Irizar UK is delighted to announce its appointment as the successful supplier following a competitive tender process conducted by The Go-Ahead Group, one of the UK’s leading and most respected public transport operators.
The agreement establishes a multi-year framework that will provide Go-Ahead’s operating companies with access to a comprehensive range of Irizar coaches across multiple vehicle lengths and configurations over an initial three-year period. The framework supports a commitment of over 90 coaches during the term, with additional opportunities anticipated as Go-Ahead continues to develop and expand its coach operations across its portfolio of brands.
More than a vehicle supply agreement, the framework represents the beginning of a strategic partnership between two organisations that share a commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and delivering long-term value through innovative transport solutions.
The agreement covers both standard and touring specification coaches and includes a comprehensive package of ongoing parts and service support, alongside options for end-of-vehicle-life solutions. This approach aligns with both organisations’ focus on maximising efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
Commenting on the appointment, Andrew Blundell, Managing Director at Irizar UK, said:
“Following a very rigorous tender process, we are delighted to have been selected by Go-Ahead Group as their chosen coach supplier for the next 3 years. As the market continues to consolidate, it is strategically important to ensure that we have an offering which is attractive to the larger fleets, and this partnership with Go-Ahead is further evidence that Irizar UK can be the supplier of choice whether you are buying 1 or 500 units.
The framework agreement is built around a portfolio of services, ensuring that we support the Go Ahead Group operating companies throughout their Irizar ownership life. This reflects our recent business transition, giving us the capability to align with customers through not only the sales and specification process, but also with comprehensive aftersales and parts supply.
I’m incredibly proud of the commitment and dedication which the team showed in this tender……its a tough process, and to come out of it as no.1 choice really showcases our capabilities, professionalism, and passion to achieve the desired outcome.”
Commenting on behalf of Go-Ahead Group, Sebastian Golby-Meek, Group Head of Procurement & Strategic Contracts, said:
“This award reflects Go-Ahead’s proactive approach to strategic procurement: working with partners who can combine a highly professional operation with proven product quality, strong lifecycle support and a clear commitment to sustainability. Irizar demonstrated throughout the tender process that it understands the needs of large, complex transport operators and can provide a vehicle and support proposition that delivers operational reliability, commercial value and an excellent passenger experience.
The i6S Efficient is particularly compelling because it brings together reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions and improved whole-life efficiency, while Irizar’s continued development of alternative fuel technologies gives us confidence that this partnership can support both our current operational requirements and our longer-term transition to more sustainable coach solutions. We look forward to working closely with Irizar UK to deliver high-quality vehicles that support our operating companies, our customers and our environmental ambitions.”
The framework provides Go-Ahead with streamlined access to a consistent vehicle supply program across its operations, supporting procurement efficiency, fleet standardisation and enhanced operational flexibility. For Irizar UK, the agreement creates a platform for deeper collaboration with one of the industry’s most influential transport groups, enabling both organisations to work together on future fleet development, sustainability initiatives and operational best practice.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the tender process, with both organisations recognising the importance of reducing environmental impact while maintaining high standards of passenger experience and operational performance. The framework’s lifecycle approach, encompassing vehicle supply, parts support, service provision and end-of-life solutions, supports a more sustainable and efficient model of fleet management.
The award further reinforces Irizar UK’s position as a trusted partner to major transport operators, providing not only industry-leading vehicles but also the expertise, support infrastructure and long-term commitment required to deliver measurable operational and commercial benefits.
As both organisations look ahead, this strategic partnership creates a strong foundation for continued collaboration, innovation and growth, supporting Go-Ahead’s ambition to deliver reliable, sustainable transport services while ensuring exceptional value throughout the lifecycle of its coach fleet.
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