ATLANTA, Oct. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- (TSX: NFI)
Motor Coach Industries (MCI), the U.S. subsidiary of New Flyer
Industries Inc. ("NFI Group"), the largest transit bus and motor
coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, today explained that as
commuters cover greater distances without the need – or desire –
for automobiles, and communities look to build cost effective
transportation systems, it is unveiling a new Commuter Coach model
to equip the future with comfort, environmental-efficiency and
maximum accessibility for an increasingly diverse commuting
population. MCI created the new MCI D45 CRT LE to enhance the
experience of Commuter Rapid Transit (CRT) and Bus Rapid Transit
(BRT) systems for a range of commuters with the goal of improving
accessibility.
![MCI President Ian Smart unveils a breakthrough in commuter rider ADA accessibility with the all new D45 CRT LE for public transit systems MCI President Ian Smart unveils a breakthrough in commuter rider ADA accessibility with the all new D45 CRT LE for public transit systems](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/570006/MCI_President_Ian_Smart.jpg)
MCI, whose Commuter Coach model is already North America's most popular and a prominent
staple in fleets serving commuter routes, chose APTA EXPO 2017
taking place in Atlanta to unveil
the all new, next generation model, as communities nationwide
consider CRT an effective way to respond to commuter tastes and
investment objectives in expanding transportation systems.
Deliveries of the Buy-America compliant, Altoona-tested
clean-diesel coach are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of
2018. An all-electric version is also in development and will be
released in 2020.
"We consider the MCI D45 CRT LE a landmark vehicle on three
fronts," explains MCI President Ian
Smart. "First, the model launches a boldly progressive
modern design along with the amenities and comfort necessary to
getting commuters to switch from commuting by car. It's important
that this is a coach where people want to try commuter travel.
Second, we are looking ahead to a more diverse society where
different groups of citizens will face a range of mobility issues,
and we believe the MCI D45 CRT LE is part of the solution. We
listened to what our customers wanted and created a coach like no
other with a low entry vestibule that vastly improves dwell times,
and the overall passenger experience."
"Finally, we're very proud to be rolling out a 100% electric
version because it becomes the most accessible and
environmentally-friendly vehicle we've ever created," Smart
said.
While MCI's current commuter coach model will continue to
feature wheelchair lifts, the new D45 CRT LE is designed with a
curb-level ramp and second door that opens directly into a
same-level patent pending low floor entry (LE) vestibule with
passenger seating. Additionally, the forward-door entry opens to an
ergonomically-designed spiral entryway that's well lit and features
supportive grab rails. This combined ease-of-entry technology is
expected to cut the considerable dwell time of traditional
lifts.
The design process for D45 CRT LE involved rigorous analysis and
review. MCI engaged a wide range of engineering, design,
accessibility experts, including Designworks, a BMW group company,
MCI's long-time consultants on model design, and volunteer members
from the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and the
American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD). After
evaluating 32 alternative concepts, MCI created a functional model
and engaged user groups to validate its design.
The CRT LE low-level entry vestibule accessible by a second door
at the midpoint of the coach includes seating for five passengers,
allowing for up to two secured mobility devices and an attendant.
The model offers a high-capacity 54-passenger seating configuration
overall, with seating for 52 when there are two passengers using a
mobility device.
More about the electric CRT LE
MCI will offer an all all-electric D45 CRT LE with an efficient
energy storage and battery thermal management systems driving its
motor and control systems, air compressor, HVAC, and all driver
controls. Orders will be taken starting next year.
The all-electric model will utilize a high-torque Siemens 2130
LB FT electric drive system for operation at highway speeds with a
planned range to meet long-distance commuter applications,
currently up to 480 KAs for charging, the vehicle allows for high
power plug-in battery EV charging to 100 percent in under three
hours.
"Battery technology and performance improves seemingly every
day. Each agency has its own range requirement and charging
strategy," said Tom Wagner, MCI Vice
President of Public Sector. "As New Flyer, our sibling under
the NFI Group, is already an experienced manufacturer in electric
vehicle technology, MCI can rapidly become the leader in 100%
electric coach technology."
New Flyer manufactures all three current types of zero-emission
buses (ZEBs) including battery-electric, trolley-electric, and
hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. New Flyer's unprecedented design
and manufacturing capability allows transit authorities the ability
to optimize charging method, infrastructure and range for their
specific needs. See the unveil of the D45 CRT LE.
About NFI Group
NFI Group is the largest transit bus and motor coach
manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, with 31 fabrication,
manufacturing, distribution, and service centers across
Canada and the U.S. employing over
5,800 team members.
It is North America's
heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the largest transit bus
product line under the brand Xcelsior®, incorporating the broadest
range of drive systems available, including: clean diesel, natural
gas, diesel-electric hybrid, trolley-electric, and
battery-electric. NFI Group actively supports over 44,000
heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in
service, of which 6,400 are powered by electric and battery
propulsion.
NFI Group is also North
America's motor coach market leader offering the Motor Coach
Industries Inc. (MCI) J-Series, the industry's best-selling
intercity coach for 11 consecutive years, and the MCI D-Series, the
industry's best-selling motor coach line in North American history.
MCI is also the exclusive distributor of Daimler's Setra S 417 and
S 407 motor coaches in the United
States and Canada. MCI
actively supports over 28,000 coaches currently in service.
NFI Group also operates North
America's most comprehensive parts organization, NFI Parts™,
providing parts, technical publications, training, and support for
its OEM product lines (transit buses and motor coaches). All buses
and coaches are also supported by an industry-leading comprehensive
warranty, service, and support network.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements
relating to expected future events and financial and operating
results of the NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties.
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 those 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
Group 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.
Further information is available on NFI Group websites at
www.newflyer.com and www.mcicoach.com. The common shares of the NFI
Group are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
NFI.
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SOURCE Motor Coach Industries