For decades, McNaughtans has been a quiet achiever in Australasia’s bus and coach industry. The automotive parts and bus and coach flooring supplier has enjoyed steady growth over the past few decades in Australia after first being founded in South Africa back in 1951. With the brand celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026, it’s looking locally towards its leading range of transport flooring solutions to continue its enduring legacy.
“In response to growing international demand and to better serve the Australasian market, McNaughtans ended up launching operations in Australia in the early 2000s,” McNaughtans national sales manager Steve Cieslak told ABC.
“This move allowed us to localise supply chains, offer faster service and more closely collaborate with OEMs and bus builders across the region.”
Since opening an Australian owned company in 2003, McNaughtans has developed an expansive network in the country that includes branches throughout the majority of states and a supply distribution into New Zealand. Through this, McNaughtans has been allocated a number of supply distributorships for world-class products, enhancing its rich experience in the bus, truck and trailer sectors. With the backing of its international expertise, Cieslak says the Australian arm of McNaughtans has developed its own local experience to provide professional and quality service to the Australasian bus and coach industry.
At the core of McNaughtans’ bus offering is the TARABUS floor covering range, manufactured by Gerflor, a global leader in transport flooring solutions. Products such as Tarabus Design – featuring digitally printed flooring and custom logo tiles – are renowned for their durability, versatility and visual appeal.
With a self-adhesive backing for streamlined installation, Cieslak says TARABUS delivers an ideal balance of functionality and aesthetics.
“It’s an incredibly popular product and is used by an estimated 80 per cent of bus builders worldwide,” he says.
“Its high slip resistance, ease of maintenance and compliance with international safety standards make it the preferred choice for both public and private operators.”
Further strengthening its market offering, McNaughtans has partnered with Prima Automotive as an authorised distributor, bringing a premium range of European-engineered bus components to the Australian market. This strategic partnership significantly enhances McNaughtans’ ability to deliver integrated, high-performance solutions to bus manufacturers, body builders and fleet operators.
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The Prima Automotive range includes Inst-a-Stop wireless push buttons, interior and exterior handles, bus door systems and components, interior accessories, HVAC air diffuser components, and interior lighting and service sets — all engineered for reliability, safety and long-term performance in demanding transport environments.
For customers, Cieslak says this partnership means simplified sourcing, improved component compatibility and access to a broader, more cohesive product ecosystem through a single trusted supplier. It reduces procurement complexity, streamlines supply chains and ensures operators can specify components with confidence, knowing they meet consistent European quality standards.
In addition, McNaughtans continues to supply a comprehensive range of bus components, including locks, latches, hinges, gas struts, pinchweld rubber, vents, stop buttons, mirrors, Southco hardware components — widely used across bus interiors and exteriors — and Tru Vision wiper systems.
Outside of the TARABUS range, McNaughtans is continuing to push these options, specifically the Tru Vision wipers and Southco components, to position McNaughtans as a leader in flooring and hardware supplies.
“Our range is carefully selected for performance, reliability and compliance with the demanding requirements of the bus and coach industry,” Cieslak says.
“Customers rely on McNaughtans because they know they’re investing in solutions built to last, supported by a team that stands behind every product.
“Our Gerfloor Tarabus floor coverings are made specifically for city bus applications, while the Southco access hardware covers locks, latches, hinges and more.”
A key factor behind McNaughtans’ long-standing customer relationships is the company’s depth of expertise and commitment to service. From the initial enquiry, the team prioritises understanding each customer’s specific requirements, providing clear, accurate product and pricing information to support confident decision-making.
“Whether it’s sales, warehousing or technical support, every part of our business plays a role in delivering the level of service that keeps customers coming back,” he says.
Over the years, McNaughtans has grown from a small operation into a national business with more than 90 employees across Australia, expanding its presence across multiple transport sectors. As the business now celebrates a global milestone, Cieslak is looking to local partnerships and innovations as the next stage of the brand’s growth in the Australasian bus and coach market.
“In an industry that demands both innovation and dependability, McNaughtans continues to deliver,” he says.
“With a strong focus on product quality, trusted supplier partnerships and exceptional customer service, the company is well positioned to support the next generation of bus and coach solutions.”
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