About
About BusTech Group
The Group’s manufacturing strategy is aligned to state and federal policies – to maximise local supply chain content in buses combined with strategic technology collaborations with international partners.
The Group wants to develop long-term strategic partnerships with customers that include bespoke feature content and strategic territory and product alignment.
The Group is working on alternatives to the traditional spot buy sales model with options to engage in a ‘fleet-as-a-service’ model providing a ‘wrapped solution’ on a fixed-fee basis to accelerate the deployment of zero-emissions buses and associated infrastructure.
The vision of the BusTech Group is to enable the next generation of connected transit with a focus on zero emission buses (both electric and hydrogen). The Group has developed an integrated architecture that can transition from diesel to electric to hydrogen over the life of the vehicle.
In addition, we also have a zero-emission bus fleet strategy that works across single decker, trackless trams and double deckers using common battery technology for fleet continuity
The Group’s manufacturing strategy is aligned to state and federal policies – to maximise local supply chain content in buses combined with strategic technology collaborations with international partners.
The Group wants to develop long term strategic partnerships with customers which includes bespoke feature content and strategic territory and product alignment.
The Group is working on alternatives to the traditional spot buy sales model with options to engage in a “fleet as a service” model providing a “wrapped solution” on a fixed fee basis to accelerate the deployment of zero emission buses and associated infrastructure.
BusTech Pty Ltd was established in 1995 when its first bus was completed in its original Ernest, Queensland, factory. In BusTech’s early years, production generally focused on producing bus bodies for European chassis from manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Scania, predominantly under their VST model line. Smaller numbers of school buses and charter/touring vehicles were also produced.
In 2004, BusTech relocated to a purpose-built factory in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, from where it continues to operate. BusTech produced its first integrated body and chassis single-decker bus in 2007 before expanding into school buses and metro double-decker buses. In 2015 BusTech manufactured Australia’s first locally engineered and built electric bus, continuing its innovative approach to bus design and engineering. In 2017 it established joint ventures with Elphinstone in Tasmania and Precision Buses in Adelaide, South Australia.
In 2019, BusTech and Precision Buses transitioned their joint venture into a merger and today the two businesses operate under the BusTech Group brand. BusTech Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fusion Capital Holdings, which also owns Brabham Automotive, Swagman and Evant.
BusTech Group has not only advanced its technical capabilities, but has also pioneered the creation of a zero-emissions bus future in Australia. This pivot to providing innovative zero-emissions transport solutions reinforces BusTech Group’s commitment to smart engineering and accelerating the future of clean, efficient and emissions-free public transport in Australia. It’s through this systematic approach of designing buses for a connected world, creating a more sustainable environment and economy through the deployment of zero-emissions vehicles – and a commitment to local manufacturing within Australia – that will see BusTech Group continue to reach new heights as the leader in next-generation connected transit.
People and Culture
Our culture is what defines us; it’s what drives our behaviours and sets our standards in the way we behave towards our customers. It dictates how we are perceived and how we interact. Our culture encourages continuous improvement through transparency and accountability.
We innovate in how we design and engineer solutions, embracing new ways of doing things as a platform for fostering growth in our business and our people. We get the best out of people and our relationships if we collaborate, sharing ideas to ensure we achieve fit-for-purpose solutions. Integrated within our corporate DNA is a clear intent to strive for engineering excellence in manufacturing. But at the core of everything we do are our people and we recognise the value of our employees, partners and customers.
The BusTech Group Board
Mathew Fitch is a co-founder of Fusion Mobility division of Fusion Capital, which includes BusTech Group and advanced manufacturing stablemates Brabham Automotive, Swagman and Evant. Mathew’s background is in accountancy and advisory, where he held roles with Bentleys & KPMG before becoming Managing Director of Precision Components Australia, one of the largest Tier One suppliers to GM, Ford and Toyota. In addition to Mathew’s role with Bustech Group, he also plays an active role in Fusion Property and Fusion Technologies, which invests in technology start-ups and growth businesses. With a wealth of hands-on experience ranging from boardroom level to the office floor, Mathew brings an invaluable understanding of international business, manufacturing and financial management to the BusTech Group.
Dan provides commercial and strategic oversight to the BusTech Group, where his extensive corporate experience is a valuable asset. Dan is passionate about creating integrated solutions for BusTech customers. Prior to establishing the Fusion Mobility division of Fusion Capital, which includes the BusTech Group, with Mat and Christian, Dan was a corporate and commercial lawyer for 20 years with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate governance and joint ventures in both London and Australia. Consistently recognised as one of South Australia's leading mergers and acquisitions lawyer, regularly exceeding client expectations for service, the quality of advice and commerciality, Dan was recognised in Best Lawyers International’s categories of Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity between 2014 and 2018, before co-founding Fusion Mobility which also includes advanced manufacturing stablemates Brabham Automotive, Swagman and Evant.
Our Executive Team
Dan provides commercial and strategic oversight to the BusTech Group, where his extensive corporate experience is a valuable asset. Dan is passionate about creating integrated solutions for BusTech customers. Prior to establishing the Fusion Mobility division of Fusion Capital, which includes the BusTech Group, with Mat and Christian, Dan was a corporate and commercial lawyer for 20 years with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate governance and joint ventures in both London and Australia. Consistently recognised as one of South Australia's leading mergers and acquisitions lawyer, regularly exceeding client expectations for service, the quality of advice and commerciality, Dan was recognised in Best Lawyers International’s categories of Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity between 2014 and 2018, before co-founding Fusion Mobility which also includes advanced manufacturing stablemates Brabham Automotive, Swagman and Evant.
Gregg is the Chief Technical Officer leading the technical strategy and execution for the BusTech Group. Gregg is keen to work with innovative technical partners to produce engaging vehicles that improve the shared transit experience for patrons and operators. Gregg’s career started with large, process-driven Tier 1 OEMs and migrated to prototype and research-focused organisations. He spent the last decade at McLaren, where he led the definition and delivery of products for use in professional motorsports (including the TAG-320, which is the heart of a Formula 1 car’s control and data system). Gregg enjoys leading small, highly focused teams capable of developing their own technical path using cutting-edge engineering techniques.
Ross is the Director of Product and Head of Projects for the BusTech Group, with responsibility for client engagement with industry and government partners to drive technology adoption, strategic partnerships and business growth. Ross brings a blend of automotive, finance and renewables experience to BusTech. Most recently the corporate sales manager for BMW in South Australia, he also has more than 12 years’ finance experience working in London with some of the world’s largest institutions including, Santander, RBS and Lloyds. Academically trained in environmental science and renewables, Ross is excited to be bringing all of his experience together bringing zero emission buses to the roads of Australia
Sustainability
BusTech Group has designed a smart and sustainable architecture solution to deliver connected and efficient transport technology through focusing on whole-of-life-cycle thinking and the principles of the circular economy.
BusTech Group is decreasing its carbon footprint by building and sourcing manufacturing capabilities within Australia and repatriating highly skilled engineers back into Australia from Europe. Employing 270 staff across the group and with a focus on localised supply chains, BusTech Group is passionate about creating lasting economic benefits in Australia.
We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through advancing the efficiency of our operations as we grow our volume and manufacturing presence across Australia.
The five pillars of BusTech Group’s Corporate and Social Responsibility Strategy is anchored in United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Zero-emissions Mass Transport Technologies
Improve local air quality and health outcomes by eliminating harmful emissions
Eliminate carbon emissions from our roads
Sustainable Architecture
Create the most efficient integrated technology platform
Employ user-centric design to sustain 25-year duty cycle and end-of-life recycling
Encourage sustainable material use and value creation through circular economy
Supporting Australian Economic
Recovery & Growth
Stimulate local supply chains and minimise logistics carbon emissions
Create equal opportunity for employment
Create next-generation jobs
Growth through Efficiency
Deliver operational growth through efficiency improvement targets
Use sustainable procurement methods
Provide a heathy and safe workplace
Connect with Our Communities’ Needs
Support homelessness charities
Support White Ribbon Australia
Build youth resilience through sport and support disadvantaged children
Partner with veteran and disability support organisations
Industries
As the mass mobility sector evolves, we provide a complete suite of vehicle designs, drive train variants and ownership solutions to deliver integrated transit solutions that meet fleet requirement in all states and territories across Australia, and internationally. Our customers include private operators, local and state governments, mining companies, charities and not-for-profits, private charter businesses and private businesses looking for bespoke solutions to meet their specific requirements. We are agnostic to powertrain and manufacturing methodology. From diesel to electric to hydrogen and either manufacturing a body on the chosen chassis or providing our own proprietary integrated body and chassis, we provide flexibility through the design process, engaging customers in our technology centre such that they can create their own unique solutions specific to their industry needs.
Mass Transit
We are at the forefront of zero-emissions bus technology development, offering complete vehicle, infrastructure and energy solutions for clean diesel, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet deployment.
Schools
We have delivered hundreds of school buses to customers across Australia, helping to transport Australia’s children to school safely and efficiently. We can provide zero-emissions technology school buses, as well as diesel school buses that can be easily converted to zero-emissions technology in the future.
Mining
We provide mining and resources workforce transport solutions that meet the strictest design and specification requirements, ensuring compliance with all safety and workforce comfort and feature requirements. As the mining and resources sector strives to meet its carbon emissions and environmental footprint goals and obligations, BusTech Group can assist by providing zero-emissions technology solutions for all workforce transport requirements.
Tourism
We offer tailored designs to suit all tourism sector service requirements, including long-distance coaches through to local tour bus services. With in-house design and engineering services we work with our customers to meet the specific requirements of tourism operators and deliver the best possible experience for their passengers.
Specialist Vehicles
Our in-house design and engineering services teams work with private businesses, charities and not-for-profits to create fit-for-purpose tailored designs to suit all use requirements, including unique coaches with bespoke interiors through to medical buses delivering care to remote communities.
Customer Solutions
Our customers are central to why we do what we do. We engage with customers in a collaborative manner. We want our customers to feel like they are partnering with us in devising solutions that are fit for purpose.
Tomorrow’s Jobs Today
We are committed to industry development and have established the BusTech Group Advanced Bus Apprentice Academy. Additionally, we work directly with industry, government, partners and employers to create broader pathways to employment within the BusTech Group.
We create career paths for our employees to grow and develop. If you want to be part of an exciting journey, get in touch at careers@bustechgroup.com.au
To ensure we continue to provide the best customer service, we train our people to the highest level. The education and training of our engineers and assembly staff is the cornerstone of our business, driving efficiencies and quality in a safe environment. As a business, we currently have a number of apprentices on the shop floor at any one time across mechanical and electrical mechanical roles.
We have arrangements in place that allow us to deploy apprentices and trainees within our business from the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre, the Motor Trade Association of South Australia, and to provide employment to Defence veterans.
The Apprentice Academy delivers programs in connection with the manufacture of existing diesel technology buses but also in relation to the future design of alternative driveline technologies, assisting with delivering technical and engineering initiatives within our Technology Sustainability and Innovation Roadmap.
The Apprentice Academy is structured to deliver face-to-face training and provide apprentices with advanced learning and development programs, creating the expertly skilled apprentices of the future of Australia. Apprentices attending our facilities are exposed to a range of training methods including trainer presentations, observation of the apprentice, theory assessments, task sheets, work logbook evidence and simulated role plays.
Our scopes of work, work health and safety programs and on-board recruitment program are ideally suited to employing apprentices as they gain valuable on-the-job training. Subject matter experts within the Group mentor trainees and validate apprentices’ work and they are given the opportunity to work in a culture that encourages continuous improvement programs in a modern advanced manufacturing environment. This is an invaluable experience for apprentices at the early stages of their career. Having established apprentice programs in industry is fundamental to maintaining engineering capability in Australia for the future growth of sovereign capability.
Research and Development
We recognise the importance of engaging with universities. To enable the next generation of connected transit, BusTech Group is focused on creating next-generation jobs and driving a high-value growth mass mobility industry through our commitment to partner with Australia’s leading universities. We collaborate to stimulate innovation, research, development and commercialisation of state-of-the art and innovative transit solutions, as well as to support local talent and create new pathways for skilled employment opportunities. ….
The evolution of mobility solutions will contribute to innovation in Australia’s public transport infrastructure design and development that will investigate areas such as: user experience and service delivery, transport communications, vehicle design and manufacture, including the development and integration of new technologies, environmental considerations, and business and economic benefits.
These collaborations involve university students and provide graduate opportunities which will integrate with the engagement of apprentices.
Career Pathways
With both mainstream and niche OEM and commercial experience both in Australia and overseas we have created an agile multi-skilled team of passionate business professionals and engineers who are focused on delivering market-leading products and services to facilitate industry transition to zero-emissions buses and services.
BusTech Group has also been able to utilise the capacity and capability that serviced the Australian OEM market to grow its team across Australia.
This has been complemented by overseas resources who have been drawn to working with BusTech Group on its broader mobility strategy, to be part of a Group that is at the beginning of an exciting journey to re-establish the vehicle/mobility-based businesses across Australia.