Solaris Bus & Coach, one of the leading producers of city and intercity buses in Europe, has announced its production, sales and financial performance results for CY2023. What they reveal is an organization well prepared for the constantly evolving market environment and a company resilient to the dynamically changing economic context.
Solaris reported solid sales results in 2023, selling a total of 1,456 vehicles. The growing share of low- and zero-emission vehicles in Solaris’ sales mix, shows good recognition of the market and the manufacturer’s adjustment to market expectations.
In most EU countries, the share of e-mobility vehicles in the transport mix has been growing dynamically in the last few years. Solaris states that it has maintained its position of the European leader in the zero emission bus segment (battery buses and fuel cell buses) in the years 2012-2023 at the end of 2023 with a cumulative share of 14.5 percent.
Based on registrations of vehicles in 2023, Solaris had position No. 1 in the zero-emission bus market (battery buses + fuel cell buses) with a 15.2% market share.
Record-breaking sales of advanced technologically vehicles with alternative drives in the company’s history contributed to equally record-high revenues in 2023. In 2023, Solaris’ operations generated revenues of 819 million euros, an increase of over 18% compared to the previous year.
In 2023 Solaris delivered its products to customers from 17 countries. Major recipients of Solaris vehicles included, among other carriers, operators from Poland, Spain, Italy, Norway, Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary. In the reported period, Solaris delivered a total of 690 units of battery electric buses. Also worthy of note is the fact that Solaris sold 202 units of trolleybuses and 81 hydrogen buses.
Taking the lead in hydrogen buses
The increase in the number of hydrogen buses sold last year clearly demonstrates the growing interest in this technology as more and more operators recognize it as a target solution for their public transport systems.
By the end of 2023, Solaris has delivered a total of 180 hydrogen buses to the market, consolidating its position as the European leader in this segment – 44.5% of all hydrogen buses registered in Europe in 2023 are Solaris vehicles.
The company states that “there is every indication that this trend will continue.” This is also reflected in the large number of new orders Solaris has received for the coming years. By the end of 2023, the company has received orders for 535 hydrogen-powered vehicles, with delivery dates ranging from 2024 to 2026. To meet the growing demand and increase production capacity, Solaris has just inaugurated a new hall dedicated to the production of hydrogen vehicles. This state-of-the-art facility will become the heart of the company’s hydrogen and CNG bus production.