Falkirk-based global bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) said it welcomed the UK Government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution “and the commitment to invest £120 million to begin the introduction of at least 4,000 more British built zero emission buses.”

ADL said it “eagerly awaits the publication of the National Bus Strategy and further detail of the two all-electric bus towns and the first fully zero-emission city centre.”

ADL added: “With demand for new vehicles declining in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, inaction to date has put thousands of green jobs in bus manufacturing and the wider supply chain at risk, suppressing an industry that will play a pivotal role in the UK’s green recovery.

“To realise the benefits of this announcement, orders need to be placed imminently to ensure delivery as early as possible in 2021.”

Souter Investments, the family investment office of Stagecoach Group founder Brian Souter, sold Alexander Dennis to Toronto Stock Exchange listed bus manufacturing giant NFI Group Inc for about £320 million in May 2019.

Paul Davies, ADL President & Managing Director, said: “This is the very first step in honouring commitments to invest in green buses and will bring back much-needed demand in a sector whose expertise and capacity is essential as the United Kingdom seeks to build a more sustainable future.

“An investment in British built green buses is an investment in British communities that benefits the nation’s economy.

“As the industry’s leader we remain eager to see this announcement become a reality and put thousands of zero-emission vehicles on Britain’s roads.

“We stand ready to help drive the nation’s green recovery.”