A Portuguese public transport operator is investigating fears that its fleet of Chinese-made electric buses could be remotely controlled or immobilized by the manufacturer, following similar concerns identified in Norway.
Guimabus, which serves the city of Guimarães, confirmed an investigation is underway into reports of potential remote manipulation of its vehicles. The company acknowledged fears circulating about its fleet.
The concerns stem from a reported security vulnerability found in electric buses manufactured by the Chinese company Yutong. Guimabus operates Yutong vehicles as part of its fleet.
This flaw, identified previously in Norway, theoretically allowed the manufacturer remote access to vehicle systems. Such access could enable interruption of operations or even immobilization of the buses.
Local newspaper “O Minho” reported that Guimabus’s Chinese-made buses might be subject to manipulation from China, citing similar incidents in other European countries. The Grupo Santiago initially reported Guimabus’s confirmation of the investigation.
Guimabus has operated an entirely electric fleet since September 2025, comprising approximately 75 electric buses. The new acquisitions include vehicles from the Chinese brand Yutong.
Authorities have stressed that there is currently no proof that Guimabus’s buses are actually being controlled or manipulated remotely by a Chinese entity or the manufacturer.