FYI from MCI Fall Edition 2017

FROM

FYI

Fall 2017

The all-new D45 CRT LE

MCI AND NEW FLYER 2 YEARS OF GROWTH

TRAINING CAMP

MAINTENANCE MATTERS

Moving Together at Top Speed

Webinar and Training Schedule through March 2018.

J Coach: Steerable Tag Independent Suspension

© 2017 Motor Coach Industries International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FROM

FYI

IN THIS ISSUE

MCI has much news to share as we finish a terrific year. This issue of FYI from MCI reviews a few new milestones. At the close of 2017, MCI and New Flyer mark year two and you will learn how we’re moving together at top speed delivering more in product innovation, along with expansions in parts and service.

It’s all here, and more, in this must-read issue of FYI from MCI.

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This puts coach travel in a whole new light

The 2018 MCI J4500.

Discover the beauty within. ®

Cue the lights. Bring on the ambiance. When it comes to wowing passengers, the 2018 MCI J4500 has the inside track. With a newly redesigned interior, the J4500 features more beautiful lighting throughout, including programmable variable LED color lighting that can bathe the cabin in the hue of your choice. And now, with the most floor space in the industry, the J4500 offers the best-in-class legroom and seating for up to 60 passengers.

Factor in the model’s low total cost of operation, its more spacious and functional driver cockpit and a rear window option, and you’ve got a coach that’s truly ready to impress.

Get Enlightened.

Visit J4500-enlightened.com

J4500 2018 ad_NBT_1217.indd 1

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CONTENTS Fall 2017

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MCI Wins 2017 ATMC National Excellence in Training ‘Grand Award’ for Industry-Leading HVAC Coursework

MCI‘S PATRICK SCULLY NAMED APTA‘S 2017 OUTSTANDING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS MEMBER

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TH E MCI D 4 5 CRT LE A NEW ERA IN PASSENGER ACCESSIBILITY AND WORKHORSE PERFORMANCE COMING SOON IN ALL-ELECTRIC

TRAIN

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MCI AND NEW FLYER AT YEAR TWO: MOVING TOGETHER AT TOP SPEED

Proud of our history.

Excited about our future.

ING CAMP

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J4500 STEERABLE TAG INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION – MCI J4500

MCI AND NEW FLYER AT YEAR TWO: MOVING TOGETHER AT TOP SPEED

And this is why we are very proud of our product news over the past two years. This past year alone, we have announced:

Since December 18, 2015, the day MCI and NFI Group joined together to become North America’s transit and motor coach leader, MCI has delivered more in product innovation along with an expansion in parts, service and training at a speed unmatched.

• The redesigned 2018 J4500: Roomier, brighter and sleeker – the interior redesign of MCI’s best-selling model welcomes a “wow” experience for operators, passengers and drivers alike.

From the beginning, MCI and New Flyer saw great things in each other. New Flyer is the leading builder of low floor transit buses and MCI builds the industry’s best selling coaches. Together we are growing faster than ever.

• The MCI D45 CRT LE: It’s a revolution in passenger accessibility for long-distance commuter rapid transit – available in clean diesel in Q3 2018 and all electric in 2020.

The new CRT LE features a second-door low entry designed with vestibule seating that welcomes all passengers efficiently especially those with mobility devices.

Combined employment at both companies now stands at 5,800 with 3,000 jobs in the United States. Now at 30-plus locations, with 74 percent in the USA, year-to-year hiring as of September jumped 16.5 percent in the U.S.

• The new 35-foot J4500: It’s not MCI’s first 35-foot coach – it’s just the best.

Customer demand for a smaller coach with J4500 luxury will be answered soon with a production start in January 2019.

New Flyer’s investments in upgrades at MCI plants and service centers reflect the shared core values of both historic manufacturers.

With a parallel history of more than 80 years serving the industry, MCI and New Flyer are bus people!

• All-Electric in 2020: MCI has produced one of the greenest modes of transportation for the last 80 years, so we feel the launch of our first all-electric models in 2020 will represent one of our greatest environmental achievements.

The best customers in the business The most innovative force at MCI/New Flyer is the customer. Behind every vehicle, service and part, MCI takes its cues from the dedicated operators of our motor coaches and transit buses who navigate new ways to reach passengers every day. We show equal dedication to extending the life of every coach we sell because we have known many of our customers for generations.

What comes next? Training, service and a front-row seat to our newest ideas.

Our dedication to keeping our coaches on the road has led to significant recent investments in service and training.

We recently unveiled our new San Francisco Bay Area MCI Sales and Service Center on November 14, marking the opening of our

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seventh North America location.

This new location in Hayward, California covers four acres and represents a $3 million investment, with a new layout and parts delivery system that will become standard for all other MCI Sales and Service Centers in the U.S. and Canada.

Some 1,200 coaches operate in the Bay Area, half with the MCI name – and the service center is equipped to service all of them.

However, you can’t make any of this happen without skilled technicians, and our MCI Academy training is meeting that challenge. MCI Academy is opening the door to new career possibilities for thousands with the most dynamic live and online training curriculum in the motor coach industry.

Proud of our history.

Excited about our future.

Finally, we’d like to invite you to see the future at MCI with the opening of New Flyer’s new Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC) in Anniston, Alabama . Located on a 36-acre, five-building campus, VIC is North America’s first innovation lab dedicated to research, development, and the evolution of electric, autonomous and telematics technologies.

As you go through this edition of FYI from MCI, you’ll see these growth plans in a lot more detail. We thank you for your business!

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MCI WINS 2017 ATMC NATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING ‘GRAND AWARD’ FOR INDUSTRY-LEADING HVAC COURSEWORK MCI Academy, the new education and training program of Motor Coach Industries, has scored a top technician training award on the first try.

industry," said Scott Crawford, MCI Technical Training Manager. "Our operators have told us that attracting top technicians is a top business need and MCI's expanding, multi-subject curriculum has proven to be successful in elevating the skill levels of technicians, drivers and staff in very short amount of time. We're honored that our HVAC program won the ATMC award, and encourage operators to sign up technicians for this award winning course, today."

The Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) named MCI Academy’s HVAC 101 curriculum the Grand Award winner in its 2017 ATMC National Excellence in Training program, recognizing MCI’s interior heating and cooling systems training as one of the most innovative in the transportation industry.

It is the latest in a string of firsts for MCI Academy. In July, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) awarded MCI Academy the motor coach industry’s first-ever accreditation for its comprehensive suite of live onsite training programs and its self-study LMS online training program.

It is MCI Academy’s first time in the ATMC competition. Other awards went to General Motors, Raytheon Professional Services and Bosch Automotive Service Solutions.

HVAC 101 is the first week of a four week training program on the unique environmental systems that define passenger comfort in motor coaches. MCI’s live HVAC coursework begins with the basics and progresses to advanced troubleshooting “while incorporating all the best practices for development and delivery of training,” ATMC said.

Providing training workforce

for

a

growing

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that diesel technicians and mechanics represent a growing employment area, growing 10 percent faster than the average American job category. And because demand is growing, operators of all sizes face an enormous challenge keeping experienced technicians on the payroll. Says the agency, “Job prospects should be best for those who have

"MCI is advancing the design and development of all its coach models, and one of our objectives is to offer the industry's best training operation in the motor coach 6

completed post-secondary training in diesel engine repair.”

technicians now. Vehicle innovation can’t succeed without the best technical minds supporting maintenance and repair.”

But here’s the problem – most technical school graduates specializing in this area choose the trucking industry, and those who opt for a technician position at charter and tour companies end up learning on the job.

Where it began In 2007, MCI made Louisville, Kentucky the center of its live training activities by opening its National Training Center - it’s where the popular, hands-on Technical Tune-Up events originated. By 2015, the company built another landmark – its online, anytime training program called the Learning Management System, or LMS.

No more. MCI has made a major investment in technical training for the motor coach industry as commuters and travelers travel greater distances, with many rethinking auto ownership in general.

“At MCI, we see a future where many groups of people will choose road-based mass transportation because our vehicles are a more comfortable, affordable and flexible option than the family car or commuter rail,” said Crawford. “That’s why we need to start training whole generations of coach-focused

Today, LMS serves more than 6,500 registered users with a growing library of more than 450 courses devoted to major coach components.

Click here to view the 2018 training schedule and to register your technicians today.

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TRAI N I NG CAM P

MCI’s full schedule of courses offered through the MCI Academy, hands-on Tech Tune-Up sessions, and series of webinars can be found at www.mciacademy.com. This new website is where you’ll find all that MCI offers to make your technicians, drivers and shop staff the industry’s best. Our online, anytime Learning Management System (LMS) modules help technicians, owners and others get to know their MCI and Setra coaches inside and out. All training opportunities are offered at no cost to MCI and Setra customers. Check out the website, mark your calendars, and make your plans. Chances are there’s a learning opportunity that’s just right for you.

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MCI Academy Training Schedule • January 8-12 – MCI Electrical Specialist Diploma Course – Electrical 101 MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • January 16-17 Regional Technical Tune-up MCI SERVICE CENTER, Des Plaines, Illinois • January 16-19 – MCI HVAC Specialist Diploma Course – HVAC 101 MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • January 22-26 – Tech 3 Certificate Course MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • January 29-February 2 – MCI Electrical Specialist Diploma Course – Electrical 101 MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • February 13-14 – Regional Technical Tune Up MCI SERVICE CENTER, Blackwood, New Jersey • February 20-22 – Advanced Technical Tune Up MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • February 26-March 2 – Tech 2a Certificate Course MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • March 5-9 – MCI Electrical Specialist Diploma Course – Electrical 201 MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • March 12-16 – MCI HVAC Specialist Diploma Course – HVAC 201 MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky • March 20-21 – Regional Technical Tune Up Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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MCI Reliability Rally 2017

Article and photos by Larry Plachno The biggest news at this year’s MCI Reliability Rally was the improvements on the J4500 model that started with a re-designed engine air intake system.

This allowed for a redesigned lavatory and moving the rear seats back 20 inches and adding a rear window as seen here. The resulting extra space in the passenger area provides more knee room or an increase in seating.

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he now-annual MCI Reliability Rally Events have become an important day in the summer and fall months for many in the industry. In addition to learning and seeing what is new and different at MCI, Setra and New Flyer, the event provides a great opportunity to meet with key industry suppliers to ask questions and discuss your own applications and operations. It also offers an opportunity to see the latest and greatest in new models and developments as well as participate in demonstration and test drives. Many also find a reason to attend to meet old friends in the industry as well as take a look at previously-owned coaches that may be on-display with special pricing.

This year’s Reliability Rally was particularly attractive for many in the industry. It introduced the new 2018 J4500 with a new air intake system, more passenger space and enhanced interior features. It also commemorated the fifth anniversary of MCI taking over Setra coach sales in North America with resulting special pricing on new Setra coaches.

Following past tradition, this year’s Rally events generally rolled across the United

States from east to west with an additional event scheduled in Canada. They started on Thursday, July 13 at the MCI facility in Blackwood, New Jersey. Then, the 2018 MCI Rally moved to Winter Garden, Florida on July 25.

August 8 found the event at the new MCI location in Des Plaines, Illinois. From here it moved on to Dallas, Texas on September 7 and then Los Alamitos, California on September 21. The Canadian event was scheduled on October19 at Big Rig Collision in Calgary, Alberta. The final event of the season was a grand opening of the new MCI Bay Area facility in Hayward, California on November 14.

Once again the MCI Reliability Rally provided a great opportunity to meet with key industry suppliers to discuss products, applications and developments. The various suppliers were located around tables in an informal show arrangement. Included among the Platinum Sponsors were Cummins Engine, Detroit Diesel, Keil North America, REI, Saucon Technologies and ZF North America.

Included among the Gold Sponsors were Amaya Astron, Bendix, Bridgestone and

MCI Rally-1 • National Bus Trader / October, 2017

Reprinted with permission from National Bus Trader 10

Stertil-Koni. Making up the Silver Sponsors were BraunAbility, BusTextil, eRatings.com, Gerflor, Key Equipment Finance, TCF Equipment Finance and Webb Wheel. Also available were De Leo Fabrics and People’s Capital who were regional sponsors.

Brent Maitland from MCI provided a presentation on what was new and different.

Much of it centered around MCI’s 2018 J4500 model that offers several improvements (see the cover feature in the August, NATIONAL BUS TRADER). Major improvements include a new engine air intake system, more passenger space inside the coach and improvements to the coach interior.

Originally introduced in 2001, the J4500 became the most popular intercity coach on the market in 2004 and has retained that title ever since. Over the years it has been updated and improved several times. The most recent major redesign came in 2013 when the BMW Designworks USA stepped in to work on the J4500. A new front exterior added greater curb appeal while the new wide-ride suspension substantially improved the customer experience.

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Ismail Arslan from De Leo Transportation Fabrics shows off some of the fabrics he has on display that are popular in motorcoach seating.

One of the many highlights of the MCI Reliability Rally is an opportunity to meet with key industry suppliers to discuss their products.

This current redesign started in 2015.

MCI’s merger with New Flyer helped move this project along quickly. It essentially involves two different projects to improve the J4500. One major project involved the redesign of the engine compartment with particular emphasis on the engine air intake system. The second project took advantage of the result of the first, which increased the passenger area. It either improved passenger comfort or increased capacity and then offered several interior improvements.

The engineers started by studying the air filtration system for the engine which was located near the lavatory. By lowering the air intake system down to the beltrail of the coach and redesigning the lavatory, they were able to accomplish several things. One was a larger and more comfortable lavatory

and second was the option of putting a rear window on the left (driver ’s side) of the coach. The third accomplishment was impressive – they were able to move the last row of seats 20 inches back. This, combined with new seat technology, substantially increased the interior passenger space.

In addition, this modification of the air intake system in the engine compartment provides substantial benefits. It not only gives bus owners better engine performance but the new Optair hybrid filter includes a centrifugal pre-cleaner that removes dust and water and hence provides cleaner intake air.

Interior improvements can be put into two categories. One is that moving the last seat further back provides more passenger

In addition to the re-designed lavatory and rear seating, the interior of the 2018 J4500 offers several new developments. Noteworthy is the new multi-color LED interior lighting that can be modified several ways. In addition, you will find more lighting on the spiral staircase and a matte surface on the parcel racks to hide fingerprints.

space from the front to the rear of the coach.

This translates into more legroom in a 56passenger configuration or the option to move up to a 60-passenger interior while retaining comfortable seating. Combining this with the new thin-back seats from Kiel North America or Amaya-Astron gives passengers more legroom than in most other coaches. This interior seating change is most obvious at the rear of the coach where the new rear window admits more light and turns what was a dark corner into a brighter and more desirable area.

Moving beyond this, MCI worked with BMW Design Works to create an improved interior passenger cabin environment for the 2018 J4500. Among the more obvious improvements are upgrades to seating trim as well as new state-of-the-art interior lighting.

Both LED lighting and spot lights are standard. You can now adjust the colors of the interior lighting to suit your preferences or company colors. A modification also improves lighting when cleaning the interior. Parcel racks are now stronger with an improved latch and the new matte surface hides fingerprints. Noteworthy is a new projection light that can be used for branding or showing your company logo.

MCI’s spiral staircase has received improved lighting while several upgrades have been made in the driver’s cockpit area.

The improved leather-look dash is UV-protected to resist fading and offers gauges that are easier to read in daylight. New window blinds have been redesigned and recess into the front cap. Defroster vents are more durable while the side blind is more transparent for better visibility.

For buyers, MCI now offers three different spec levels on the 2018 J4500. These start with the Preferred Spec, which is the wellequipped stock unit. Next is the MCI HighSpec that includes pre-determined option package upgrades for trim, seating and light-

MCI Rally-2 • National Bus Trader / October, 2017

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Several new 2018 J4500 coaches were on display with various interior options. Because of the options and lighting, each had its own personality.

ing. At the top is the Customer Spec where customers can tailor the coach to suit their own individual needs.

Brent Maitland also mentioned that MCI was developing two new models that would become available at some time in the future.

Included was a new 35-foot coach that would provide big coach features plus MCI reliability and durability for smaller groups.

It will share the styling, features and many parts with the popular J4500 coach and will probably be designed as the J3500 model. It is anticipated that production will start in January of 2019.

MCI is also working on a battery-electric coach. Parent New Flyer has already done substantial research in this area for their own battery-electric transit bus. Much of that technology and development can be transferred over the MCI for coaches. While current battery capacity limits the range of electric coaches, they could be used for several

In addition to MCI and Setra coaches, a transit bus from MCI’s parent company, New Flyer, was also on display. This is their popular Xcelsior model.

applications including commuter service and shuttles At noon, most everyone took a break for lunch. MCI graciously provided a pair of lunch trucks adjacent to the service area where attendees could go and get something to eat. One offered several different types of hot dogs and treats while the other specialized in sandwiches and french fries.

There were a wide range of buses on display to look at and inspect. Three of the new 2018 J4500 coaches were sitting near each other. Two different things caught my attention. One is the new rear window that does a great job of opening up the rear of the coach and making it brighter. The gloomy back corner is now gone.

The other interesting thing is that the new interior options did a good job of making each interior look unique and set it apart from the others. I personally liked the interior in one of the coaches but other

Also on display were some pre-owned coaches. This 56-passenger 2008 J4500 had been re-energized with a Cummins engine.

attendees present expressed a preference for the interior in one of the other coaches on display. Clearly, the new J4500 interior can be used to set your fleet apart from the competition or even give a different personality to each of the coaches in your own fleet.

Also on display were Setra coaches.

MCI is celebrating the fifth anniversary of taking over the sale and support of Setra coaches in the United States and Canada.

This includes the Setra TopClass S 417 model as well as the Setra ComfortClass S 407 model. Recently, MCI has been making the S 407 ComfortClass model more attractive to operators with a number of improvements and updates. These include upscale seating with leather trim, woodgrain flooring, high-capacity air conditioning, a five-year extended powertrain warranty and full coach outlets with USB. The latest temptation for buying a Setra S 407 is an Anniversary Sale that puts off pay-

We were given an opportunity to take this new 2018 J4500 coach out and about for a test drive. The ride and new dash were impressive.

MCI Rally-3 • National Bus Trader / October, 2017

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ments until January, 2018 and provides a $2,500 parts credit.

MCI also showed a New Flyer Xcelsior transit bus. In addition to being the new

In the afternoon we were offered a ride on a test drive of a new 2018 J4500. I immediately climbed on board and took a good seat behind the driver so I could get a close look at the dash. My basic observations

While the ride on the new 2018 J4500 is world-class, we found, the new interior and dash equally appealing. The interior options and colors tend to make every coach interior unique if you want it that way. I liked the dash with a digital speed display as well as gauges shown electronically.

What really impressed me was the driver ’s area, particularly the dash. The new blinds and vents are great, but the dash and instruments are worthy of comment. Most everything is now electronic.

Speeds are now indicated digitally while the gauges are electronic. I am very impressed with the dash and its displays.

We are certainly moving into a whole new era. Other attendees riding on the bus also had positive comments.

The MCI Rally ended with the MCI staff passing out some prizes and gifts. I enjoyed meeting with many of the bus people and finding out about new things at MCI. Most likely the MCI Rally events will return again in 2018. ❑

owner of MCI, New Flyer is also the largest builder of transit buses in the US-Canadian market. Their popular Xcelsior is available in traditional, articulated and BRT models as well as a range of available power from traditional diesel to alternative fuels and electric.

For those who were interested, preowned coaches were available and on display. The durability and longevity of MCI coaches gives them a long and useful life.

Most of the reasons and advantages that apply to buying a new MCI coach also apply to a pre-owned MCI coach.

would include the fact that the J4500 continues to have a very nice and smooth ride. Coaches have come a long way since I first started driving them. In addition, I also liked the new interior and new rear window.

MCI’s annual Reliability Rally provides several different opportunities for attendees including learning about product developments and meeting with key industry suppliers. Many come to these events to have an opportunity to meet with friends and associates in the bus industry. Here, a couple of next-generation bus operators are introuduced to the bus industry.

I might mention that not only was Mitch Guralneck in attendance but he is still very active in engineering re-energized coaches.

This usually involves taking a coach with a good body but a questionable engine and repowering it with a better or more popular engine. On display was a 2008 J4500 that had been re-energized with a Cummins engine.

This particular coach was rather attractive because of a dark red exterior.

I happened to see a coach on the floor that had been stripped down to the bare frame for some major work. Much of this type of work had been done at the Loudonville location in the past. That facility had been closed and some of the staff moved into management and other locations. It is nice to know that the MCI locations have people who can deal with this really heavy work.

Article-? • National Bus Trader / Month, 2017

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T H E M C I D4 5 CRT LE A NEW ERA IN PASSENGER ACCESSIBILITY AND WORKHORSE PERFORMANCE COMING SOON IN ALL-ELECTRIC

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans have a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with nearly 40 percent of people 65 or older having at least one disability.

Add that to projections that workers in the United States and Canada are already staying on the job well past the age of 65, you have a picture of an increasingly diverse passenger future for North American mass transportation systems both public and private, along with a society that isn’t slowing down, and hates to wait.

That’s where the MCI D45 CRT LE comes in.

MCI’s latest Commuter Coach is built for both local and distance commutes and designed with a curb-level ramp requiring minimal operator support. This new ramp design connects to a second, mid-vehicle door that opens directly into a same-level, patent pending low floor entry (LE) vestibule with passenger seating for all, including riders with mobility devices. The first entryway in front features a well-lit, ergonomically designed spiral entryway and supportive grab rails.

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D45 MCI LISTENED TO WHAT ITS CUSTOMERS WANTED, CREATING A COACH “LIKE NO OTHER” WITH A LOW-ENTRY VESTIBULE THAT VASTLY IMPROVES DWELL TIMES AND THEREFORE THE OVERALL PASSENGER EXPERIENCE. 15

“Throughout our history, MCI has made many vehicles that have been called ‘coaches of the future,’ but nothing we’ve introduced has fit that definition so closely with design and mechanical technology that puts the passenger experience so far ahead of the game,” said Brent Maitland, MCI Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning. “The CRT LE is not only a breakthrough in passenger accessibility, but it remains a workhorse coach that accommodates expansion into CRT/BRT (commuter rapid transit/bus rapid transit) systems to communities large and small.”

After its debut October 9 at APTA EXPO, the CRT LE’s first demo off the convention floor will be introduced into the fleet of AC Transit, the third-largest bus system in California. AC Transit serves 13 cities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in the greater Bay Area.

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.

MCI President Ian Smart calls the CRT LE “a landmark vehicle on three fronts.”

First, the CRT LE is a “boldly progressive modern design along with the amenities and comfort necessary to getting commuters to switch from commuting by car,” Smart explains. Second, the coach represents MCI’s commitment to serve “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.”

Finally, Smart says, MCI listened to what its customers wanted, creating a coach “like no other” with a low-entry vestibule that vastly improves dwell times and therefore the overall passenger experience."

An unprecedented collaboration MCI developed the CRT LE with a wide range of engineering, design and accessibility experts, including Designworks, a BMW group company and MCI's longtime consultants.

Volunteer members from the National

Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and the American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) also weighed in, and after evaluating 32 alternative concepts, MCI created a functional model and engaged user groups to validate its design.

According to Maitland, "We immersed ourselves in the user experience when designing this coach, seeking the input of a broad range of passengers including users of mobility devices,” he said. “Their participation guided our low-floor entry and vestibule design, and our engineers worked closely with Designworks on the overall styling for it to be an alluring progressive vehicle in the fleets that operate commuter rapid transit.

Designed for the highway, it is a versatile, comfortable, transportation solution for regional communities looking to provide the best solution for all their transit users, now and in the future."

The all-electric CRT LE: The new electric model will feature a hightorque Siemens 2130 LB FT electric drive system for operation at highway speeds with a planned range to meet long-distance commuter applications. The vehicle will also allow 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 percent electric coach technology."

New Flyer knows electric. The company manufactures all three current types of zeroemission buses (ZEBs) including batteryelectric, 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.

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MCI opens new S.F. Bay Area sales and service center Posted on November 16, 2017

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) unveiled its new San Francisco Bay Area Sales and Service Center making it the largest OEM facility in Northern California with unparalleled parts, service and training expertise to the growing number of public and private operators up and down the Pacific Coast.

With hundreds of coach operators, local officials and other guests on hand, MCI cut the ribbon on this new four-acre facility, creating 30 new jobs and investing nearly $3 million in what is becoming one of the busiest motor coach corridors in the country, the company said.

With hundreds of coach operators, local officials and other guests on hand, MCI cut the ribbon on this new four-acre facility, creating 30 new jobs and investing nearly $3 million in what is becoming one of the busiest motor coach corridors in the country. Photo: METRO Magazine

With more than 1,200 motor coaches in operation by public and private operators in the Bay Area, the MCI name is on more than half of them. The two-story, 34,000-square-foot Hayward complex at 4120 Point Eden Way is MCI’s second in California and seventh in North America.

Featuring the latest diagnostic equipment, nine service bays, a state-of-the-art parts inventory system, paint booth and OEM trained The day’s event also previewed MCI’s newest and most technicians, this new facility will provide advanced motor coaches. Photo: METRO Magazine comprehensive service for MCI, Setra, and other major motor coach brands. From preventative maintenance and warranty work to complete coach refurbishing and retrofits, MCI Hayward “sets the standard for upgrades and new facilities we’ll be introducing throughout North America in the coming years,” says Ian Smart, MCI President.

Reprinted with permission from Metro Magazine 24

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Other services available at the new Hayward Center include required California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and CHP (California Highway Patrol) inspections, oil sample analysis and bus wash and lavatory services coming soon. MCI has located over $400,000 parts inventory at the site, with close to 2,400 individual part numbers (SKUs) for MCI, Setra and other-make coaches at competitive prices, all available for expedited shipping and for immediate pickup.

The facility features the latest state-of-the-art equipment, including a paint booth. Photo: METRO Magazine

“We’re an OEM service center and that’s a huge advantage to coach operators here,” said Mike Albertolle, MCI Hayward Manager of Business Development and Service. “Our higher standards mean operators can trust we will provide quick access to parts and maintenance and repair work – all at MCI OEM quality. We will make sure their equipment is operating safely and reliably with optimized, long-life performance.”

The facility’s technicians — all local to nearby areas — completed six weeks of award-winning MCI Academy training.

Photo: METRO Magazine

MCI designed and organized the new location to meet 5S factory standards, incorporating safety and ergonomics into each task. The MCI Hayward facility also utilizes Quality at the Source processes to meet MCI’s strict fixedright-the-first-time requirements. The facility’s technicians — all local to nearby areas — completed six weeks of award-winning MCI Academy training.

MCI's Brent Maitland gave a presentation to operators about the company's services and product updates. Photo: METRO Magazine

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MCI Academy’s reputation is growing. It is the first training operation in the motor coach industry to receive accreditation for its live and online technical coursework by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). At a time when skilled, continually trained mechanics are watching their job opportunities rise, the city of Hayward knows how much employers like MCI can mean to their community.

Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday (speaking) welcomed MCI to the city. Photo: METRO Magazine

Attendees of the grand opening of the Hayward facility were treated to lunch and the chance to look over equipment and meet with sub-suppliers. Photo: METRO Magazine

“We welcome MCI to Hayward and are tremendously excited about the contributions MCI will be making to our local and regional economy for years to come," said Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday. "MCI is bringing dozens of highly skilled jobs to our community, and will be playing a vital economic role supplying and servicing the vehicles on which Bay Area employers and our tourism industry rely."

Coming attractions — from clean diesel to electric The day’s event also previewed MCI’s newest and most advanced motor coaches, including: •

MCI J4500, now redesigned for model year 2018 with extra space for best-in-class legroom and comfort;

•

MCI J3500, MCI’s new 35-foot coach currently in development and testing;

•

MCI D45 CRT LE, the groundbreaking new D Series coach that sets a new standard in passenger accessibility; and coming soon in all-electric;

•

New Flyer’s battery-electric heavy-duty transit bus, the Xcelsior® CHARGE leading the North American zero emissions public transportation marketplace.

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I N C A S E YO U M I S S E D I T.

“As coach and public transit transportation expands in Northern California, MCI is closer to our customers, bringing the best in service support for models designed for the future,” said Patrick Scully, MCI executive VP, sales and marketing. “Our innovations in safety and accessibility to new choices in propulsion systems help to advance the goals of many of our customers here. It’s a very proud day for MCI and we thank all our customers, suppliers and guests for marking another MCI milestone.”

The San Francisco Bay Area location in Hayward joins other MCI Sales and Service Centers in Los Alamitos, Calif., Dallas, Winter Garden, Fla., Blackwood, N.J., Des Plaines, Ill. and Montreal, Canada. Each location is equipped to handle collision repairs, refurbishing, paint, and body work, retrofits with OEM wheelchair lifts and engine overhauls.

27

MCI'S PATRICK SCULLY NAMED APTA'S 2017 OUTSTANDING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS MEMBER

28

For his contributions to the public transportation industry and championing the industry in Washington, D.C., Patrick Scully, MCI’s Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, was named 2017 Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

The presentation was October 10 at APTA EXPO in Atlanta.

William W. Millar, APTA President from 1996-2011, noted: “Millions of riders benefit each day from the products and ideas (Scully has) advanced to public transportation systems across North America.”

APTA singled out Scully’s long history in mass transit advocacy for the award. He joined APTA in 1995 and has served on numerous committees, helping to draft the industry’s Standard Bus Specifications and Procurement Guidelines, and strengthening business member support for APTA’s congressional lobbying efforts. He helped coordinate regular Business Member flyins to Washington to raise direct communication between the public transportation industry and Congress.

“To be recognized by the industry and my peers is truly an honor,” said Scully.

29

I N C A S E YO U M I S S E D I T.

November 15, 2017

MCI planning new and redesigned coaches in 2018 DES PLAINES, Ill. — Motor Coach Industries is rolling into 2018 on a high note with new and redesigned coaches, a major new service center in northern California, continued support from its parent company and a customer-centric focus from its f irst-year president.

“NFI Group is a great parent,” MCI President Ian Smart said of New Flyer Industries Inc., which is wrapping up its second full year with its MCI subsidiary.

“They’re supportive of investments. They understand and respect the MCI brand and recognize that it’s got a real strong following and a loyal customer base,” said Smart, who took over as MCI’s president last January. “Their approach is to support the organization and help it do the things that it wants to do to support customers.”

MCI is preparing to exit 2017 with more units sold than a year ago and looking forward to the road ahead.

A new addition to its commuter-coach lineup was just revealed in October at APTA Expo in Atlanta.

It is an update of its D-coach: the D45 CRT LE, or 45-foot commuter rapid transit low-entry vehicle.

“We’ve got a very innovative design for our commuter customers,” Smart said of the vehicle.

The D45 CRT LE features a design allowing disabled passengers to roll into the vehicle via a curb-level ramp to a special vestibule and be secured, all within about 60 to 90 seconds.

That’s a significant reduction in what Smart calls “dwell time” compared with traditional lift systems, and makes loading and unloading easier for the passenger and driver, also benefiting travel schedules.

MCI believes it is the only commuter coach in the world with this type of capability.

The MCI D45 CRT LE commuter coach features a design allowing disabled passengers to roll into the vehicle via a curb-level ramp to a special vestibule and be secured, all within about 60 to 90 seconds.

The curb-level ramp leads to a door that opens directly into a same-level, low-floor entry vestibule with passenger seating in the middle of the coach. The vestibule includes seating for five passengers, allowing for up to two secured mobility devices and an attendant.

The model offers a 54-passenger seating configuration, with seating for 52 when two passengers use a mobility device.

MCI, in an earlier statement about the coach, added that it features a progressive design and amenities and comfort to get commuters to switch from commuting by car.

Deliveries of the Buy-America compliant, Altoona-tested clean-diesel coach are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2018, and MCI plans to offer an electric version of the coach in 2020.

“We will move to production of that vehicle coming out of our summer shutdown next year, so we’re literally about 12 months away,”

Smart said. “We have a vehicle at the Altoona test track as we speak.”

MCI’s D-coach is a design that’s been around a long time, Smart said.

“It’s a very reliable vehicle, one that has been very good to our company and our customers, but it is time to update and upgrade that model,” he said. “So the CRT LE marks the first in what will be an update to our entire D line of products that will occur over the next number of years — new styling, new look, new features.”

MCI also continues advancing its J3500, a 35-foot coach it introduced earlier this year. It offers 40 seats standard, with an option for 44.

“We’ve had a tremendous amount of interest from customers,” Smart said of the vehicle, which fills what he said many would consider a notable gap in MCI’s product portfolio.

MCI has a prototype of the J3500 and will begin its validation and testing shortly, he said.

Reprinted with permission from Bus & Motorcoach News 30

“The intent would be to have demos on the road mid-next year for customers to see and use and try and then…the vehicles would be for sale in early 2019,” Smart said.

“It’s built off the J platform, so one of the design goals is to have as many common bits and pieces and parts as is possible,” he said. “The driver cockpit will be identical to that of a 45-foot coach, so the intent is to make these vehicles’ entry into service and use in the customers’ fleet as seamless as is possible, so if someone is running J4500s today, a 3500 is a natural and simple addition to their fleet.”

MCI, meanwhile, continues to roll out its redesigned J4500 introduced earlier this year. MCI delivered the first motorcoaches to customers in late August, and everything coming off the line since then has been the new 2018 model year coach, Smart said, adding that response to the redesign has been good.

“We had a number of orders CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 c

I N C A S E YO U M I S S E D I T.

12 November 15, 2017

INDUSTRY NEWS

Bus & Motorcoach News

MCI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

presold out of the factory prior to even getting into the launch of the vehicle, so most of those customers now have the vehicles,” he said.

Among design highlights in the new J4500 is additional interior space from reconfiguration of the lavatory and other elements.

“Depending on what an operator is after, if you’re somebody that wants to get more people on your coach, we can give you a 60-seat configuration, which from a spacing perspective is very comparable to our old 56-seat configuration,” Smart said.

“Or, if you’re someone that wants to give your passengers more leg room, you can take a traditional 56-seat conf iguration and just make the passengers more comfortable. So for many of our operators, that’s a huge step forward.”

MCI also redid the driver’s area of the coach, redesigning the space for more legroom, he said.

Additionally, it changed the dash to improve ergonomics and switches. The front edge of the dash is lower, giving drivers better visibility out of the coach, and it provides a fully electronic instrument panel.

“Gone are the days of the ‘check engine’ light,” Smart said.

“Now when there’s a problem with the coach, we actually try to put the actual error message in the hands of the operator so they know what the problem is and what to do with it.”

Interior styling MCI also improved the overall look and styling of the interior of the coach, including elements the design and engineering team added to modernize the interior, he said.

“The look, the feel of it is very different than what we had manufactured…so that’s, again, from a customer appeal, look and feel of the vehicle, a big step forward,” Smart said.

On the electric vehicle front, the new D45 CRT LE is expected to be well suited to commuter markets, especially bringing coachloads of

The curb-level ramp on MCI’s updated commuter coach leads to a door that opens directly into a same-level, low-floor entry vestibule with passenger seating in the middle of the coach.

riders in and out of major cities on long-haul commutes and also for employee shuttle markets like those in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Many of those customers, being green, technology-focused entities, quite like the idea of zero-emissions vehicles and are actively asking for them,” Smart said, anticipating selling the first electric coach in 2020. MCI also expects to have a battery-electric version of its J4500 (the J4500e) available in January 2020.

New Flyer has been developing electric coaches for a number of years, providing a network of expertise for MCI to tap into as it develops its own versions, he said.

“Many of the vendors we’re working with, the methods of designing and validating and testing and all those types of things have been borrowed from our peers over at New Flyer,” he said.

The employee shuttle business in the Bay Area is important for MCI, which works with employers who own the coaches or contractors who buy the coaches and operate them for the employers, he said.

The Bay Area employee shuttle market has shown tremendous growth, “easily the fastest-growing segment of our market over the last 10 years, and so we have a number of customers and a bunch of coaches in that area,” Smart said.

31

“It is a very demanding type of service…people are getting employees to work, so when coaches don’t work because they need maintenance, it needs to be done quickly and efficiently.”

Hence the new, $2 million-plus, 34,000-square-foot service center in the heart of the Bay Area, in Hayward. Customers have been asking for such a facility in the region, Smart said.

The center is scheduled for a grand opening in mid-November.

Large transit orders This year also marked the fielding of large orders from transit authorities, including 185 commuter coaches for New Jersey Transit, the second installment in a six-year contract; 169 vehicles over three years for Houston Metro; and 112 over five years for CT Transit of Connecticut.

“Orders of that size with those types of longstanding customers are always certainly good for the company, good for the factory; they bring stability and repeatability to a manufacturing environment, which, again, is always a good thing,” Smart said. “This year, from that perspective, has been quite successful.”

MCI also is the exclusive distributor of Daimler’s Setra S 417 and S 407 motorcoaches in the

United States and Canada. Smart said MCI’s agreement with Daimler has reached the end of the initial five-year period and now renews automatically on an annual basis.

For Smart personally, 2017 has been fantastic, he said.

“I’ve really enjoyed taking on the role and meeting both the team here at MCI and the customer base,” he said.

MCI’s ownership changes over the years created a challenging environment for employees, especially with respect to long-term investment, long-term health and the overall stability of the business, Smart said.

“So NFI has obviously been a real stabilizing force there,” he added. “The acquisition of MCI was an acquisition to own it for the long term, invest in it, and support both the employees and customers and so that has been kind of a real stabilizing force for the organization. So a big part of my job, both with the customers and with our employees, has been continuing to reinforce that message.”

As for 2018, Smart said, “if we get our D45 CRT LE launched successfully, our 3500 tested out and managed, and continue down our path of quality and service improvements, we will have had a pretty successful 2018 — and at the moment that is exactly our plan.”

M A I N T E N A N C E M AT T E R S

J4500 STEERABLE TAG INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION – MCI J4500 The MCI J4500 model features a self-steering tag axle assembly which is manufactured by ZF and independently mounted behind the drive axle assembly.

The self-steering tag axle is similar in function to the front axle, but also incorporates provisions that lock the axle assembly for highway travel or reverse coach travel. Any forward travel at speeds greater than 20 mph will lock the axle in the straight-ahead position, cancelling the steering function for safety.

This locking feature allows the trailing axle to react efficiently to situations requiring self-steering or tracking function. Some of the mechanical components associated with this feature are part of the suspension support truss assembly, which is bolted to the axle assembly.

32

Figure 1

A tie rod locking system is incorporated on the trailing axle. At highway speed, the mechanism automatically locks the axle in the straight-ahead position by way of an air cylinder (See Figure 1).

When the tie rod assembly is locked, skid control for the trailing axle assembly is restored.

An override switch is provided on the LH console to lock the tag axle in the straight-ahead position. This is a momentary switch that allows the driver to either manually lock the tag axle or reset it to AUTO mode (See Figure 2).

Figure 2 33

Following are excerpts from the Pre-2018 and 2018 operator's manuals, offering further detail regarding the tag lock switch.

Operator’s Manual prior to Model Year 2018

34

Operator’s Manual - Model Year 2018

35

Dependng on the model year, there is either a warning tell-tale light located on the dash, or a message will appear in the odometer. This light or message is used to signal one of two situations: 1.

The manual lock switch has been activated and the coach speed is less than 20 mph.

2.

A malfunction exists in the tag axle air plumbing and the system needs maintenance.

Pre-Model Year 2018 Tell-Tale Cluster

Model Year 2018 Dash Assembly

Figure 5. MCI Drive Scene environment start-up display.

GAUGES Speedometer

2. Diesel Exhaust Fluid ( DEF ) Gauge - The DEF gauge reads the fluid level in the tank.

The speedometer reads the forward speed of the coach in miles per hour or kilometers per hour.

36

Diesel Exhaust Fluid ( DEF ) (Yellow) Tell-tale illuminates indicating the DEF level is low. Correct by refilling the DEF tank.

DEF tell-tale flashes indicating the DEF level has fallen below a critical level. Correct by refilling

The following air schematics explain the operation of the air flow to the tag axle lock cylinder: 1. With key off, both solenoids are de-energized and air pressure is supplied to the center port on the cylinder. (See Figure 3)

Figure 3

2. With key on and coach speed less than 20 mph, solenoid 2 is energized, and all air pressure is removed from the cylinder. (See Figure 4)

Figure 4

37

3. When coach speed is greater than 20 mph, or the transmission is in reverse, solenoid 2 is deenergized and solenoid 1 is energized. Air pressure is supplied to all ports on the cylinder. Also, pressing the manual tag lock switch on the LH console will energize solenoid 1 and de-energize solenoid 2. (See Figure 5)

Figure 5

Final point: There is a pressure switch located on each solenoid monitoring the supply pressure. Signals from these switches are used to activate the warning messages on the dash.

More information on the operation of the tag axle steering system can be found in section 12 of your maintenance manual. If you have further question or need assistance with any troubleshooting issues, please call the MCI Technical Support Group at 800-241-2947.

38

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All the parts you need, all in one place—online.

Introducing the New Online MCI Parts Store

Experience superior inventory searches, on-point suggestions, unprecedented visuals, expedited shipping estimates, improved tracking and more from your desktop, tablet or smartphone.

Check us out again, or for the first time at partsstore.mcicoach.com

Want to know more about MCI’s story?

Check out our Reliability videos at mcicoach.com

40

Get a Closer Look at an MCI or Setra

Pre-Owned Coach

It’s time to drive for success with MCI.

With a wide range of inventory including quality, affordable pre-owned MCI coaches, many with a limited warranty and ready to roll,” MCI is here to help you boost capacity, uptime and profitability.

There are a lot of places to get a used bus. But there’s only one place to get a or pre-owned coach—and that’s from MCI. Invest in the best.

Price quoted is in U.S. dollars and does not include any applicable sales or excise tax, title, license, documentation or environmental fees or handling charges. All coaches are available for, and subject to, immediate sale to the first qualified buyer. © MCI Sales and Service, Inc. 2017, All Rights Reserved

2010 MCI J4500

2007 Setra S 417

Cummins 410 ISM, B-500. 56 Passenger, white exterior, aluminum wheels, 6 monitor video system. VIN #65589. Only $290,000!

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2008 MCI D4505

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Have a great picture of your MCI or Setra coach in a fabulous location? Historical MCI or Setra photos? Send us what you have and we may use it in the next FYI from MCI! Send submissions to fyi@mcicoach.com www.mcicoach.com

41

Exceeding expectations in style and value.

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For comfort you can count on, and European flair that’s sure to impress, the Setra ComfortClass S 407 delivers superior value and a high “wow” factor, thanks to stylish new exterior options, upgraded seating choices and other improvements.

Plus, Setra coaches are backed by the extensive MCI network, giving you unparalleled access to parts inventory, service outlets, training opportunities and more. To find out what a Setra S 407 can do for your business, visit www.setracoaches.com.

Motor Coach Industries · 200 East Oakton Street · Des Plaines, IL 60018 Phone 866.624.262 · www.setra-coaches.com Distributor of EvoBus GmbH for Setra buses and Setra parts in the United States and Canada.