J4500 conversion shells entertain new customers

Some of MCI's first J4500 conversion shells will soon be on the road, with converted interiors tailored to entertainers and in service with major leasing companies. And when the J4500s hit the tour circuit, they'll generate a bit of the same kind of buzz as the rock stars who may ride them.

"These first customers are the trendsetters," says Brent Maitland, vice president of new markets. "They've ridden on the J4500, recognize the improvement and feel confident it will be a hit in the demanding entertainer market. Our job is to support them with continued product support and great service."

Mike Slarve, owner of Four Seasons Coach Leasing, one of the top entertainer-coach leasing companies in the country, has been one of the first to take delivery of the new conversion shell. "I've gotten a lot of interest from bands who want to try it and see what it's all about," says Slarve, who likes the body style and ride of the J4500 shell. "I think MCI has paid attention to what we need in our industry."

Slarve, whose company was recently named Coach Company of the Year as part of the prestigious Parnelli Awards (the Oscars of the live-event industry), and whose client list includes A-listers from Aerosmith to Yo Lo Tengo, is also looking forward to taking advantage of his proximity to MCI's Nashville-area sales and service center, in Lebanon. Though Four Seasons has its own 100,000-square-foot facility and service center, Slarve anticipates MCI will be able of offer additional expertise and convenience.

Nick Audino, owner and CEO of Superior Coach Interiors, also in Lebanon, is currently converting several of the new J4500s, including the one belonging to Slarve. "I think it's a nice shell," says Audino, who anticipates that the J4500 will initially attract the attention of leasing companies and bands as a vehicle that can add a little diversity to their coach fleets. He appreciates its spiral entryway and high interior roofline, and is looking forward to assessing the ride quality once the interiors are complete.

"Competition is healthy, and I think this is going to be a good product," says Audino, who has also converted an MCI coach for football legend and MCI spokesman John Madden. "This is MCI's turn at bat to see about the conversion market and where it takes them. They're going to be a player."

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