Gemilang to deliver 76 Volvo double-decker buses to Dubai

JOHOR BAHRU: Gemilang International Ltd, a Malaysia-based bus and bus body manufacturer listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO), a leading mobility player in the United Arab Emirates, announced on Monday the signing of a contract to deliver 76 Volvo double-decker buses to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai RTA) in the United Arab Emirates.

Pang Jun Jie, executive director of GML, said: “Securing this contract reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative transportation solutions and the trust we have established with FAMCO and our international partners. As a proudly Malaysian company, we are honored to contribute to the development of Dubai’s public transport system. This project also speaks to our efforts to expand Gemilang's global footprint, with a focus on the transition to sustainable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). With our unique capabilities and established track record, we are well-positioned to secure more international projects in the future."

Ramez Hamdan, regional managing director of Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment (FAMCO), said: “This project transcends the mere delivery of buses; it aims to enhance the entire public transport infrastructure in Dubai. At FAMCO, we believe that true innovation arises from collaboration with the best. We are proud to leverage the global expertise of Volvo and Gemilang to provide world-class transportation solutions that establish new benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the region."

The signing of the contract was marked by a ceremony held last Thursday (October 3, 2024) in Johor Bahru, witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

Loke stated that the collaboration between GML and FAMCO signified Malaysia’s strengthening position in the global automotive manufacturing sector.

He also highlighted the importance of such projects in demonstrating Malaysia’s potential as a key player in the global automotive industry.

“This moment reflects the capabilities of Malaysia’s automotive sector on the global stage. Gemilang, with its extensive experience and commitment to excellence, has once again proven that Malaysian-made vehicles are trusted and respected worldwide. The 76 double- decker buses to be delivered to FAMCO represent Malaysian companies’ expertise in crafting robust, high-quality transportation solutions for diverse markets." Loke said.

"Today, we also mark another milestone: the handover of Volvo BZL electric buses, manufactured by Gemilang for FAMCO. These electric buses embody a future-focused, eco- friendly approach to transportation. With sustainability at the forefront of global priorities, Malaysia is proud to contribute to this transition through cutting-edge electric mobility solutions. This handover reinforces our role in promoting clean energy while helping our international partners meet their own sustainability goals."

This contract represents a pivotal milestone in the collaboration between GML and FAMCO, a leading supplier of trucks, buses and construction equipment in the UAE and the Middle East.

In the UAE, FAMCO is the sole distributor of Volvo trucks, buses, and construction equipment, and the exclusive distributor for industrial vehicle and machinery manufacturers Yanmar, Doosan, Himoinsa and Linde.

The Dubai RTA project will feature double-decker buses built on Volvo chassis, complemented by GML’s innovative aluminium superstructure that utilizes Constellium’s Aluminium Alloy and Bolted System Bus Body Technology.

Designed by Swiss engineers, this technology has been renowned for its durability and performance in Europe for over 50 years.

In addition to the double-decker buses, GML will also provide Volvo BZL electric buses to FAMCO.

The delivery of these buses will be a significant contribution to Dubai's public transport landscape, aligning with the city’s sustainability objectives and supporting its vision for a more efficient and greener future.

Pang said: “The electric buses being handed over today signify our forward-thinking approach to mobility. At Gemilang, we prioritize sustainability and are proud to align our products with global green transportation initiatives."

At the event, GML took the opportunity to showcase its latest innovative bus models, including an electric factory bus or "Bas Kilang", slated for delivery to a local customer in the near future.

"With expertly crafted bus bodies from Gemilang, these buses represent the leading edge of sustainable transport," Pang said. "They reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability in the bus manufacturing industry."

GML has unique expertise in the design and manufacturing of bus and coach bodyworks (SKDs and CKDs), the assembly of buses (CBUs) and the provision of after-sales services and maintenance.

Over the past 3 decades, GML has built a proven track record in meet respective road safety regulations and the demands of different markets, exporting buses to more than 15 countries including the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

As governments embrace the electrification of public transport systems, GML is driving this shift with distinctive and sustainable solutions.

This includes GML’s aluminium superstructure for buses that helps improve energy efficiency.

GML chairman Pang Chong Yong believes this superstructure is the most cost-effective bus body solution for zero-emission buses, due to its corrosion-free nature, its flexibility to adapt to all kinds of chassis, and its lighter weight.