Harris Bus & Coach UK signs 10-year strategic cooperation with Higer Bus.

• 10- year agreement signed at Busworld Europe
• New Higer V Series models to enter UK market from 2026
• Partnership builds on proven and on-going success across Ireland
• “This is a partnership built on confidence, capability and a shared commitment to sustainable mobility," Bill Laidlaw, Managing Director, Harris Truck & Bus UK

Harris Bus & Coach UK has signed a new 10-year strategic cooperation agreement with Higer Bus Company, one of China’s largest bus and coach manufacturers. The agreement was formalised during Busworld Europe in Brussels earlier this month and marks the start of a significant new chapter for both organisations.

Under the new arrangement, Harris Bus & Coach UK will become the exclusive distributor of Higer buses and coaches in the UK, expanding on a partnership that has already seen notable success across Ireland through Harris Group.

The partnership will see new Higer V Series coach models enter the UK market from 2026, marking the first availability for UK operators. Designed with dedicated UK specifications, the V Series models will join Harris Bus & Coach’s electric and diesel line-up, combining Higer’s advanced engineering and safety technologies with Harris Bus & Coach UK’s local market expertise to deliver highly efficient vehicles and first-class support.

Commenting on the agreement, Bill Laidlaw, Managing Director at Harris Truck & Bus UK, said, “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Higer into the UK through this 10-year strategic agreement. Over many years, we’ve built a strong working relationship that’s delivered proven, high-quality vehicles and aftersales support to operators across Ireland.

“Bringing Higer’s next-generation V Series coach models to the UK is a major milestone, and we’re ready to support them with the same customer-first approach that defines Harris Bus & Coach; from sales and service through to our nationwide dealer network and our comprehensive support infrastructure. This is a partnership built on confidence, capability and a shared commitment to sustainable mobility.”

Tom Tang, European Sales Director for Higer Bus Company, commented, “The UK is a key strategic market for Higer, and this agreement with Harris Bus & Coach UK marks an important new stage in our partnership. Together, we have already achieved strong success in Ireland, and we are now expanding that strength into the UK with innovative products and customer-focused support.

“The new V Series represents our next generation of coaches – efficient, reliable and designed for modern operator needs. We look forward to supporting Harris Bus & Coach UK as we continue to promote sustainable, high-quality public transport solutions across.”

Brian Patterson, Harris Group Managing Director, added, “The introduction into the UK market cements the next phase of the group’s strategic growth plans which will see the addition of heavy goods vehicles to the Harris portfolio.”

Building on a proven foundation

Harris Bus & Coach UK launched earlier this year as a dedicated UK operation under the Harris Group umbrella, with headquarters in Liverpool and a 10-dealer regional network across the country. The company offers full sales, service, and parts support for both electric and diesel vehicles, backed by factory-trained technicians, 24/7 roadside assistance, and Harris Non-Stop mobile service.

The introduction of the new Higer V Series builds on Harris’s phased strategy to establish a complete UK market presence, bringing proven global vehicle platforms to local operators with the full backing of manufacturer-level support.