Bus powered by electricity and China-UK ingenuity unveiled

A leading Chinese bus manufacturer and its British partner have unveiled their new zero-emissions all-electric vehicle, which they hope will reduce pollution in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Yutong, the number one bus brand in China, in partnership with Wakefield-based automobile dealer Pelican Engineering Group, revealed their 10.8-meter E10 city bus in Leeds on Tuesday.

It was designed for the UK and is the first electric bus in the 10-meter range that is also available for high-volume production.

Speaking at the launch, Jin Xu, minister counselor of the economic and commercial office at the Chinese embassy in London, said: "The launch of the new E10 bus has demonstrated the great capabilities of Chinese technology and the 'Made in China' brand in tapping into the UK market. It is a successful example of Chinese businesses embracing the 'go global' strategy."

Yutong, which has been the biggest bus and coach manufacturer in the world for the past seven years, entered the UK in 2013, with Pelican as its importer and dealer.

In less than four years, the company has delivered more than 300 buses and coaches, making it one of the top five suppliers in the UK.

Chang Hao, Yutong's deputy general manager of international business, said: "The E10 model was developed based on local needs around the specification and user experience. It will give us a strong foothold to compete in the UK market. Many bus operators in London and other major English cities have already booked to try the new vehicle."

Chang said the use of electric buses will help cities reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the environment.

Richard Crump, managing director of Pelican, said: "It has been a pleasant journey to work together with Yutong and we have full trust in its capabilities and designs. We have had one vehicle on the road in the UK for 12 months, which had zero mechanical issues. That's because of Yutong's technology and its experience in this market."