(TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF) NFI Group Inc. (“NFI” or
the “Company”), a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer
and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions, today announced
that subsidiary Motor Coach Industries (“MCI”) has unveiled its new
zero-emission commuter coach, the D45 CRT LE CHARGE™, and also
launched its new D series of coaches.
Leveraging high-torque electric drive systems
for operation at highway speeds and plug-in battery charging to 100
percent in less than three hours, the battery-electric D45 CRT LE
CHARGE™ builds on MCI’s legacy of reliable mobility and harnesses
three major innovations. It exhibits design advancements of the
next generation D series, introduces MCI’s innovative low entry
vestibule, and integrates proven CHARGE technology propulsion from
New Flyer.
“With the D45 CRT LE CHARGE marking our fourth
EV introduced in 2021, NFI is undeniably leading electrification of
mass mobility – the ZEvolution,” said Paul
Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer, NFI. “The new
battery-electric D45 CRT LE CHARGE follows MCI’s introduction of
the J4500 CHARGE, New Flyer’s Xcelsior CHARGE NG, and ARBOC’s
Equess CHARGE – all leveraging shared EV technology. Together,
NFI’s market-leading portfolio is enabling scalable zero-emission
deployment across North America.”
The fully-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE CHARGE™ is a
high-performance electric coach leveraging enhanced regenerative
braking and next-generation, high-energy batteries that deliver
over 170 miles of range in the 389kWh model, and over 230 miles in
the 544 kWh model. To learn more, visit mcicoach.com/electric.
“We designed the zero-emission D45 CRT LE CHARGE
with accessibility and passenger experience top of mind, and
delivered on unprecedented ease of entry and exit with a patented
low entry vestibule, a seating area and ramp that significantly
improves dwell time, and improvements in the ride experience for
passengers with mobility needs,” said Chris Stoddart, President,
New Flyer and MCI. “Whether your goal is emissions reduction, lower
operational costs, or to expand commuter express service, this
coach delivers one of the safest, most comfortable, sustainable,
and flexible mobility solutions available.”
Alongside the D45 CRT LE CHARGE™ launch, MCI
introduced the new D series – marking the next generation of MCI’s
commuter vehicle and evolving the iconic and #1 best-selling coach
model ever with modern design. MCI incorporated customer feedback
to revolutionize design while maintaining quality, safety,
workhorse reliability, and comfort at highway speeds.
The new D series incorporates common systems and
production, a stainless steel frame for maximum durability, and
modern styling that provides an unmatched passenger experience,
including improved cabin space and legroom, reduced cabin noise, a
curved stepwell for easier entry and more ergonomic driver cockpit,
and improved ride quality. Together, these features lend lower
operating cost.
All coaches are backed by MCI support services
including in-field expertise, a technical call center, and 24/7
roadside assistance; ongoing technical training from the industry’s
only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI Academy
technician training center; parts support from NFI Parts, the
industry’s largest parts supplier; MCI Service Centers; and
finally, on-the-go support with the MCI Operators App and MCI
Companion App.
Hosted by the Vehicle Innovation Center (“VIC”),
New Flyer and MCI will deliver D45 CRT LE CHARGE™ electric coach
training through a no-cost virtual session on July 14, 2021. To
register, visit newflyer.com/VIC.
In addition to operating the VIC, NFI offers
comprehensive infrastructure support through its Infrastructure
Solutions team, providing safe and reliable infrastructure services
for sustainable mobility projects with over 200 chargers installed
to date. To learn more, visit
newflyer.com/infrastructuresolutions.
NFI is leading the global electrification of
mass mobility, operating in more than 80 cities in four countries
that have completed over 40 million electric service miles. NFI is
also testing automated vehicle technology and remains committed to
the development of technology standards that deliver safe, clean,
sustainable, connected mobility options to communities.
About NFI
Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI
is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world.
With zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and
technology, NFI meets today’s urban demands for scalable smart
mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities
through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.
With 8,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is
a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under
the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor
coaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses),
Plaxton (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty
buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of
sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission
electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric
hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base
of over 105,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI common
shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
NFI. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com,
www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com,
www.alexander-dennis.com, and www.nfi.parts.
About MCI
MCI is North America's leading public and
private market motor coach brand, building the J4500 series (an
industry best-seller for over a decade), the J3500, and the brand
new zero-emission J4500 CHARGE™. MCI also builds the workhorse
D-Series including the ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter
Coach. MCI provides maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside
assistance, parts, and technician training through the industry's
only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI
Academy.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking
statements which reflect the expectations of management regarding
MCI’s and NFI’s strategic initiatives, new products, plans and
opportunities, including the development and future production and
sale of the battery-electric D45 CRT LE CHARGE™ and the benefits
and improvements related to the new product. The words “believes”,
“views”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “projects”,
“forecasts”, “estimates”, “guidance” and “targets”, “may”, “will”,
and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward looking
statements.
Although the forward-looking statements
contained in this press release are based upon what management
believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured
that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking
statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may
differ materially from management expectations as projected in such
forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including,
market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of
and funding availability for customers to purchase the D45 CRT LE
CHARGE™; the D45 CRT LE CHARGE™ is a new product and no production
models have yet been delivered to customers; there may not be
sufficient customer demand for the J D45 CRT LE CHARGE™, or at all,
in order to commence or maintain manufacturing for the new product;
the expected economic, efficiency, better manufacturability, lower
weight, increased range and other benefits and improvements of the
product described in this release may not be as great as those
anticipated or may not be realized at all; and the other risks and
uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian
securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, NFI
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.
For media inquiries, please contact:Lindy
NorrisP: 320.406.3386Lindy_Norris@newflyer.com
For investor inquiries, please contact:Stephen
KingP: 204.224.6382Stephen.King@nfigroup.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2be8448d-5349-4699-950a-53017412de6f
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