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Aesthetically redesigned, mechanically enhanced:
MCI Introduces 2013 MCI J4500 coach

Peter Pan first to purchase

SCHAUMBURG, IL — June 28, 2012 — At MCI, being Reliability Driven also means knowing how to refine a good thing. Customers have made the MCI J4500 a best-seller for eight years running. And now, MCI is giving operators new reasons to add the 2013 J4500 to fleets — including some eye-catching style changes.

Off line this fall, the 2013 J4500 has been redesigned for heightened curb appeal and a more elevated presence while providing workhorse reliability and a modern look to fit perfectly with existing J4500 fleets.

Peter Pan, one of the largest private operators, liked the concept from the start and will be the first to take delivery of the 2013 J4500 off the assembly line this fall.

The new concept draws on part of the J4500's history. MCI turned to BMW Group Designworks USA, which led the designs of the E4500 and J4500. The company's designers have worked on such diverse projects as yachts, world-class industrial farm equipment and the Rolls-Royce Phantom. In the case of the 2013 J4500, Designworks engineers collaborated with MCI engineers, who turned to current J4500 customers for input. Chief among customer criteria: a coach that has "presence" and "curb appeal," while providing workhorse reliability and a modern look that nevertheless fits in with existing J4500 fleets. MCI also wanted the coach to be safer and more reliable than ever before.

"The redesign gave us the opportunity to make several key improvements to the lighting, body bumpers and serviceability," said Brent Danielson, the MCI engineering team leader. "We think customers are going to find the 2013 J4500 a welcomed addition to their fleets."

For improvement's sake: The high-style high and low beam headlamps, now serviceable from outside the coach, are brighter and more durable with full LEDs set in stainless steel to resist corrosion and sealed to reduce wind and air intrusion. The ID, clearance and marker lights are higher as well to enhance visibility and the coach's nighttime profile.

On the rear of the coach, LED tail and brake lights are four-inch rounds set in an attractive bezel and placed higher for improved visibility, while remaining easily replaceable for ease-of-service. This touch also modernizes the back of the coach. MCI design team created a smooth modern rear cap while providing increased space for branding.

The new front and rear bumpers are significantly more durable.

Safety, simplified diagnostics and near double-digit fuel economy

Safety continues to lead the list of priorities. The smooth, wide-ride J4500 comes equipped with safety technologies such as electronic stability control along with upgraded tire-pressure monitoring and fire-suppression systems. Customers can choose from available MCI tested three-point belted seats, including a standard three-point driver seat with a noticeable two-inches of additional legroom.

Drivers and mechanics alike will be pleased with the less complex, more reliable diagnostics on the 2013 J4500. The coach now features a multiplexing system proven on MCI D-Series coaches for the past two years. Offering reduced wiring and fewer modules, the system change comes with a new ergonomic, easy-interfacing driver dash layout with backlit switches and illuminated, easy-to-replace gauges. The driver cockpit provides a new focal point featuring interior upgrades with appealing trim, improved lighting and more connectivity.

Equipped with a Cummins or optional Detroit Diesel engine, the new J4500 promises at least an eight percent fuel-economy gain, and, in some applications, it's up to double digits. MCI continues to collect data.

Peter Pan was a notable first customer for the first J4500s, placing an initial order of 12 coaches back in 2001. "We've always liked the curb appeal of the J4500, and the new design is a great fit into our existing fleet of 125 MCI J4500 coaches," said Peter Picknelly, Chairman of Peter Pan. Peter Pan is one of the largest privately owned intercity bus companies in the United States, with a modern fleet of about 300 vehicles.

If Peter Pan's interest is any indication, the redesigned J4500 is on track to continue to lead the industry with outstanding good looks and stand-out reliability.

To learn more, please visit www.mcicoach.com/newJ4500.

About MCI

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), based in Schaumburg, Illinois, is the leading manufacturer of intercity coaches in the U.S. and Canada. Reliability driven, MCI builds expertly engineered, best-selling models for the tour, charter, line-haul, commuter and transit markets. MCI also offers 24-hour technical support, industry-leading technician training and the most extensive aftermarket parts and repair service.

Press contact: Patricia Plodzeen Public Relations, 847-283-0883; or Motor Coach Industries Marketing Department, 847-285-2035.

 

Motor Coach Industries: Corporate Address 1700 East Golf Road, Suite 300, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 | Phone: 866-MCICOACH

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