Collins Bus Corporation unveiled recently at a dealer meeting a complete redesign of its Type A NEXBUS school bus, expected to roll off of the production line by mid-month.
Kent Tyler, president of Collins, said the changes came about as a result of the company’s Voice of the Customer initiative, which solicits recommendations from customers representing large and small operations nationwide and includes feedback from mechanics to drivers.
“All that effort has given us a new Type A product that will enable us to further grow our position as the leader in the market,” added Tyler. “We fully understand that if you aren’t moving forward, you are falling behind. And this NEXBUS design is further reinforcement of our unwavering commitment to safety and quality.”
He added the company was “extremely proud” of the work put into by the redesign team. Users will undoubtedly notice larger passenger windows. Other new features include a “unique” battery and storage drawer, increased visibility by 30 percent through the view-out window in the transition section and enhanced construction. SafeGuard Xchange seats come standard, allowing customers to convert from a base bench to three-point, lap-shoulder restraints per changing local or state regulations on school bus seat belts.
Collins Bus is also rolling out a new slogan, “Every Type A Bus is a Type A Plus.”
The redesign also underwent durability testing at the Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center that simulated 7 years/200,000 miles of use. The company said that, while the testing is not required, results indicated “superior durability for the NEXBUS design.”
“Lean Manufacturing initiatives have revolutionized our production facility and the way our employees approach the tasks of building our bus,” said Bryce Pfister, vice president of operations at Collins. “This new design allows us to make even more improvements in our manufacturing methods and enables us to continue increasing our quality.”
Attendees of the Transportation Students with Disabilities & Preschoolers National Conference & Exhibition last month in Orlando, Fla., saw a prototype vehicle during the trade show. Collins, Mid Bus and Corbeil dealers also saw a high-top and low-top prototype model at the recent dealer meeting. Collins said the buses were well received.
“The response to the new design was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic,” said John Doswell, vice president of sales and marketing. “Most of our dealers have been to the plant, seen the tremendous improvements in our quality over the last five years, and understand how we are using Lean Manufacturing principles to give them a superior product. They are all excited to get their hands on this latest design.”
