VDI are excited to announce the expansion of its local bus assembly facilities in Brisbane with the introduction of their DKD program.
Assembly of the first Yutong E12 electric low floor city bus has commenced in VDI’s Brisbane production facility as a part of VDI’s DKD program. The Yutong E12 is equipped with class leading Yutong safety technology (YESS), multiple charger solutions, and full wheelchair accessibility accommodating all passenger needs.
This E12 will be the first of 90 electric buses assembled in Brisbane for Transport Canberra over a three-year period. Transport Canberra’s acquisition of Yutong’s zero emission vehicles reflects their commitment to their public transport zero-emission transition plan. Through this program VDI will strive to contribute to Transport Canberra’s transition plan by providing them with sustainable transport solutions that benefit the community, environment and economy within the Canberra region.
This assembly program utilizes drivable knock down (DKD) format, in which, as the name suggests, vehicles are received as a drivable ‘rolling glider’ with the assembly process focusing largely on the interior fit-out including seats and installation of exterior accessories.
The program also allows for a range of new opportunities for not only bus and coach builders but also associated industries within the southeast Queensland area, prioritising the work of local skilled trade staff and the engagement of local suppliers for the installation of flooring, anti-graffiti film and fire suppression systems. The DKD process utilizes local content and assembly to produce high quality vehicles tailored to Australian conditions that also benefit from Yutong’s most advanced safety and zero emission technology.
The program will also see the expansion of VDI’s Brisbane production facilities with a transition to a larger facility scheduled for completion in 2023. This program hopes to provide a range of valuable opportunities and advantages within the Australian bus and coach building industry, including various job and industry opportunities particularly across southeast Queensland, with VDI currently filling a number of bus and coach building roles in preparation for their future expansion.
