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GoZero plans zero-emissions future for Australia

Emerging to become a major player in the local market in 2024, GoZero Group is reflecting on a landmark year while looking forward to even greater expansion in 2025
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It’s been a whirlwind year for the GoZero Group. Starting in February, when the group, which incorporates Nexport, North Sydney Bus Charter and Foton Mobility Distribution, received $105 million in Commonwealth Bank (CBA) asset and trade finance to fund the replacement of its existing diesel fleet with zero-emissions buses, GoZero’s year went from strength to strength when it was listed as a preferred bus supplier on Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) Procurement Panel 4. 

“It’s been a foundation building year for GoZero, securing the backing of Australia’s largest bank in CBA, being selected for NSW Bus Panel 4, and commencing the TfNSW Regional ZEB trials,” GoZero Group CEO Stephen Cartwright OAM told ABC. 

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 The integrated model that GoZero Group designed has quickly paid dividends, with the acquisition of North Sydney Bus Charter allowing GoZero to effectively transition a large part of the existing diesel fleet to electric.

 This momentum reached new heights when the Group’s goal to roll out 1,000 electric school bus runs received a welcome boost with Nexport electric buses being selected by TfNSW to be trialled by the Dyson Group and Edwards’ Coaches in the NSW regional towns of Deniliquin and Armidale. 

 In the meantime, GoZero Group unveiled a massive coup at the National Bus and Coach Show in Brisbane in September. 

 “It was an exciting moment to launch both our new Nexport NexGen electric city bus at the opening of the show while also revealing our acquisition of well-respected bus manufacturer BusTech Group,” Cartwright says. 

“Bringing together two Australian OEMs to form the largest Australian owned bus manufacturer, this acquisition set us up to have a national manufacturing footprint able to service all Australian states with factories in South Australia, Queensland and NSW.”

The National Bus and Coach Show was the best place for GoZero to launch its newest products

In the product space, the NexGen electric city bus, featuring underfloor batteries and lighter weight body materials, results in a model that is more efficient, safer and more comfortable for passengers than ever.

From the outset, GoZero Group has led the charge on securing industry experts to bolster the group’s leadership including global manufacturing expert Mike Bahr as CEO of manufacturing, Chris Poole as director of manufacturing, former Red Bus Services general manager Leanne Griffiths, Joanna McCarthy as director of marketing and communications and Julie Coles as transport solutions program manager.

 “We are committed to delivering quality products and services. Having the right people in place, with the right expert skills, is essential,” Cartwright says.

“We’ve been fortunate to secure great talent who share our mission to lead the way in the transition to zero-emissions public and commercial transport and logistics fleets. This commitment is evidenced from the factory floor to our drivers to the boardroom table.”

Alongside these new appointments, former Nexport CEO Michel Van Maanen departed, with GoZero Group redirecting into a new future that is set to be filled with exciting electric bus models and a focus on locally produced vehicles aligned to the each of the Australian state government’s local content requirements. 

What to look forward to in 2025

Having stamped its authority on the local market in 2024, GoZero Group is full steam ahead into the new year.

With its national footprint expanding across multiple states and territories and the inclusion of BusTech Group into its manufacturing operations, and with its highly experienced leadership team in place, GoZero is set to create an Australian zero-emissions transport sector powerhouse.

 “With the stage set, I am sure 2025 will be our most successful yet!” Cartwright says. 

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