Government invests $18.5 million in Prevost bus platform project

The federal government is investing $18.5 million in Prevost, a division of Volvo Group Canada, to support the development of a new bus platform capable of supporting multiple propulsion technologies, including low- and zero-emission systems.

According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the funding is being provided through the Strategic Response Fund in support of an $87.5 million project known as the One Prevost Platform. The project aims to modernize the company’s bus lineup while strengthening research and development and supply chain capabilities.

The government said the project will help maintain 1,265 jobs at Prevost’s Sainte-Claire, Que., facility while supporting the development of new intellectual property and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The funding will support development of a new commuter motorcoach for public-sector customers as well as the electrification of the company’s X-series model.

“This funding will support the development of a new commuter motorcoach for the public sector as well as the electrification of our X-series model,” said François Tremblay, president of Prevost and Volvo Group Canada Inc..

According to the federal government, the project is intended to strengthen Canada’s position in vehicle manufacturing and support production of low- and zero-emission transportation technologies.