Press Releases
Department of National Defence adds 16 new MCI J4500 coaches, part of two-year contract for up to 28 vehicles
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020: (TSX:NFI) Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., (“NFI”), one of the world’s largest independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that it has delivered 16 new MCI J4500 coaches to the Government of Canada’s Department of National Defence (“DND”), with an option to deliver an additional 12 coaches by 2022.
The new coaches for personnel transport feature a more spacious interior with industry-leading legroom and a 56-passenger seating capacity – the seats will have additional reclining capability for extra riding comfort. The 2020 models are also equipped with the next-generation, lighter-weight Cummins X12 engine with 455 hp 1550 ft-lbs. torque for fuel efficiency, and an Allison B500 transmission. The DND’s newest MCI coaches also feature MCI Connect Telematics, which combine to maximize coach uptime and reduce Total Cost of Operation (TCO) by improving response time, predicting failures and updating coach systems remotely.
Optional features added to the coaches include a destination sign, maintenance-free batteries, raised surface liners in the baggage bay,110-volt power outlets with USB ports and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Made in Canada at MCI’s facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the new coaches will be used to transport Canadian Armed Forces personnel and are headed for bases in Comox, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Halifax and Greenwood, Nova Scotia; Borden and Trenton Ontario; Bagotville, Quebec; and Edmonton and Cold Lake, Alberta.
MCI’s history serving the Government of Canada dates to the 1980s with the delivery of several MC-9 coaches. MCI first placed its J4500 in service with DND in 2007, winning a bid for 12 coaches from Public Service and Procurement Canada, the federal government’s central purchasing agency. Since then, MCI has delivered 26 additional J4500 coaches to the DND.
New Flyer, NFI’s transit bus business, and MCI have been leading innovation in mobility for 90 years, today supporting North American cities with sustainable buses and coaches, technology, and infrastructure. New Flyer also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus technology and providing workforce development through electric bus training. New Flyer was the first bus manufacturer in the world to sign on to the Shared Mobility Principles for Livable Cities and is currently developing automated technology to improve safety in public transit. At the end of July 2020, NFI announced it was combining the New Flyer and MCI businesses.
About NFI
With 9,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor coaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base of over 105,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com, www.alexander-dennis.com, nfi.parts, and www.carfaircomposites.com.
About MCI
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is North America’s public and private market motor coach leader, building the J4500 (the industry best-seller for 14 consecutive years), the all-new 35-foot J3500 model, and the workhorse D-Series including the breakthrough ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach offering lower dwell times. MCI will add battery-electric propulsion in 2020. With nearly 30,000 MCI coaches on the road, MCI also provides maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside assistance, parts supply through NFI Parts, and technician training through the industry’s only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI Academy.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase coaches and to purchase parts or services, customers may not exercise options to purchase additional coaches, the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.
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