FYI from MCI™

Q: What's on your mind?

A: I'd like to start off by thanking those who have bought MCI coaches in the first half of the year. Their support has once again made our J4500 and D4500 the two best-selling coaches in the U.S. and Canada. In 2004, the J4500 took the lead over our D4500 as the industry's best-selling coach, and we're very pleased that operators find this model to be of great service for high-end tour, charter and scheduled services.

Our MCI Experiences Event going on right now was initiated as a way to thank those that buy from MCI and give them a little more incentive to do so. In fact, there's still time for coach operators to win a two-year lease on a Cadillac XLR. The drawing for the Cadillac will take place September 15. You can visit the MCI Experiences Event website for more details.

Our congratulations go to the first two prize winners from the MCI Experiences Event: Pacific Western Transportation, Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, with winning entry submitted by Michael Colborne, chief operating officer; and Callahan Bus Lines, Oxford, Mississippi, with winning entry submitted by James Callahan, president. We look forward to announcing other winners shortly.

Q: Much investment has gone into Winnipeg. What's next?

A: In recent years, we've invested in training and equipment, which has helped us to build better coaches in better ways. Our restyled D-Series is a great example of that. Our engineering department in Winnipeg has been revitalized with additional personnel, new software and an updated space. Our engineers are currently working on design changes to accommodate 2007 emission compliance standards.

We're also in the final stages of obtaining a new service facility near Nashville to better serve the conversion entertainer market, as well as tour and charter customers located in the area or traveling through.

Q: What do you see for MCI in the future?

A: We're very proud of our leadership role in the industry, which comes from offering operators products and services that help their businesses. Our new safety features are an example of that. The fire suppression system and tire pressure monitoring system protect operator assets and enhance passenger safety. We offer the best warranties in the industry because that's how much we believe in our models' reliability.

MCI will also take a more active role in offering technician and driver training. Wisconsin operators recently attended a recent pilot program led by MCI's Aram Nikitas, Bob Dethloff and John Ellsworth. Steve Kiner from MCI Fleet Support provided the instruction. The training session was a great success, so we'll host more of these around the country in the months ahead. Please talk to your MCI sales representative about your training needs.

Q: What about MCI’s overall outlook?

A: We will continue to lead the industry by bringing new, exciting, practical options to market like our standard safety features; and backing up products with our Emergency Roadside Assistance, parts support and field technicians. As to the big picture, we're very serious about our "Going further^sm!" campaign. It's our commitment to you that MCI will do all it can take your business further, too.

The FYI from MCI editorial staff values your feedback. Please e-mail any suggestions, comments, or ideas for future articles to fyi@mcicoach.com.

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