NIAGARA FALLS ONT CANADA — At the Canadian Pupil Transportation Conference (CPTC) trade show, Blue Bird featured its exclusive, all-electric type D and A buses for attendees to preview.
Today, at the conclusion of the event, Blue Bird hosted the Blue Bird Experience, a customer ride-and-drive featuring a full line-up of Blue Bird’s class-leading products and services. School buses in the ride-and-drive event included buses powered by electric, gasoline, diesel and propane engines.
In showcasing the widest range of powertrain offerings in the industry, transportation leaders from across North America have the power of choice when they select Blue Bird buses for their fleet, with every fuel type available. “We are excited to offer a ride and drive event in Canada that includes buses powered by multiple fuel types,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation.
“We are especially thrilled to show our new Blue Bird All American RE Electric bus with our partner ADOMANI (NASDAQ: ADOM). There is so much excitement around our new electric buses—we are open for business and taking orders.”
A first for the industry, Blue Bird is currently the only manufacturer to feature all three bus model configurations in Type A, C and D, that are powered by an electric drivetrain. The zero-emission electric models exceed all federal safety standard regulations, and their quiet operation lowers driver distraction, while increasing the driver’s ability to hear passengers and ambient noise. Electric buses also provide significant monthly savings, since there are no oil changes, no fuel or air filters, no transmission to service or additional fluids required. With orders in hand for fall delivery, these Blue Bird buses will positively impact students and communities in the 2018-2019 school year, officials said.
“The simplicity of the maintenance for electric school buses is a definite plus for many school districts,” added Horlock.
The bus manufacturer prides itself in many unique offerings, which is why a select group of suppliers also attended the conference, such as Michelin, Allison, Hankook, Eaton, Hendrickson, Goodyear, Safe Fleet, HSM and Sound Off. Representatives from these companies were present to show customers their products in action on the buses at the event.
About Blue Bird Corp.
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production that are specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability.
In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications, with its propane-powered, electric and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Que. Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio. www.blue-bird.com
