Valmet Automotive and Carrus Delta have signed a long-term agreement for the serial production of Volvo Buses coach bodies in Finland.

The cooperation between the two companies will see coach bodies manufactured at Valmet Automotive’s plant in Uusikaupunki, with production scheduled to begin in 2026. The agreement establishes an industrial partnership between the Finnish contract manufacturer and the coachbuilder, within a framework that includes integration of production processes and scaling of output capacity.

Carrus Delta already develops and produces the double-decker 9700 DD in partnership with Volvo Buses, with more than 75% of its production exported to European markets. The cooperation now includes the production of Volvo-branded single-deck coach bodies, including the future full electric version announced in 2025.

Earlier this year Valmet Automotive has signed a deal with Jeti Industries aimed at the serial production of modular electric buses.

Valmet, Carrus, Volvo behind the future electric coach

Valmet Automotive is a Finnish automotive contract manufacturer with long-standing experience in the serial production of complex vehicles, including electric and electrified models, operating industrial-scale facilities in Finland.

Under the agreement, Valmet Automotive will carry out serial production of single-decker coach bodies for Carrus Delta. Manufacturing activities will be integrated into Carrus Delta’s processes, covering vehicles equipped with both diesel and fully electric drivetrains.

Preparations for production are set to start immediately, with the first units expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The production setup is based on Valmet Automotive’s manufacturing and logistics capabilities, alongside its process and quality management systems applied to vehicle production.

Carrus Delta develops and produces coaches in partnership with Volvo Buses, with more than 75% of its output exported to European markets. The cooperation includes the production of Volvo-branded single-deck coach bodies.

Industrial strategy and production capacity expansion

The agreement aligns with Valmet Automotive’s strategy, introduced in September 2025, to extend its industrial manufacturing expertise beyond automotive production to other sectors. Coach body manufacturing is included within this scope, using existing competencies in electrification, production infrastructure and quality systems.

For Carrus Delta, the cooperation supports production capacity expansion and the introduction of new products, including fully electric coach models developed with Volvo Buses.

Production activities are expected to have an impact on employment at the Uusikaupunki site, while the manufacturing programme includes a high level of domestic content within Finland.

“We are excited to start cooperation with Carrus Delta, an industry-leading player in its field. The collaboration combines the best capabilities and features of two strong companies from Western Finland with long operating history. Moreover, it offers interesting opportunities for our talented people who are committed for continuous learning”, says Pasi Rannus, CEO of Valmet Automotive.

”We have recently launched new products jointly with Volvo. These products have been very well received, including the fully electric coach to support growing demand for zero-emission transport solutions. Cooperation with Valmet Automotive will enable us to meet the growing demand from the markets”, says Petteri Vuori, CEO of Carrus Delta.

“We welcome the collaboration between Carrus Delta and Valmet Automotive for the manufacturing of Volvo branded single deck coach bodies. Carrus Delta is an important partner to Volvo since many years. This cooperation will add more flexibility and production capacity for our portfolio of sustainable products. By this we can serve our coach customers even better in the future”, says Thomas Nylund, Vice President and Head of the European business at Volvo Buses.

Highlights

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