the partnership – even when times are tough.”

Isbrand added, “Nobina is an excellent example of a forward-thinking bus operator – an operator that understands that a sustainable, pure-electric bus fleet can deliver high levels of productivity while appealing to more and more passengers who demand clean, sustainable public transport.”

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million has grown in value almost ten-fold.

For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.

© 2020 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.