Auckland, September 23, 2026 — Yutong Bus, the world's leading bus manufacturer by volume, made a powerful statement at the 2026 Bus and Coach Association (BCA) Conference held at Auckland's Viaduct Event Centre from September 21 to 23. As a key sponsor and exhibitor, Yutong showcased four vehicles tailored to the New Zealand market—the D7, C9, C10, and E13—and drew over 200 industry customers to its display, reinforcing its growing presence in the country's bus and coach sector.

A Premium Platform for Industry Engagement

The BCA conference, hosted by the Bus and Coach Association New Zealand, is the country's largest gathering of bus and coach professionals. Founded in 1931, the association represents member companies that employ over 13,000 people and deliver all public bus services, more than 98% of school bus services, and the majority of tourism charter services across New Zealand, contributing NZ$1.8 billion to the economy in 2025. This year's conference drew operators, industry leaders, and technology providers from across New Zealand and Australia.

Yutong's sponsorship was prominently recognised through the Waiheke Big Day Out event, which was co-sponsored by Terramotive, Yutong's exclusive New Zealand distributor, alongside Yutong itself. The trade exhibition area, featuring Yutong's four-model display, became a focal point for delegates seeking to explore the latest developments in bus technology. The strong turnout of over 200 industry customers underscored the high level of interest in Yutong's offerings.

Four Models, One Unified Vision

Yutong presented a diverse lineup designed to address the full spectrum of New Zealand's transport needs—from compact urban mobility to long-distance touring and zero-emission public transit.

D7: Versatile and Compact

The D7 is a compact multi-purpose bus that has become a familiar sight on New Zealand roads since Yutong entered the market in 2015. With a length of 7,730 mm and a width of 2,410 mm, the D7 seats up to 28 passengers and is powered by a Euro VI-compliant engine delivering 188 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Its eight-metre turning radius makes it exceptionally manoeuvrable, ideal for school runs, charters, and urban shuttle services. The D7 has been a cornerstone of Yutong's New Zealand lineup, demonstrating the brand's ability to deliver practical, reliable solutions for everyday operations.

C9: Purpose-Built for New Zealand

The C9 made its New Zealand debut as a lightweight 9-metre coach specifically engineered for the country's unique operating environment. Recognising that New Zealand's tourism coaches must navigate the narrow, winding roads of the South Island, Yutong designed the C9 with "lightweight construction and high efficiency" at its core. The vehicle achieves a total weight of just 12 tonnes through high-strength composite materials and an optimised chassis structure, reducing road user charges and complying with NZTA axle load regulations. Its 9-metre body offers superior manoeuvrability in scenic areas, while a fuel-efficient diesel engine balances long-distance power with economy. The C9 also features a spacious 4.0 m³ through-type luggage compartment and Yutong's signature robust closed-ring high-strength body structure, providing safety and comfort for both drivers and passengers.

C10: The Perfect Middle Ground

Positioned between the compact D7 and the larger touring coaches, the C10 offers a 9,985 mm length. Powered by a Cummins D6.7EVID290 engine producing 290 hp and 213 kW, the C10 combines robust performance with passenger comfort. It features a three-point full air-suspended seat system, an integral inner luggage rack, and a 10.4-inch integrated central control system. As industry reviewers have noted, the C10 represents the "perfect middle ground"—a coach that is neither too large nor too small, delivering the versatility that New Zealand operators require for school, charter, tour, and mine bus applications.

E13: Leading the Electric Charge

The E13 represents Yutong's commitment to New Zealand's zero-emission future. This tri-axle electric bus, measuring 12,770 mm in length and carrying a 352.08 kWh battery, was specifically designed for the New Zealand market and introduced in Auckland in 2020. With a capacity of up to 75 passengers, the E13 features a double rear-axle configuration comparable to the largest diesel single-deckers, along with larger and more powerful batteries for extended daily range. The E13 is already in service with in Auckland, Wellington and south island and contributing to the city's zero-emission goals. Its high-efficiency motor direct drive system achieves SORT2 unit energy consumption of just 0.82 kWh, while the five-in-one integrated controller simplifies high-voltage connections and reduces potential failures.

Yutong's New Zealand Strategy: From Product Export to Green Value Delivery

During the conference, a Yutong representative delivered a keynote address outlining the company's development strategy and long-term vision for the New Zealand market. The address emphasized that Yutong has evolved from a product exporter into a partner in New Zealand's green transportation transformation—a shift from "product export" to "green value delivery," as echoed by Chinese consulate representatives at the same event.

Since entering New Zealand in 2015, Yutong has steadily expanded its local footprint, providing models including the D7, D7E, C9,C10, E10, and E13. The company has achieved large-scale operations of new energy buses across multiple countries and regions, and New Zealand stands as a key market in this global strategy alongside the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Chile, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Australia.

The representative highlighted several pillars of Yutong's New Zealand strategy:

Localisation and Customisation. Yutong's approach in New Zealand goes beyond simply importing vehicles. The C9, for instance, was designed from the ground up to meet NZTA regulations, address the specific challenges of South Island tourism routes, and optimise total cost of ownership for local operators. This level of customisation demonstrates Yutong's commitment to understanding and responding to the unique demands of the New Zealand market.

Electrification Leadership. New Zealand's push toward decarbonising its public transport network aligns closely with Yutong's global electrification mission. The company's E-series buses are already operating in Dunedin ,Wellington and Auckland, contributing to the country's 2050 net-zero target. Yutong's global new energy bus sales reached 210,000 units by 2025, maintaining its position as the world's leading new energy bus manufacturer.

Partnership-Driven Growth. Yutong's success in New Zealand has been built on strong partnerships with local operators.The company remains committed to deepening these relationships and investing in local capability, ensuring that the transition to cleaner transport is successful, scalable, and lasting.

Technological Innovation. From the lightweight construction of the C9 to the high-performance battery systems of the E13, Yutong continues to invest in research and development that delivers tangible benefits for New Zealand operators. The company's global R&D capabilities, backed by four manufacturing bases and the world's largest single bus manufacturing plant, ensure a steady pipeline of innovative products tailored to diverse markets.

Looking Ahead

As New Zealand's bus and coach industry navigates the twin challenges of sustainability and operational efficiency, Yutong's presence at the BCA conference sent a clear message: the company is here for the long term. With a product lineup spanning from the versatile D7 to the zero-emission E13, and a strategy rooted in localisation, partnership, and innovation, Yutong is well-positioned to support New Zealand's transport operators in building a cleaner, more efficient future.

The strong attendance of over 200 industry customers at Yutong's display, combined with the enthusiastic engagement throughout the conference, suggests that the message was received loud and clear. As one industry observer noted, the BCA conference has become a vital platform for connecting global manufacturers with local operators—and Yutong's prominent presence this year has firmly cemented its role as a key player in New Zealand's evolving bus and coach landscape.