New Flyer/MCI News & Current Events

[East New York]

 

New Flyer is out in front as North America’s leading manufacturer of heavy-duty buses. Offering the broadest line of transit vehicles in Canada and the U.S., we have secured our strong position by providing reliable transportation solutions that meet the needs of today while anticipating the needs of tomorrow.

 

Known for breaking new ground with the first low-floor bus, the first diesel-electric bus and most recently, the world’s first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell fleet, we remain dedicated to innovation and excellence as we provide customers with a wide range of products such as clean-running, fuel-efficient hybrid buses; zero-emission electric trolleys; buses with alternative fuels, like hydrogen, CNG, and LNG; and clean diesel buses. Our products put us on the map. Quality and innovation keep us ahead.

 

Welcome to New Flyer!

[East New York]

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; November 2, 2011; (TSX:NFI, TSX:NFI.UN) New Flyer

Industries Canada ULC (“New Flyer” or the “Company”), the Canadian operating subsidiary

of the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in Canada and the United States,

opened its fourth Parts Distribution Center (“PDC”) on October 3, 2011. This PDC is located in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and is serving all customers in Eastern Canada.

 

“We are very excited to improve our level of service to our customers in this region,” said

Paul Soubry, New Flyer’s President and CEO. “We have been delivering buses to this area

for over 40 years, and have more than 3,000 buses and 40 customers within a 300-kilometer radius of the Greater Toronto/Hamilton Area. This new PDC allows us to continue to deliver on our commitment to provide the best bus value and support for life to our customers.”

 

Welcome to New Flyer!

[East New York]

 

MCI's 6000th unit rolls off E/J line; new J4500 to support all-MCI Shriners medical transport

 

 

 

You work hard to take your business as far as it can go. And we work hard to take it beyond. Our new Going Further!SM initiative is a response to your needs. We've gone over our coaches to make sure that they're better than ever, boosted our parts availability, strengthened our warranties and examined all of the ways we can go the extra mile to serve you better. And that means there's never been a better time to choose MCI.

 

New & Pre-Owned Motor Coaches | Motor Coach Industries | MCI

 

SCHAUMBURG, IL — November 7, 2011 — MCI gathered employees from throughout its plants to mark the delivery of the 6,000th unit off the company's E/J assembly line. The keys went to the Shriners of British Columbia and Yukon, who will use the new J4500 to provide medical transport to children.

 

"Everyone at MCI has an important role in providing our customers with industry leading, quality coaches," said Bryan Couch, MCI vice president and general manager of operations. "Achieving this milestone coincides with our J4500 coach ranking as North America's best-selling intercity coach, a distinction it has enjoyed for seven years running. We take great pride in this accomplishment. We appreciate the trust our customers place in MCI models to transport their passengers in comfort, safety and reliability, and the confidence they have knowing that MCI will continue to innovate and build the coaches best suited to their needs."

 

"Building a 6,000th unit is a significant milestone for us, and we couldn't be happier about handing the keys to the Shriners Care Cruisers program, which we have been proud to serve since its inception," said Guy Tessier, MCI vice president of Canadian sales.

 

MCI Media Center | Motor Coach Industries

[East New York]

Jan 18, 2012 - New Flyer announced order activity for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011

 

http://www.newflyer.com/index/cms-filesystem-action/investor_relations/news%20releases/2012/2012_01_17_q4_2011_bus_orders_and_backlog.pdf

[BZGuy]

I don't see why companies keep buying the J. Hands down it's the worst coach I've ever driven.

[theaveragejoe]

I don't see why companies keep buying the J. Hands down it's the worst coach I've ever driven.

 

Stagecoach keeps buying them for Tentway Wagar (Coach Canada)

[Fan Railer]

I don't see why companies keep buying the J. Hands down it's the worst coach I've ever driven.

 

Elaborate for us lay people?

[BZGuy]

Elaborate for us lay people?

 

Sorry it took so long to get back to this topic,

 

The reason I call the "J" a horrible bus is that's it being used in line-haul operations when it suppose to be a high end tour coach. The constant beating of a line run takes it tolls on the J more than the trusty DL.

 

J4500 Pros:

*Huge Baggage Bays - No matter the run or charter I've never been able to completely fill those bays....they are just cavernous!

 

*Turning Radius - One of the best in the industry! They will turn on a dime

 

J4500 Cons:

*Weight - Or lack of.....in windy conditions on the highway driving the J can be very "sporting". The buses are all over the road in the wind. And there are issues with traction in winter conditions with these buses...we've tried all kinds of things to improve the handling of these coaches in snow/ice to no avail.

 

*Mirrors - They shake from Day 1. Even the brand new ones that came this year shook their first day of service. The way the drivers side mirror is mounted creates on hell of a blind spot when turning.

 

*Suspension - Horrible....wicked amount of body lean when turning and the all have this wallowy ride. I don't get car sick but the Js really turn my stomach after awhile

 

*Bathroom - It's like a upright coffin back there. There are some passengers that will not use the bathrooms on the Js.

 

There are some other issues but as you can see there really is not much to praise about the J4500 from a driver's perceptive. I try to stay far, far away from those buses. I prefer the DL3/D4500 series buses. Solid and dependable....the D takes a beating and asks for more! And with the new front and rear fascia, the D4500/4505 has just as much curb appeal as the J!

[553 Bridgeton]

You cant go wrong with a D Series. I like the looks of the J but i just dont care for them. Theres a reason why most companies only use them for high end charters. They not ment for line run. I drove one when i was training for my cdl and to back up what bz said there is a hell of a blind spot when turning because of the way the mirror is mounted. To me it felt top heavy. If i had my own company and had em theyd be used only for top notch occasions.

 

As for these new 4500cts i must say njt better step in....

 

And theres a reason why so many companies go with the D, hell one day im going to buy my own CT, lol soon as i find a decent used one a company wants to get rid of.

[East New York]

 

MCI® J4500 ranks top seller in first quarter 2012

 

SCHAUMBURG, IL — April 20, 2012 — The MCI J4500 took the top sales spot in National Bus Trader's just-released first-quarter 2012 trend report, which tracks industry coach sales. The ranking continues to secure the J4500's lead, with the same position held for the close of 2011, which marked the model's eighth year as the best-selling coach in the U.S. and Canada.

 

The first-quarter report also ranked the popular MCI® D4500 fourth and the D4000 sixth, as MCI completed the delivery of the first-ever order from Los Angeles Department of Transportation for 95 40-foot MCI Commuter Coaches powered by CNG.

 

For 2012, the MCI J4500 comes with more than 50 improvements for more reliability. Mechanical advances include a more dependable heater core along with a Cummins or optional Detroit Diesel engine that achieves even greater fuel savings. A wide-ride suspension improves handling, and an optional steerable rear tag axle offers a tighter turning radius. Safety features include Electronic Stability Control, a SmartWave® tire-pressure monitoring system, a fire suppression system and optional three-point passenger seatbelts.

 

At the same time, MCI has updated its D-Series model. Advances include a fourth-generation ACTIA multiplex system that further simplifies diagnostics along with a reconfigured driver dash with rocker switches and gauges illuminated by LEDs for easy interfacing.

 

MCI offers 2012 models in-stock and has D4505 coaches with wheelchair lifts available for immediate delivery as well. The company also has ready-to-roll pre-owned inventory and a new Re-Energized Pre-Owned Coach program in which coaches are put through a reconditioning process that includes powertrain updates. Inventory can be viewed at www.mcicoach.com/preowned

 

To ensure excellent reliability around the clock, MCI stocks 1,500 parts identified as critical to a coach's uptime and guarantees the part, or a suitable substitute, will ship to coach-down customers by the next business day, or it will credit 50 percent of the part price, up to $150, to the customer's account.

[theaveragejoe]

Press Release from New Flyer:

 

New Flyer and Alexander Dennis announce joint venture to introduce a North American midi bus

 

Monday, May 07, 2012

WINNIPEG, May 7, 2012 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) (TSX: NFI.UN) New Flyer Industries Inc. ("New Flyer" or the "Company"),the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in Canada and the United States announced today a long-term joint venture with Alexander Dennis Limited ("Alexander Dennis") as part of its strategy to pursue growth and diversification. Alexander Dennis is the United Kingdom's largest manufacturer of medium, heavy-duty and double-deck transit buses and coaches.

The two companies will collaborate to introduce a North American medium-duty low-floor bus (or "midi bus") specifically developed and tested to a 10-year operational life. This strategic partnership will build upon New Flyer's North American market leading position, manufacturing expertise and extensive aftermarket support network, with Alexander Dennis bringing demonstrated design expertise of quality midi buses, having delivered over 16,000 of this class of bus to customers throughout the UK, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia.

"Transit operators are faced with unprecedented pressure to operate and adapt their fleets in today's tough economic conditions", said Paul Soubry, New Flyer's President and Chief Executive Officer. "With the escalating costs of fuel and maintenance, there are many of our transit customers' routes that do not require a full sized heavy-duty bus with a 12-year design life. Customers on both sides of the border have asked us to provide a bus that meets their needs for this application, but with the full support of New Flyer's broad aftermarket network of field service, warranty, training, publications and spare parts support."

"We also believe that private shuttle operators in North America are looking for a high quality product", Mr. Soubry explained. "In developing our strategy to support both segments, we evaluated our own midi design and compared it to buses in this class around the world. In the end the decision was quite simple - Alexander Dennis has a world-class midi bus that is modern, quiet, fuel efficient and provides the best value for our customers."

New Flyer estimates the market for this type of product could be approximately 1,000 buses on an annual basis

[theaveragejoe]

May 10, 2012

 

CTA buys 100 buses from New Flyer.

 

May 9, 2012

Calling it too good of a deal to pass up, the CTA board today approved the purchase of 100 new accordion-style buses that were left over from a contract initiated by the Seattle transit system.

 

The CTA will pay New Flyer of America Inc. $80.1 million for the 67 clean-diesel buses and 33 hybrid-electric buses.

 

The 60-foot articulated buses were part of an order for up to 715 buses that King County Metro Transit in Seattle agreed to purchase from New Flyer. The CTA will use federal and local funds.

 

The Seattle system did not exercise its option on the 100 buses. The CTA will acquire to expand the capacity of its bus fleet and offer a more comfortable riding experience for CTA customers, officials said.

 

The new buses will be delivered late this year through the middle of 2013, said Marina Popovic, CTA vice president of purchasing and warehousing.

 

The buses will begin replacing 40-foot Nova buses that have been in service for almost 12 years, which is the recommended service life for transit buses.

 

The $80.1 million acquisition is “a very good price because we looked at how comparable it was to our last purchase from New Flyer and it was literally within several thousand dollars (per bus) of our previous purchase,’’ Popovic said. “Because the emission standards have changed over the course of the last several years, the prices have gone up.’’

 

CTA President Forrest Claypool said the new buses will be assigned primarily to routes where ridership has increased and buses are packed standing-room-only during rush periods.

 

“Part of it is adding additional capacity to de-crowd on peak points,’’ Claypool said. “It is basically to make the experience more comfortable for our riders and more appealing to them.’’

 

The 33 new hybrids will expand the number of diesel-electric buses to 328. The CTA operates 1,780 buses

 

<a href="http://www.newflyer.com/index/news-app/story.104">http://www.newflyer.com/index/news-app/story.104

[East New York]

New Flyer Unveils First All-Electric Transit Bus Prototype

 

 

 

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, June 1, 2012: (TSX:NFI, TSX:NFI.UN) New Flyer Industries Inc. (“New Flyer”), the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in Canada and the United States, announced today the unveiling of its prototype all-electric 40-foot Xcelsior heavy-duty transit bus.

 

The unveiling was hosted by Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger and representatives from the partnership including: the Manitoba Government, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (“MHI”), New Flyer’s subsidiary, New Flyer Industries Canada ULC, Manitoba Hydro and Red River College.

 

The prototype is based on New Flyer’s successful 40-foot Xcelsior heavy-duty transit bus, North America’s most advanced bus platform available today. The bus is equipped with an electric drive and is modified to carry advanced lithium ion batteries from MHI that are charged from the city’s electrical grid instead of by a conventional diesel engine.

 

 

http://www.newflyer....s-app/story.108

[traildriver]

I agree with BZGuy....we have had 'J's' in our fleet for over ten years (last ones purchased in 2004), and I still don't feel 'at home' behind the wheel of them. There is just something 'off' about their ergonomics that can't begin to match the feel of a 'D'.

Speaking of ergonomics, nobody could match those of the old GMC 'PD' series coaches.....sure miss them.

[theaveragejoe]

 

MCI Finalizes Acquisition of Setra's US and Canadian Operations and Partnership with Daimler

 

 

SCHAUMBURG, IL — July 2, 2012 — Motor Coach Industries, Inc. (MCI) today announced the completion of its acquisition of Setra's operations in the U.S. and Canada and the establishment of a strategic partnership with Daimler Buses (Daimler). Through the acquisition, MCI obtains responsibility for sales and service support of Setra S 417 and Setra S 407 motor coach models; the company's pre-owned coach inventory; the distribution of Setra and related genuine Daimler Buses parts; and the operations of Setra's service center in Orlando, Florida.

Daimler has also assumed a minority ownership position in MCI, forming an engineering, technology and manufacturing alliance as part of the transaction. Final terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Rick Heller, MCI CEO, said, "This transaction strengthens MCI's luxury motor coach offerings in the North American marketplace with the Setra brand, while establishing a strategic partnership with the world's leading manufacturer of motor coaches. While we expect to integrate our internal operations, the strategic intent is to maintain the integrity of the MCI and Setra brands. This includes maintaining a separate new-coach sales effort. Much of the consolidation will occur in internal and support functions, and we will communicate these changes with our customers as quickly as possible."

"We expect the transition to take about 150 days to complete, with minimal disruptions to both MCI's and Setra's customers," added Sandra Morison, MCI's Chief Financial Officer. "Our goal is to quickly integrate Setra's support processes within MCI's current network."

About MCI

 

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), owned by KPS Capital Partners, LP and headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer of intercity coaches in the U.S. and Canada. Reliability driven, MCI builds expertly engineered, best-selling models for the tour, charter, line-haul, commuter and transit segments. MCI also offers 24-hour technical support, industry-leading technician training and one of the most extensive aftermarket parts and repair service networks.

About Daimler Buses

 

In 2011, Daimler Buses sold 39,740 buses and coaches worldwide and achieved revenue of 4,418 million euros. Some 17,495 employees worldwide contributed to an EBIT of 162 million euros. Daimler Buses is a global leader in the sales of buses and coaches over 8 tons GVW.

 

http://www.mcicoach.com/media-center/2012-06-29-setra.htm

[traildriver]

So Daimler has acquired a piece of MCI, eh?

Hope the "synergy" works out better than it did when they acquired Chrysler.......

[East New York]

Daimler is only taking a 10% stake in MCI. MCI is acquiring Daimlers North American operations of Setra.

[DaimlerBuses]

It will be interesting to see where this leads to though, especially in the coming years. Daimler has done a move like this several times, acquire a minority stake in a company and contribute something to it, sit back for a bit and then either increase their stake or drop out entirely. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up increasing their stake in MCI over the next few years, it's obvious they see more potential in the coach business than the transit bus one.

[theaveragejoe]

Latin Express Service's La Cubana in the pink with three new MCI® J4500s

 

SCHAUMBURG, IL — June 18, 2012 — Known for its colorful coach graphics, modern fleet and courteous service, Latin Express Service, Inc., operating La Cubana, Miami, has purchased three new MCI J4500 coaches for its long-distance service. The first coach, featuring the company's signature splashy rainbow graphic against a deep pink body, joined the fleet in May. The second J4500, a white one, arrived in early June. A third, painted gray, is expected in late June.

All three coaches feature wheelchair lifts and are La Cubana's first coaches with three-point passenger seatbelts. Rosa Alvarez-Cambo, president and owner of La Cubana, says she picked the pink for her granddaughter. Not that Alvarez-Cambo has ever needed a reason to paint a coach brightly. And the colors are even vivid at night. "Our coaches glow. You can see them from five miles away," said Alvarez of her Turbo Images graphics.

The coaches come equipped with Allison transmissions and Cummins clean-diesel engines. The coaches additionally come with electronic stability control, fire suppression equipment and a tire monitoring system.

La Cubana prides itself on meticulously maintaining a modern fleet. Of the company's now nine MCI J4500s that make up the fleet, none is older than 2010. The colorful J4500s are a familiar sight along the Eastern Seaboard, running between major Northeast urban centers and the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area. Additional service runs between the Miami area and the West Coast of Florida. Coaches run straight through, allowing passengers on the eastern route to reach Florida in a little over 24 hours. La Cubana customizes its J4500s with an onboard bunk so drivers can get their mandated rest. The New York Times called the service a "Latino lifeline" in a 2008 article.

La Cubana got its start in the 1960s when Alvarez-Cambo's father, José Raúl Espinosa, a Cuban immigrant, began transporting elderly Cuban women from Miami to New York in his car. He established the company in 1978. Upon his death in 1994, Alvarez-Cambo took the reins and continued to build on his legacy. Today, La Cubana's clientele extends beyond the Latin community.

 

 

http://www.mcicoach.com/media-center/2012-06-18-la-cubana.htm

[East New York]

XE40

 

New Flyer Awarded $3.4 Million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada to Further Advance Battery-Electric Bus Technology

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada – October 26, 2012: (TSX:NFI; TSX:NFI.DB.U) New Flyer Industries Inc. (“New Flyer” or the “Company”), the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in Canada and the United States, along with its consortium partners, announced today that it has been awarded $3.4 million in funding through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (“SDTC”) to further enhance rapid-charge battery-electric bus propulsion technology.

 

The funding will contribute to on-going work to create the future of green public transportation underway here in Manitoba with New Flyer’s consortium partners, which includes the Manitoba Government, Manitoba Hydro, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Red River College and Winnipeg Transit.

 

“Today’s announcement is welcome news for our community. Our government is helping Canadian business develop innovative new energy technologies and create Canadian jobs – including right here in Winnipeg,” said Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood – Transcona, Winnipeg, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “This electric bus technology developed by New Flyer is an example of clean energy innovation that provides Canadians with high-quality jobs and contributes to our long term prosperity.”

 

“This is a clear example of how cleantech can truly revolutionize an industry: we have here a technology that will bring down operational costs while reducing emissions,” said Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC. “Together with its partners, New Flyer will put this technology to the test – a move that could revolutionize Canada’s transportation industry.”

 

“Made-in-Manitoba clean energy technology will be the future of public transit,” said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger. “I’m thrilled the work we are doing here is attracting new partners to help us continue to move forward with the development of green mass transit vehicles to be used here and around the world.”

 

http://www.newflyer.com/index/news-app/story.118

[Eric B]

Cool!

Are we still getting that all-electric demo, I think next year? (And wasn't that one from Nova?)

[youngblaze]

Cool!

Are we still getting that all-electric demo, I think next year? (And wasn't that one from Nova?)

 

 

You know, now that you mention that. I remember when I was doing my 7 day training as a Bus Operator and I saw one of those green wrapped nova's pull out of Zerega I believe it was a hybrid. However, this was just about a year ago.

[East New York]

I'm not sure, but will ask about it next week.

[User]

I didn't know the planned for an all-electric demo. If they did, I'm excited to see the XE40 in the city. Does New Flyer still make that Hydrogen fuel cell bus?

[East New York]

No. They produced that bus with ISE, HE40LF/R which was purchased by Bluways, and is no longer an offering.