NOVI, Mich. — Prestolite has been awarded standard position by Blue Bird Corp. to supply IdlePro 12V 210-amp heavy-duty alternators from Leece-Neville Heavy Duty Systems for installing on Blue Bird school buses, beginning in July 2018. The latest standard position announcement extends a longstanding relationship between the two companies.
“Blue Bird and Prestolite have worked together for many years to develop alternators engineered to meet and exceed the school bus industry’s uniquely challenging charging system requirements,” said Nick Laenen, VP of North America, South America & Australia sales and marketing of Prestolite. “We are very pleased that Blue Bird has decided to extend this partnership, and will continue to rely on Prestolite to deliver superior performance and reliability to its customers.”
Previously, Blue Bird became the first OEM to adopt the IdlePro 12V 240-amp alternator as the standard option for its range of school buses. The company will continue to offer that model—along with IdlePro Extreme 12V 280-amp and 350-amp alternators—as upgrade options for customers in need of additional amperage. Blue Bird customers also can choose to install Leece-Neville 4000 series alternators in 270- and 320-amp versions.
Engineered to thrive in the most extreme operating environments, IdlePro alternators from Leece-Neville offer industry-best output at low engine speeds—where school buses spend much of their working lives. Each alternator features a variety of built-in technologies that are designed to enhance electrical system performance and extend battery life. www.IdleProExtreme.com
IdlePro 12V 210-Amp Alternator
• Operates at 70 percent efficiency
• Minimum of 63 percent of rated maximum output available at idle*
• Dual internal fan design minimizes heat damage
• Remote sense capable for reduced battery charge time
• Isolated Ground Technology reduces stray voltage in the engine
• Premium, eCoated heavy-duty design offers superior durability under extreme conditions
• Covered by a 3-year, unlimited-mile warranty**
• All-new, no-core
To learn more about these and other Leece-Neville products, please contact your Leece-Neville Heavy Duty Systems representative, email marketing@prestolite-marketing.com and visit www.prestolite.com. For technical support, call 866-288-9853.
About Blue Bird Corp.
Blue Bird Corp. (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 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, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio. www.blue-bird.com
About Prestolite Electric, Inc.
The Prestolite and Leece-Neville product line includes high-output alternators and gear reduction starter motors for on- and off-highway trucks, military applications, mining vehicles, school and city buses, motor coaches and other uses. The company has received certificates of registration to the ISO/TS 16949:2009 Quality Management and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management systems. Prestolite is a division of Broad-Ocean Motors, a global supplier of high-tech, high-quality motors, alternators, and starters to multiple markets, including appliance, air handling and commercial transportation.
* Certain applications
** School bus applications only
