Press Releases
Rustad Tours Takes Delivery of New MCI Motorcoach, Continuing 40+ Year Partnership
Des Plaines, Illinois, USA – June 25, 2026 (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF, TSX: NFI.DB)— Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., recently delivered a new motorcoach to Rustad Tours, a family-owned operator based in Kerkhoven, Minnesota, on May 15, 2026, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to providing premium travel experiences across North America.
This latest addition represents Rustad Tours’ 17th new MCI coach, marking more than four decades of partnership between the two companies. Since purchasing its first MCI MC-9 in 1985, Rustad Tours has consistently relied on MCI to support its growth and uphold its standards for performance, reliability, and passenger comfort.
The new coach was acquired as part of a fleet replacement strategy to support the company’s expanding tour operations throughout the United States and Canada. Rustad Tours currently operates four MCI coaches and maintains a total of 25 vehicles, including motorcoaches, school buses, mini-coaches, and vans.
“We continue to invest in equipment that enhances the travel experience for our passengers,” said Thomas Rustad, Owner. “MCI’s premium offerings align with the needs of our operation, from advanced onboard technology to passenger comfort features.”
The newly delivered coach includes leather seating, enhanced display screens, advanced cabin air purification, and an optimized seating layout designed to increase legroom, all aimed at delivering a superior touring experience.
Now led by third-generation owner Thomas Rustad, the company builds a strong legacy established by Chuck and Jean Rustad, who helped grow Rustad Tours into a respected name in the tour industry. The company’s commitment to excellence was recognized with the UMA Vision Award (Small Operator) in 2020.
Rustad Tours provides multi-day tours and charter services across North America and is an active member of leading industry organizations, including the American Bus Association (ABA), United Motorcoach Association (UMA), National Tour Association (NTA) and Minnesota Charter Bus Association (MCBOA).
“MCI’s relationship, service, and support, along with the technology within the coach, are key reasons we continue to choose MCI,” Thomas added. “Our longstanding relationship enables us to consistently meet our performance and reliability goals.”
With deep roots dating back to 1947, Rustad Tours remains dedicated to delivering safe, comfortable, and memorable travel experiences, now enhanced with its latest MCI motorcoach.
About Rustad Tours
Rustad Tours is a family-owned motorcoach company based in Kerkhoven, Minnesota, offering guided tours and charter services across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1947, the company grew from a small school bus operation into a respected tour operator, formally launching Rustad Tours in 1977.
Now led by third-generation owner Tom Rustad, the company operates a 25-vehicle fleet and is known for its commitment to safety, service, and customer experience.
About MCI
MCI is North America’s leading manufacturer of public and private market motorcoaches. Products include the premium J Series, an industry best-seller for more than two decades, the workhorse D Series, and the 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
NFI is a leading global bus and motorcoach manufacturer and a provider of aftermarket parts and service solutions. With more than 9,000 team members across ten countries and operations spanning over 40 facilities, NFI delivers a comprehensive portfolio of bus and coach platforms.
Through its brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motorcoaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single- and double-deck buses), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™, NFI supports a diverse and extensive portfolio, serving public transit, commuter, and coach markets. In total, NFI supports an installed base of more than 100,000 buses and coaches worldwide. NFI offers a broad range of propulsion systems, including zero-emission electric (referring to propulsion systems that do not utilize internal combustion engines, such as trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and advanced diesel technologies, providing agencies with multiple fleet technology options. NFI’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NFI) and its convertible unsecured debentures trade under the symbol NFI.DB. News and information is available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, nfi.parts, www.alexander-dennis.com, arbocsv.com, and carfaircomposites.com.
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Sylvia Carrano
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