MCI delivers the first Canadian zero-emission J4500 CHARGE™ coach to Universal Coach Line

Des Plaines, Illinois, USA – June 12, 2023: (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF, TSX: NFI.DB) Motor Coach Industries (“MCI”), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), and North America’s motor coach leader backed by reliable in-field technical expertise, 24/7 roadside assistance and parts support, announced today that Universal Coach Line, based in Richmond, British Columbia, is breaking new ground as the first in Canada to take delivery of a zero-emission, battery-electric MCI J4500 CHARGE™ coach.

Universal Coach Line, one of Canada’s largest private motor coach operators, views the zero-emission, 45-foot, 52-passenger coach as a game changer for its Vancouver airport, commuter, and shuttle service routes.

“We expect our new electric MCI J4500 model will be the first of many,” said Theodore Cheng, regional manager for Western Canada and a member of Universal Coach Line’s next generation leadership.

“We are enthusiastic about the opportunities zero-emission coaches create,” added Cheng. “Battery-electric helps us fulfil the environmental goals of our contract and charter clients, as well as our own. The technology is attractive to riders, desirable to drivers, and will transform operations by reducing energy and maintenance costs.”

“The contributions of our local officials and suppliers, together with MCI’s training, are appreciated by everyone at Universal Coach Line,” added Cheng. “It is an honor to bring a higher level of clean, sustainable transportation to Vancouver as our busy summer travel and tourism season gets underway.”

A trailblazer in electric, Universal Coach Line completed a test demonstration of the MCI J4500 CHARGE in 2021, installed a charging station from Electrum Charging Solutions at its maintenance facility, and already operates two electric minibuses.

Supported by provincial grants and sales tax rebates, the J4500 CHARGE is a zero-emission version of the industry’s best-selling tour and charter luxury coach and the primary model in Universal Coach Line’s fleet. The electric edition leverages advanced EV technology from NFI subsidiary New Flyer, features Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offering the latest safety technology, and delivers substantial clean air benefits, avoiding approximately 80 metric tons of greenhouse gas annually. Passengers can expect a quiet ride, best-in-class legroom, dramatic lighting, and comfort features throughout the cabin.

“Our relationship with Universal Coach Line spans two decades,” said Brent Maitland, Vice President of Private Sector Sales and Marketing, MCI. “We look forward to supporting Universal Coach Line’s zero-emission vision with our reliable, high-performance battery-electric J4500 CHARGE coach while providing exceptional training and service support. It is great to see Universal Coach Line leading the move to sustainable commuter transportation.”

About MCI

MCI is North America’s public and private market motor coach leader. Products include the luxury J Series (an industry best-seller for over a decade), the workhorse D Series, and the brand new zero-emission luxury and commuter coaches: the battery-electric J4500 CHARGE™, D45 CRT CHARGE™ and D45 CRT LE CHARGE™. MCI also provides maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside assistance, parts, and technician training through the industry’s only Automotive Service Excellence (“ASE”) accredited and award-winning MCI Academy.

About NFI

Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world. With zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology, NFI meets today’s urban demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation.

With 7,700 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 100,000 buses and coaches around the world. The Shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI and NFI’s convertible unsecured debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI.DB. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.nfi.parts, www.alexander-dennis.com, www.arbocsv.com, and www.carfaircomposites.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

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 buses and to purchase parts or services; customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses; the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience; production may be delayed or production rates may be decreased as a result of the pandemic or ongoing and future supply chain disruptions and shortages of parts and components, shipping and freight delays, and disruption to labor supply; 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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