Iveco Bus has announced plans to integrate the production of its electric models, the Heuliez GX Elec and the Iveco E-Way, into its Annonay plant in France this year. Previously, these models were manufactured exclusively at the Rorthais site, also located in France.
The company will also produce the new E-Way-H2 fuel cell model at the Annonay facility, signaling a significant expansion of its electric and hydrogen bus production capabilities.
Domenico Nucera, President of Iveco Bus and the ACEA Bus and Coach Division, made the announcement during an event on Europe’s industrial strategy in Strasbourg. “Iveco Bus will electrify its French historic plant in Annonay this year,” Nucera stated.
The plant will not only accommodate production lines for battery-electric buses but will also be equipped with a battery assembly line, enabling Iveco Bus to manage its entire value chain and better serve its customers across France and Europe.
The Annonay plant will play a key role in the company’s transition toward electric mobility. Iveco Bus currently operates five plants across Europe, with two in France, two in Italy, and one in the Czech Republic.
The company, which has been expanding its electric bus offerings since its separation from CNH Industrial, highlighted the importance of maintaining competitive production in Europe.
“We are rising to the challenge of the energy transition by investing massively in our manufacturing sites,” Nucera said. However, he also emphasized the need for financial support from European states and enhanced cooperation with public transport operators to facilitate this transformation.
