2007/03/19

The IRIZAR GROUP ended last year, 2006, with new growth, recording unprecedented figures and posting a global turnover of Euro 364m. The most significant increases have been recorded in countries such as Mexico, India, South Africa and Morocco. In Europe, the decrease of the registrations on the domestic market has been compensated for the increase markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Israel. The number of units sold is 11% up on 2005, rising to 3,641 units.

Overall investment in the prior year amounted to Euro 20m, with highlights being product innovation and internationalisation:

• Acquisition of 60,000 m2 of land and the start of construction work on the new 14,500 m2 plant in Morocco.
• Enlargement of the installations in Brazil by 8,000 m2.
• Acquisition of new installations in South Africa with a view to tripling production.
• Start of construction work on a new plant in India.
• Development of the IRIZAR PB model in Mexico, restyling of the IRIZAR INTERCENTURY model in Brazil and a new suburban model in Ormaiztegi.

This growth strategy is underpinned by an ongoing commitment to innovation that is reflected in the incorporation of new coaches and the adaptation and strengthening of the entire product range.

The development of the new suburban model will cater for medium-to-long distances, with its differential values being safety, adaptability, product and service reliability, performance and image.

The IRIZAR GROUPs total workforce numbers 3,024 people.