Four Livery Edition MCI J4500 coaches builds a step above’s leadership in Charlotte and Atlanta markets

With the delivery of three new and one pre-owned MCI J4500 coaches, the company’s clients will now enjoy the unique livery motor coach experience MCI offers its limousine and tour and charter companies throughout North America.

These Livery Edition MCI J4500 coaches are sleek and elegant in resplendent black on the outside and a complete luxury experience on the inside with detailed black leather diamond-stitched seating, the best legroom in its coach class, power outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity. The models also feature such options as programmable multicolor interior lighting and collision mitigation and back-up cameras.

Ayman Abusamak, founder and owner of both companies, looked at other coach brands and said he was attracted to the MCI J4500 for its modern design and quality craftsmanship along with the professionalism of the MCI teams in service and support.

“Friends in the industry also suggested MCI to me,” said Abusamak, whose 30-plus fleet of vehicles also includes minibuses. “The move to motor coaches is a natural progression for us as top clients are seeking this type of transportation from us.”

Abusamak’s company just signed a contract with Charter UP, an Atlanta-based charter bus service reservation platform that connects customers and groups in need of ground transportation. Other major events in 2020 will keep his divisions on the move. The 2020 NCAA Final Four is coming to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta starting April 4 and the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte runs August 24-27.

“The Livery Edition MCI J4500 class of coaches are real differentiators in both our markets,” said Abusamak.

Born for the business

Abusamak became an airport greeter at 13 for his father’s limousine company and was the youngest licensed limo driver in the state of Georgia at the age of 16. He drove every style of livery vehicle while learning the business from the ground up.

He opened A Step Above Limousine in Charlotte 20 years ago and expanded into Atlanta five years later. Clients in both cities are assured the highest level of personal service and well-trained drivers. All drivers receive ongoing training in safe driving practices with required participation in TRAX safety workshops and online courses offered through the MCI Academy. And Abusamak’s company uses the Samsara suite of fleet-tracking technology including onboard dash cameras, electronic logging devices, telematics and GPS to track coaches in real time, reduce paperwork and gain valuable data on driver and fleet performance.

Each driver dresses in a coat and tie for the job. “We’re still a limousine company,” said Abusamak. “And very pleased to be able to bring this new level of service to the areas we serve.”

About NFI

With 9,000 team members operating from more than 50 facilities across ten countries, NFI is a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions under brands: New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), MCI® (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI buses and motor coaches incorporate the widest range of drive systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell). In total, NFI now supports over 105,000 buses and coaches currently in service around the world. NFI common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com, www.alexander-dennis.com, and nfi.parts.

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 13 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.

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Patricia Plodzeen, MCI Public Relations Tel: 847-283-0883 E-mail: [email protected]		Stephen King Tel: 204.224.6382 E-mail: [email protected]