Power Solutions International Inc. announced that Navistar has extended its engine supply agreement with PSI to run through 2021.
The agreement, which extends the original agreement by two years, covers PSI’s supply of 8.8-liter propane and gasoline engines for Navistar’s subsidiary, IC Bus.
“We’re very excited that Navistar has chosen to extend our supply agreement well into the future,” said Gary Winemaster, chairman and CEO of PSI.
Navistar first partnered with PSI in 2014 to expand the IC Bus product line with alternative-fuel offerings to meet the growing market demand, launching its PSI-powered, CE Series Type C propane school bus later that same year.
“These engines provide a cleaner environment for our children and significantly less noise of any engine available in the industry today,” Winemaster said. “This is what the market has been looking for and we are working hard to continue to deliver industry leading products.”
Navistar President of Operations Persio Lisboa said the company is mindful of the various operational needs that customers require. Navistar prides itself in providing powertrain options to meet those needs that keep in line with “the promise to build reliable, safe and efficient buses,” he added.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with PSI in providing high-performance, alternative fuel engines in our buses,” Lisboa said.
IC Bus has over 450 vehicles in service units powered by the PSI propane engine, deliveries of the vehicle including 149 buses that went to Waterbury Public Schools in Waterbury, Connecticut, and 100 buses delivered to the Indianapolis Public Schools.
In July 2016, IC Bus showcased a PSI-powered, CE Series Type C gasoline school bus at the School Transportation News Expo in Reno, Nevada. It will also be on display at the upcoming National Association of Pupil Transportation show in Kansas City, Missouri, Nov. 8, 2016. Production of the CE gasoline bus will be announced later.
Both of these school bus models are powered by customized, purpose-built PSI 8.8-liter engines that are designed to offer “diesel-like performance and drivability with tangible savings on fuel and overall maintenance,” PSI said in a statement.
According to Winemaster, the engines are the most powerful for their fuel types in the school bus market today.
“The decision not only demonstrates the strength of our relationship, but also the satisfaction and confidence Navistar has in our ability to deliver high-performance products that help them achieve their strategic goals,” he said.
