Across Australia, VDI has enjoyed a stellar 2024, further entrenching itself as one of the nation’s leading bus and coach suppliers. While its major operations on the eastern coast continue to thrive, the brand’s presence in Western Australia has emerged as a key part of its recent success.
“I’ve been with the brand since early 2017 after starting the Western Australian Yutong branch at WA Hino,” WA Yutong Bus Centre general manager Mike Kennedy told ABC.
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news and classifieds from Australasia’s bus and coach industry
- Don’t miss a second and subscribe to our monthly ABC magazine
“The decision was made in late 2022 to separate Yutong from this branch and establish its own standalone VDI dealership in the state, which I have managed since it opened on January 3, 2023.”
While Kennedy admits the branch’s first year was a “learning curve” for the small team, their hard work quickly paid off. In mid-November, the Perth branch celebrated its 100th bus and coach delivery for the year, smashing its 2024 goals.
When Perth branch business development manager Scott Lane started with VDI in March, he was told about Kennedy’s dream to sell more than 100 buses in 2024.
“I didn’t expect us to sell and then deliver them,” Lane told ABC.
“To do that in early November is amazing – we’re certainly looking at pushing well over 115 deliveries for the calendar year.”
Kennedy says that the branch’s focus on service and customer satisfaction has been key to its rapid growth, especially in the mining sector.
With Yutong’s circular economy and zero-emissions bus options, mining companies are preparing for a sustainable future. Industry-leading models like the D7E and C12E have been essential for these clients, delivering a reliable, low-emissions solution tailored to extreme conditions. At the same time, features like Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) provide the safety compliance that mining operations demand.
“Mining companies in WA, operating in some of the world’s harshest environments, rely on the D7E and C12E for their durability and efficiency. These models are helping our clients make meaningful strides toward sustainability,” Kennedy says.
Kennedy also attributes much of the success to recent team expansions. Adding a dedicated parts manager and service coordinator, along with mechanics specialising solely in buses, has transformed operations.
“Lifting our parts holding means we now have the largest stock outside of VDI’s Sydney parts warehouse,” Kennedy says.
“Customers previously loved the product and had faith in it, but these changes have allowed more to come onboard.”
The WA VDI branch’s 100th delivery – an iconic Yutong D7 bus – was made to Perth Modern School, a prestigious Subiaco-based institution. Delivered to Department of Education specifications, the bus reflects VDI’s growing presence in school transport.
“School buses are a smaller part of our sales currently due to our presence in the mining industry, but we’ve picked up some big contract wins, so we’re a good option for these tenders now,” Lane says.
The milestone was marked by a celebratory ride, with teachers boarding the new bus during delivery to experience its features first-hand.
As the WA team gears up for 2025, it is expecting even greater success as it focuses on sustainability in mining and the growing school and charter markets.
“Mining clients are moving towards a greener future, and we’re supporting them with some of the most reliable zero-emissions buses in the market,” Kennedy says.
“Our D7E and C12E models are at the forefront of this transition, and we see demand for them growing as more businesses commit to sustainability goals.
“With more boats arriving now with our school buses on them, we’ll be busy preparing them for deliveries early next year.
“It’s all looking very strong and promising for 2025.”
Read more:
- Queensland government makes 50 cent fares permanent
- No end goal in sight for NSW Panel 4 orders
- Should there be free buses in Melbourne?
- Kinetic shuts down Sydney commercial charter operations
- Brisbane Metro begins service