BYD, Iranian bus maker to discuss cooperation

The head of Iran's largest bus maker, AKIA ULTRA, will go to China next month to meet with executives of BYD Motors, developer of all-electric buses, to discuss increasing cooperation.

BYD Europe announced on Friday that following meetings in Turkey this week with BYD senior management, the chairman of AKIA ULTRA, Mazaher Naseri, will visit BYD's headquarters in Shenzhen, China.

"We are delighted with this development," said Isbrand Ho, managing director of BYD Auto Europe, following the talks.

Ho said that trials of BYD buses in 42 European cities have demonstrated the vehicle's leading range and durability. "Now we are actively looking for partners, and AKIA ULTRA may be just one of a number we can work with to meet the anticipated surge in demand in the coming months, Ho said.

According to BYD, AKIA ULTRA has a production capacity of 1,500 buses a year, more than many better-known competitors in Western Europe.

Naseri said he believes there is tremendous potential for all-electric buses as cities across the world need to improve air quality on their streets.

"We are convinced that BYD has world-leading battery technology and we are excited about the prospects for possible cooperation," he said.