Options, features flourish on next-generation MCI models
J4500 show coach showcases SmartWave, Surveillance System, Electronic Stability

Enhancing passenger comfort and safety to help operators' bottom lines, MCI is outfitting its best-selling coaches with cutting-edge technologies for 2007. MCI's traveling display-model J4500 is intended to exemplify just how satisfying high-tech excellence can be.

Equipped with an EPA-compliant clean-diesel Cat C13 engine and ZF ASTronic transmission, the J4500 show model highlights SmartWave, the next generation in tire-pressure monitoring; a Coach Cam Surveillance System; GPS Fleet Tracking; ECS (Electronic Stability Control); and a Blaupunkt 15-inch, LCD flat-screen video system.

Maintaining correct tire pressure is critical for safe, efficient vehicle operation. SmartWave is the system that makes it easy, measuring tire air pressure and temperature, even detecting wheel motion and transmitting the data wirelessly to a receiver. Made by the same company that brought operators SmarTire, the company's latest technology boasts enhanced features including an available handheld maintenance tool for outside tire for annual pressure checks.

CoachCam, MCI's onboard video surveillance system, has been designed to meet the demands of motor coach applications. The system offers multi-camera coverage with the ability to record detailed, high-quality event data to better protect drivers, passengers and equipment.

GPS Fleet Tracking uses GPS satellites to monitor vehicle position, direction and speed. MCI's system interfaces directly with coach network communications, collecting data from numerous electronic controllers such as engine, transmission, ABS and integrated multiplex systems. Information is transmitted from the vehicle over a wireless network to a data center, where it is securely stored. Activities of an entire fleet can be saved in the online database, displayable on a map and through generated reports. Bottom-line benefits include improved fleet and dispatch efficiency, along with rapid response for troubleshooting and maintenance.

A supplement to the braking system, MCI's Electronic Stability helps drivers maintain control in critical situations, providing directional stability for oversteering and understeering conditions and rollover protection. The stability system is built on the current ABS (Anti lock Braking System) and ATC (Automatic Traction Control) systems. The ES system monitors a variety of vehicle parameters and sensors to determine if the vehicle is reaching a critical stability threshold. When a situation develops, the system will intervene to assist the driver by de-throttling, selective braking, engine/retarder braking, all at a pace faster than typical driver ability.

Passengers will enjoy their travels even more with the brilliant image sharpness and color reproduction of MCI's new, premium 15-inch LCD flat-screen video system from Blaupunkt — an option that MCI expects to prove popular with operators serving high end tours. Blaupunkt has more than 50 years experience serving the motor coach industry and is a familiar name in the consumer automotive industry as well.

Operators will, of course, have an even wider array of features and options to choose from when ordering their own J4500s as well as MCI's other models, the E4500, D4505 and D4005, and the MCI's LX Series of ultra-luxury coaches.

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