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CUSTOM CORNER
Promo Builds Inside the world of corporate customs By Rick Francoeur
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howing off an eye-catching promotional vehicle is one thing. Having a one-of-akind, head-turning, jaw-dropping machine is another. While some companies are opting for simple wrapped vehicles to act as rolling billboards, brand leaders such as Red Bull, General Motors, Netflix and Tim Horton’s want promo vehicles that illustrate their sector leading organizations in a much more dramatic way. 360 Fabrication in Abbotsford, British Columbia, has a reputation for developing industry leading vehicles that go far beyond ordinary wraps. Take, for example, some of the work done for Red Bull, from custom Volvo Suggas to North America’s loudest rolling concert stage—the Red Bull Bus.
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“When we looked at building the Bus, we had a specific list of deliverables,” said Lead Designer and Head Fabricator Daryl Francoeur. “They wanted it to drive like a tour bus, sound like a rock concert and set up as easy as a tent trailer, and that’s what we delivered.” The Red Bull Bus is an example of true automotive (and engineering) ingenuity. Built from a Freightliner chassis, the Bus was completely torn down at 360’s 22,000 sq. ft. facility in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and rebuilt from the wheels up. The Bus includes a fully cantilevering sound stage that unfolds in less than 10 minutes from within the centre of the bus. At 45-feet long and equipped with a 120,000-watts sound system, the Red Bull
[TOP] The Red Bull Bus is an example of true automotive ingenuity. At 45-feet long and equipped with a 120,000-watt sound system, the Red Bull Bus is said to be the loudest rolling sound stage in North America.