New Flyer Industries Lands Major Transit Fleet Deal: 43 Buses Heading to Durham Region

A substantial procurement from Ontario’s regional transit operator signals growing market momentum for both battery-electric and conventional clean-transit solutions in Canada’s most densely populated area.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – NFI Group Inc. (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF, TSX: NFI.DB), through its subsidiary New Flyer Industries Canada ULC, has finalized dual procurement agreements with Durham Region Transit (DRT). The competitive bidding process resulted in orders for seven Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ 40-foot battery-electric buses alongside 36 Xcelsior® 40-foot clean-diesel units, marking a significant expansion of DRT’s operational capacity across Ontario’s Durham region.

Strategic Significance for Regional Mobility

DRT operates as one of Ontario’s premier regional transit networks, maintaining service coverage across eight municipalities while facilitating connections to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area—Canada’s densest urban corridor. The fleet modernization initiative addresses dual objectives: replacing aging infrastructure while scaling capacity to meet growing transit demand across the region.

“This partnership underscores our long-standing relationship with DRT since 1988, delivering dependable transit infrastructure for regional communities,” noted Chris Stoddart, President of North American Bus and Coach operations at NFI. The agreement reinforces New Flyer Industries’ market position as a preferred supplier for transit authorities seeking both electrification pathways and proven diesel alternatives.

Made-in-Canada Manufacturing Expansion

A distinctive element of this procurement involves DRT’s Xcelsior CHARGE NG units being produced under New Flyer Industries’ All-Canadian Build initiative. This manufacturing expansion, anchored in Winnipeg and supported by the Government of Manitoba and Prairies Economic Development Canada, targets capacity increases of approximately 240 units annually while establishing 250 specialized green jobs throughout Manitoba’s manufacturing ecosystem.

The initiative represents a strategic shift toward domestic heavy-duty bus production, consolidating supply chain resilience and regional economic development objectives.

Advanced Battery-Electric Architecture

The Xcelsior CHARGE NG platform integrates three core technological systems: high-capacity battery arrays paired with advanced protective packaging architecture that streamlines installation and maintenance protocols. The lightweight electric traction drive incorporates regenerative braking technology, capturing up to 90% of kinetic energy during deceleration cycles—a significant efficiency advantage over conventional architectures.

Fleet Modernization Context

According to Bill Holmes, General Manager at DRT, the New Flyer Industries acquisition aligns with the operator’s sustainability mandate while prioritizing passenger experience enhancements. The mixed-fleet approach—combining electric and clean-diesel platforms—provides operational flexibility as transit authorities navigate the electrification transition period.

About NFI Group Inc. — Consolidating 450 years of manufacturing heritage, NFI commands leadership positions in global mass mobility electrification through zero-emission buses, motorcoaches, supporting infrastructure, and smart technology systems. Operating across ten countries with 9,100+ team members, NFI maintains the industry’s broadest sustainable drivetrain portfolio including battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, natural gas, hybrid-electric, and clean-diesel options. The organization currently supports over 100,000 buses and coaches operating worldwide under brands including New Flyer Industries, MCI, Alexander Dennis Limited, Plaxton, and ARBOC.

About New Flyer Industries — Positioned as North America’s leading heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer, New Flyer Industries operates the Xcelsior and Xcelsior CHARGE product families while providing infrastructure development through NFI Infrastructure Solutions. The organization actively maintains support for 35,000+ heavy-duty transit platforms currently deployed across North America.