• Saft and Dietrich Carebus Group (DCG) have signed a partnership agreement to assess the feasibility of equipping Yutong electric buses manufactured in China with lithium-ion battery systems 100 percent made in France.
• Key aim is to develop lithium-ion battery systems that meet the operational and regulatory needs of European public transport operators.

Kortrijk (Belgium), October 19 2015

Saft, world leader in the design, development and manufacture of high technology batteries for industry, and Dietrich Carebus Group (DCG) have signed a partnership agreement at the Busworld Kortrijk Exhibition in Belgium (16-21 Oct., 2015) that aims to equip electric buses manufactured by Yutong, China’s leading bus brand, with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for the European market.

DCG is a recognized specialist in the design, distribution and marketing of buses and coaches in France and Yutong’s exclusive agent for France and several Western Europe countries where it will go step by step. Saft is working with DCG to develop Li-ion battery systems that will enable Yutong’s electric buses to meet the needs of European operators in terms of performance and regulations. This partnership agreement, which is the culmination of several months of discussion between Saft, DCG and Yutong, will result in the selection of the battery supplier for volume production.

‘This partnership with DCG is a significant step in Saft’s plans to become a major player in the electric public transportation vehicle sector based on our approach to develop and manufacture fully integrated battery systems as a critical component alongside other high value elements such as the motor and transmission,’ said Xavier Delacroix, General Manager of Saft’s Industrial Battery Group. ‘We look forward to demonstrating to DCG and Yutong that our Li-ion battery technology, which has already been selected by a worldwide producer of commercial vehicles, is the perfect fit for Europe’s demanding passenger transportation market thanks to its unique combination of high performance, safety, durability and reliability.’

The batteries for the Yutong electric buses will be 100 percent developed and manufactured by Saft in France, and installed in buses by DCG in Ingwiller, France. The Li-ion cells and battery systems will be developed in Saft’s Bordeaux facility, utilising the expertise of more than 200 R&D engineers. For series production, the batteries will be assembled at Saft’s Nersac plant, which plays a strategic role in the sustainable transportation sector. This site, in operation since 2008, was the first industrial facility worldwide to produce Li-ion batteries for hybrid automotive serial programs.

Pierre Reinhart, President of DCG, said: "Selection of the battery systems is crucial to the success of Yutong’s electric buses in Europe. We are delighted to be working in partnership with a reputable French battery manufacturer on this project that builds on Saft’s well proven domain expertise in the transportation sector, specifically in the capability to develop bespoke battery systems to meet the technical and regulatory needs of local markets.”

About Saft Groupe SA

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics’ markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 4,000 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.

Saft batteries. Designed for industry.  www.saftbatteries.com   

About Dietrich Carebus Group

Dietrich Carebus Group (DCG) was founded in the 1920s and the group is since 2010 the exclusive distributor in France and several Western Europe countries of the brand YUTONG. DCG is recognized as an expert in bus design and professional maintenance and also as a bus rental company. The Group’s five subsidiaries employ around 200 people.

For further information: www.dietrichcarebus.fr

Press contacts:

Saft

Jill Ledger, Corporate Communication and Institutional Director
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 77, e-mail: jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com

Marie-Christine Guihéneuf, IBG Communication Manager
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 16, e-mail: marie-christine.guiheneuf@saftbatteries.com

Dietrich Carebus Group
Alain Alzati, e-mail: a.alzati@dcgroup.fr

Six Degrees
Andrew Bartlett, Tel.: +44 118 900 0860, e-mail: andrew.bartlett@sixdegreespr.com

French | West | Vaughan
Melissa Timney, Tel.: +1-919-277-1165, e-mail: mtimney@fwv-us.com

Brunswick
Benoît Grange, Tel.: +33 1 53 96 83 89, e-mail: saft@brunswickgroup.com