NFI Group Inc. (TSX: NFI) subsidiary Alexander Dennis has secured a firm £57 million contract with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to supply at least 207 new low and zero-emission buses, expanding the total Alexander Dennis fleet ordered for the region's franchised network to approximately 400 vehicles. The order spans three bus models and includes contract options that could raise total vehicle numbers to 357 and the investment value to £95 million if fully exercised. All buses are scheduled for delivery in 2027, ahead of the region's phased transition to franchised bus services.

Key Points

  • NFI Group Inc. (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF, TSX: NFI.DB) — parent of Alexander Dennis
  • Alexander Dennis awarded £57M firm order for 207 buses from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
  • Contract options could increase scope to 357 buses at £95M; all vehicles to be built in Britain and delivered in 2027
  • Investors may watch whether contract options are exercised and how this order contributes to NFI's broader revenue outlook

Three-Model Order Covers Low and Zero-Emission Alexander Dennis Buses

The firm order comprises 117 low-emission Enviro400 double-deckers, 60 low-emission Enviro200 single-deckers in two lengths, and 30 zero-emission Enviro100EV units. Alexander Dennis was selected as the supplier across four of the six available procurement lots in this latest round. According to the release, all vehicles will be fully built or completed in Britain to the Liverpool City Region's specifications for its "Metro" bus network, with manufacturing taking place at Alexander Dennis facilities in northern England and Scotland.

SmartPack Technology and Future Electric Conversion Options Highlighted

The new low-emission Enviro400 and Enviro200 buses will feature Alexander Dennis's SmartPack efficiency technology, which the company states combines engine stop/start with e-cooling and auxiliary load management. Independent testing cited in the announcement found this technology reduces fuel consumption and CO₂e emissions by 18% on the Enviro400 and 24% on the Enviro200, compared with conventional Euro V diesel buses over the UK Bus Cycle. The release also notes the buses could be converted to full electric operation in the future through the manufacturer's AD Repower service.

Order Builds on Existing Alexander Dennis Deliveries Already Under Way in Liverpool

The newly announced contract adds to vehicles already in the pipeline for Liverpool City Region. The release states that 109 low-emission Enviro200 buses are currently being delivered ahead of the first tranche of franchised services commencing in St Helens and the Wirral on September 6, 2026. A further 58 zero-emission Enviro400EV double-deckers were procured from Alexander Dennis in an earlier agreement. Combined with the latest order, Alexander Dennis says it has supplied approximately 400 buses in total for the region's franchised fleet.