New J4500 shell converts customers, too

When MCI announced it would build a new conversion shell based on the J4500, the best-selling seated model in the industry, it knew it had a big challenge. Another manufacturer already dominated the segment, and MCI had been a minor player.

MCI forged ahead with its plans to create a vehicle that would deliver the ride quality, flexibility and reliability to please even the famously demanding entertainer market. Now, with those first coaches successfully converted and out on tour, customers are saying that MCI has what it takes to surge ahead.

"We're getting excellent reports from drivers and clients. I think MCI has got a very nice piece of equipment that will be very competitive with any make or model on the market," says Mike Slarve, owner of Four Seasons Coach Leasing, a leading entertainer leasing company near Nashville. Slarve has three of the coaches out on the road and has another undergoing conversion. "I get the feeling that MCI is very interested in placing this equipment into this market and making any changes necessary to enhance their coach."

It's a sentiment shared by Nick Audino, owner of Superior Coach, a converter also near Nashville that has worked on several coaches, including those in Slarve's fleet. "I think this coach is here to stay," says Audino. "It proves that MCI really went down to the drawing board and engineered something for this industry. I'm very pleased with them."

Tommy Brown, owner of His Majesty Coach, a Georgia-based entertainer and conventional tour and charter operator, is just as complimentary. "Let me put it this way. I think [MCI] nailed it," says Brown, who was introduced to the model by Audino. "I drove it, and it didn't even feel like it was on the ground." Brown added some special touches to his J4500, which he bought from MCI as a demo, including marble floors in the front, a total of 17 televisions and a driver's area done in light cream. He's also especially pleased with his paint job by D'Andrea Bodyworks.

It's a response that's gratifying to MCI, which invested heavily in suspension and other improvements. "We've worked very hard to get to a point where we have entertainment conversion coaches successfully in the market," says Brent Maitland, MCI's vice president of new markets. "We're keeping our eye on the ball with respect to product quality, and we look forward to building stronger relationships with operators and delivering the highest level of support."

Both Audino and Slarve note that entertainers can be tough customers. Says Slarve, "They're riding on these coaches night after night, for months on end. They don't have much to do other than read a book, watch television, listen to music and look around the coach. They notice the details." Audino adds that those riding in 12-bunk crew coaches are especially vocal. "They'll let you know if they don't like something."

Audino has been actively seeking feedback from drivers as well. "More than anyone, drivers hate change," says Audino. "The fact that no one has said, 'I don't want one of those again' is a very good sign."

Fortunately for MCI, both artists and drivers have appreciated most of what they've noticed. Says Slarve, "I've heard from some of my veteran acts, and they've been very complimentary."

Slarve thinks that high-end conversion coaches such as the J4500 have an impact on the larger market as well.  "It's an interesting and important part of the industry, especially the way it can influence other parts of the industry. People are always interested in who’s riding on what."

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