Ashok-Leyland-owned Switch Mobility has launched its 12m electric bus for India and announced a new Technical Centre in the UK. The venue is expected to be opened in June 2022 and would work closely with Switch’s existing R&D offices in Chennai, Leeds and Valladolid, employing a further 200 engineers, a press release from the company said.
Besides, it also announced its plans to invest £ 300m across the UK and India to develop its range of electric buses and light commercial vehicles.
The release added that as part of the company’s investment in the UK, the new Technical Centre will be the focal point of its Global Research and Development team.
Along with creating over 130 skilled jobs and led by Roger Blakey, CTO, Switch Mobility, the centre will also focus on the development of Switch’s next-generation vehicles, the company said.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Switch Mobility, said, “With a strong order bank of nearly 600 buses and ambitious investment plans already in place, we believe we are well placed to capitalise on growth. The new 12m bus has been designed specifically taking into account the requirements of the Indian market and delivering a range of up to 300kms.”
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister, UK, said, “This announcement will bring high quality jobs and skills to both the UK and India, and is testament to our partnership in the industries of the future.”