Concerns over cybersecurity of Chinese Yutong buses now operating in Ibiza

Of the roughly 100 new buses acquired for the island, around two-thirds are fully electric and built by Yutong, which claims to be the world’s largest manufacturer in this sector. The company sold nearly 50,000 vehicles last year alone, accounting for around 10% of the global market share, and has exported approximately 130,000 buses and coaches to more than 60 countries.

Cybersecurity concerns

Despite its global reach, Yutong’s expansion into Europe has been accompanied by scrutiny over cybersecurity. Investigations have been carried out in countries such as Norway and United Kingdom, where the National Cyber Security Centre audited hundreds of electric buses produced by the company.

Todas las imágenes de la presentación de los nuevos autobuses de Ibiza

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According to experts cited by The Telegraph, the buses’ internal software makes it “technically possible” for them to be remotely deactivated from China. However, no evidence has been found that such a function has ever been used.

Yutong has responded by stating that its vehicles comply with all United Nations cybersecurity regulations and that any data access is strictly limited to maintenance purposes.

Silence from operator

Sources from the Consell have indicated that Alsa, the concessionaire operating the new bus service, remains in “constant contact” with Yutong. This, they stress, means the Spanish company has not simply purchased the vehicles without ongoing support from the manufacturer.

Representatives from Yutong were present last week in sa Coma during the official presentation of the new buses, although they declined to make any public statements. This newspaper has also contacted Alsa for comment regarding the vehicles, but has not received a response.

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