Executes initial order for all-accessible
MCI D45 CRT LE coaches
DES PLAINES, IL, Oct. 17, 2019 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) Motor Coach
Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., ("NFI"), one
of the world's largest independent global bus manufacturers, today
announced a five-year contract for up to 50 MCI D45 CRT LE and D45
CRT Commuter Rapid Transit coaches from Valley Metro.
The contract begins with an initial order for four (4) MCI D45
CRT LE coaches, scheduled for delivery in summer 2020. The
procurement is part of Valley Metro's strategic plan to improve the
level of service and passenger comfort on its commuter express
highway routes connecting Phoenix,
Mesa, Tempe and surrounding communities.
ADA and Buy America compliant and Altoona tested, MCI's
next-generation Commuter Coach has a patented low-entry vestibule
featuring an automated retractable ramp that delivers significantly
shorter dwell times and a more efficient boarding process for all
passengers.
In addition to plenty of horsepower for hills and highways,
transit agencies appreciate the shorter turning radius of MCI D45
CRT LE, providing improved navigation around city streets. The new
model, which went into production in 2019, also offers enhanced
interior illumination and brighter LED headlights to enhance
visibility. A wider front door with an ergonomic spiral entryway
also features enhanced illumination on the stairwell.
While Valley Metro has operated heavy-duty transit buses by
MCI's sister company (New Flyer) on its regional routes, this order
represents Valley Metro's first purchase of MCI commuter
coaches.
"We are extremely honored to have an opportunity to support
Valley Metro," said Tom Wagner, MCI
Vice President Public Sector. "When designing this coach, MCI
consulted with leading advocacy groups, including the National
Council on Independent Living, that evaluated numerous concepts and
the final prototype design. Their participation guided the coach
design, creating a versatile, comfortable and more accessible
Commuter Coach for systems like Valley Transit." MCI also plans
other variants of the new model to succeed the industry's
historically all-time bestseller known for its workhorse
reliability.
"We are excited to introduce a style of commuter bus that will
enhance the overall experience for our express riders," said
Scott Wisner, Bus Services Delivery
Manager, Valley Metro. "In addition to enhanced comfort and safety
amenities, the area designated for mobility devices will help
riders more easily board and exit the bus."
Valley Metro is the regional public transportation agency that
provides coordinated, multimodal transit options to the residents
and visitors of greater Phoenix,
with 50 million passenger trips on its buses in fiscal year 2019.
It coordinates with 19 member agencies to plan, construct and
operate regional bus, light rail and alternative transportation
programs for riders of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities in the
metro area.
About NFI
With over 8,900 team members operating from more than 50
facilities across ten countries, NFI is a leading independent
global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass
transportation solutions under brands: New Flyer®
(heavy-duty transit buses), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and
double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), MCI® (motor
coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty
buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI buses and motor coaches incorporate the
widest range of drive systems available including: clean diesel,
natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric
(trolley, battery, and fuel cell). In total, NFI now supports over
105,000 buses and coaches currently in service around the world.
NFI common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under
the symbol NFI. News and information are available at
www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com,
www.arbocsv.com, www.alexander-dennis.com, and www.nfi.parts.
About MCI
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is North
America's public and private market motor coach leader,
building the J4500 (the industry best-seller for 13 consecutive
years), the all-new 35-foot J3500 model, and the workhorse D-Series
including the breakthrough ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter
Coach offering lower dwell times. MCI will add battery-electric
propulsion in 2020. With nearly 30,000 MCI coaches on the road, MCI
also provides maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside assistance,
parts supply through NFI Parts, and technician training through the
industry's only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI
Academy. Further information is available at www.mcicoach.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements
relating to expected future events and financial and operating
results of 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 market and general economic
conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for
customers to purchase buses and coaches and to purchase parts or
services, customers may not exercise options to purchase additional
buses and coaches, the ability of customers to suspend or terminate
contracts for convenience 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, the 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.
SOURCE NFI Group Inc.