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Irizar USA at UMA

Irizar USA was very glad to participate in the United Motorcoach Association Motorcoach Expo 2021 that took place in Orlando, Florida. After a challenging year for the entire industry, it is observed that activities are beginning to pick up bringing new hopes and energy. With hopes that the worst of the situation is behind us, it is ready to support the market and the restart of customer activities. Along with this renewed enthusiasm, the team is elated to be participating in the first physical industrial event in the United States in hopes of creating cooperation and synergy to fit to the “new normal. ”

For a safer and sustainable future, Irizar has been committed to create and develop new and different solutions related to Covid19. The Eco 3 air purifier, a certified solution that eliminates viruses including the Sars-Cov2 virus and many other microorganisms, germs and allergens, has been a revelation in the industry with its 99.7 percent efficiency. Irizar also has other solutions such as the temperature sensor, seat divider, etc. that have provided a safer means to everyone to travel and was elated to be presenting this revolutionary technology in the Expo as well.

Irizar’s USA’s team has been reinforced with two more additions – Kevin Keith and Patrick Laffan. With more than 26 years of experience, Keith is based in Orlando, Florida and has wide and extensive knowledge of the industry in the Southeastern United States and will be serving this region and beyond. Similarly, Laffan has been in the industry for more than 18 years and has deep knowledge of the industry with both sales and technical aspects. He is based in Connecticut and will be serving the Northeastern market for Irizar.

Irizar USA has also reached agreements with several service centers throughout the country for continued support and service. Irizar USA ensures the commitment from the company to be by the side of their customers is honored and together, along with their existing team; the company is proud to offer their customers superlative aftersales service and is confident that with its stronger team and network, it will be able to provide their customers with unmatched customer service and support.

Irizar has continued to innovate and has been closer than ever to its clients, adapting to everyone’s new realities, stronger with the commitment of its people, who today more than ever have demonstrated the values that define the company and its mission.

The team is ready to work together with all the operators in the industry to uplift and encourage the activities in a safer environment. Irizar USA would also like to thank all the partners in the industry for their support and efforts in the past year; it is only with combined efforts that things can be turned around for all. The company believes in cooperative efforts and together, the challenges this pandemic has brought can be faced and was very excited to be with and support the industry again at the UMA Expo 2021.

MCI Unverils Battery-Electric J4500 CHARGE™

NFI Group Inc. (NFI or the Company), a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions, recently announced that its subsidiary Motor Coach Industries (MCI) has unveiled the new zero-emission, battery-electric J4500 CHARGE™ coach.

The J4500 CHARGE – a zero-emission version of the industry’s best-selling J series tour and charter luxury coaches – leverages EV technology from New Flyer and delivers more than 200 miles of range, while also delivering enhanced safety features.

“NFI has pushed EV and automated innovation forward, and today we achieve another milestone in our technology roadmap through the launch of MCI’s first battery-electric luxury coach, ” said Paul Soubry, president and chief executive officer, NFI. “With the unveiling, MCI further expands NFI’s market-leading portfolio of zero-emission vehicles and continues our ability to lead the ZEvolution. ”

MCI’s J4500 CHARGE incorporates advanced technology to power its high performance, including optimized battery placement for weight distribution and handling; enhanced regeneration for energy recovery and greater efficiency; exceptional torque and gradeability for smoother, more powerful operation; and next generation, ethically sourced, high-energy batteries that deliver more than 200 miles of range. To learn more, visit mcicoach.com/electric.

The new J4500 CHARGE is perfectly suited for use by tour and charter, employee shuttle and executive coach operators looking to lower their emissions and total operating costs while maintaining the luxury and passenger experience that has defined MCI for decades.

“Our J4500 CHARGE was made for high performance through unmatched design, with each detail developed to provide an excep-

IrizarUSA recentlyparticipatedintheUMAMotorcoachExpo inOrlando.Theyannouncedagreements withseveralservicecentersthroughthecountryforsupportandserviceontheirIrizari6model.Inaddition, IrizarhasbeendevelopingnewsolutionsrelatedtoCovid-19includingtheirEco3airpurifier.

tional passenger experience while supporting zero-emission travel with clean, safe, reliable mobility,” said Chris Stoddart, president, NFI North America Bus and Coach. “With fully customizable interiors, the industry’s best warranty coverage and expert infrastructure support offered through NFI’s Infrastructure Solutions team, the J4500 CHARGE is leading the next generation of travel.”

The J4500 CHARGE features brighter, more spacious interiors with industry-leading legroom. Parts support is provided by NFI subsidiary NFI Parts, North America’s largest parts supplier, with training offered by the industry’s only ASE-accredited training center, MCI Academy. Further training and workforce development support is provided through NFI’s Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), North America’s first and only innovation lab dedicated to the advancement of bus technology. The VIC now offers detailed virtual sessions to allow operators and drivers to increase their EV and AV training.

“We successfully completed prototype testing of our J4500 CHARGE in 2018, and since then have continued rigorous field testing of MCI’s battery-electric performance to prove operation through virtually any condition,” said Brent Maitland, MCI’s vice president of private sector sales and marketing. “And, not only do our EVs include the industry’s best warranty at 30 months, they are supported by NFI’s field tech army – North America’s most extensive bus and coach service and support network – with 24/7 roadside assistance to support operators any time of day.” New Flyer and MCI will deliver J4500 CHARGE electric coach training through a no-cost virtual session hosted July 7, 2021, through the VIC. To register, visit newflyer.com/VIC.

In addition to operating the VIC, NFI offers comprehensive infrastructure support through its Infrastructure Solutions team, providing safe and reliable infrastructure services for sustainable mobility projects with more than 200 chargers installed to date. To learn more, visit newflyer.com/infrastructuresolutions.

NFI is leading the global electrification of mass mobility, operating in more than 80 cities in four countries that have completed more than 40 million electric service miles. NFI is testing automated vehicle technology and remains committed to the development of technology standards that deliver safe, clean, sustainable, connected mobility options to communities.

Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world. With zeroemission 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 8,000 team members in 10 countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motorcoaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single- and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motorcoaches), 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 more than 105,000 buses and coaches around the world.

MCI is North America's leading public and private market motorcoach brand, building the J4500 (an industry best-seller for more than a decade), the all-new 35-foot J3500 model and the workhorse D-Series including the ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach. MCI also provides maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside assistance, parts and technician training through the industry's only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI Academy.

Prevost’s New Cloud One Seat Line

Prevost unveiled to the public for the first time its brand-new proprietary Cloud One seat line during the United Motorcoach Association EXPO April 21-24 in Orlando. The Cloud One series design focuses on comfort and ergonomics giving passengers an upgraded ride combined with uncompromised safety.

“Prevost is extremely proud to share the Cloud One line with customers,” said Francois Tremblay, general manager for Prevost. “The series combines style and comfort for the ultimate ride and offers the most ergonomic seats available in the industry today.”

The new offering is a result of many months of extensive research including collaboration with the industry-leading supplier, and realworld workshops used to create the most comfortable seat that also embodies modern styling. Prevost engineers also ensured Cloud One meets all North American safety regulations to continue to meet the safety standards Prevost customers are accustomed to.

“We conducted workshops with more than 100 passengers of all ages and body compositions who gave us great insight,” said Jeff Gagne, Prevost product manager. “Using that information and our strong supplier relationship, we created the ultimate seat for the North American coach industry.”

Cloud One is available in three tiers of style and comfort, and a variety of color combinations. All three collections come with the option of a standard headrest or a new ergonomic winged headrest.

MCI has unveiled their battery-electric J4500 CHARGE™ coach. This model combines the best-selling J4500 design with battery-electric power to provide an emissions-free alternative for coach operators. The J4500 CHARGE delivers more than 200 miles of range as well as enhanced safety features.

Luxury Collection

• Full leather or leatherette • Double stitching

•Piping •Additional tufting on the sides and seat pan

Premium Collection

•Full leatherette •Double stitching •Piping

Standard Collection

• Flat woven or velvet options • Leatherette accents The first coach with Cloud One seats will be delivered in July 2021. Customers interested in the Cloud One series can visit the Web site to for further information at www.prevostcar.com.

Prevost has provided coach solutions for nearly a century with an uncompromising commitment to quality, a drive for constant innovation and improvement and dedication to safety and sustainability in every business aspect. Today, Prevost is one of North America’s largest producers of premium intercity touring coaches and is the world leader in the production of high-end motor home and specialty conversion coaches. Customer support is secured via the largest service network in the motorcoach industry with 17 OEMowned and operated service centers across North America, a specialized customer support team with more than 260 years of industry experience and 60 mobile service vans. Prevost manufacturing facilities are located in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada.

Prevost is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of buses, trucks, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase customer uptime and productivity. For more information, please visit www.volvogroup.com.

TEMSA Introduces the New TS 30 at UMA Motorcoach Expo

TEMSA, one of the industry leading bus manufacturers, has been distributing coaches in the U.S. market since 2010, continues its success story today. Having participated in the UMA Motorcoach EXPO 2021, which is considered as one of the most prestigious organizations in the private motorcoach market, UMA Expo brings industry professionals from all corners of the world together in Orlando, Florida, TEMSA offers new technology, design and innovation. It exhibited a single vehicle at the fair and managed to attract the attention and appreciation of all participants, with its new TS 30 redesigned motorcoach.

With more than 15,000 vehicles in 66 countries, TEMSA is reinforcing its position in the U.S. day by day. Having entered the U.S. market in 2010, TEMSA continues to operate through the TEMSA North America (TNA) Company founded in 2018. TEMSA that has managed to be one of the most important actors in the industry, by achieving a 10-percent market share where it operates presently, appears to be an "automotive-focused technology company" with more than 1,000 vehicles in the U.S. The company that considers the North American market as one of its growth accelerator in the future and aims to bring the TS45 Electric Bus that it has recently developed specifically for the U.S. market.

Tolga Kaan Do ancıo lu, TEMSA CEO, said, "We are proud of having arrived at a successful point on a challenging market like the U.S. Besides, it is an important factor in identifying new targets for the forthcoming period. We have so far undersigned great achievements through the contribution of having analyzed the market and determined the needs in an accurate fashion. Our electric vehicles that we produce along with all their technology will soon hit the roads in different

Prevost recently introduced its new Cloud One seats at the UMA Motorcoach Expo in Orlando. This new seat design combines style and comfort in a new ergonomic seat design. Cloud One seats are available in three different collections and a number of color combinations.

TEMSA showed off its new TS 30 coach at the recent UMA Expo in Orlando. With a length of 30 feet, the TS 30 offers integral construction and big coach features in an economical package for smaller groups. Temsa has sold more than 1,000 vehicles in the United States.

parts of the U.S., particularly Silicon Valley. In the forthcoming period, we aim to write greater success stories, especially in the North American market, through the new partnership of PPF and Skoda Transportation. "

Bus Museum SCenicruiser a Success at UMA

The Scenicruiser loaned to the Museum by Ash Dovel was a huge success at the United Motorcoach Association’s Expo in Orlando in April, admired by virtually every participant in the show. Dovel’s restoration was spectacular and offered current bus industry folks the opportunity to see and touch an icon of the golden age of motorcoach transportation.

The museum chose to exhibit Dovel's coach because it was in traditional Greyhound graphics and required a much shorter trip than bringing the Museum's Cruiser all the way from Hershey.

One of the Museum of Bus Transportation/Antique Car Club of America Museum’s goals has been to promote the history of the bus industry on a national stage, and thanks to the United Motorcoach Association and Dovel a giant stride was made in that direction.

Although the exhibit was manned by MBT/AACAM’s John Oakman, Dan Lenz and Dave Millhouser, promotional material from a number of other organizations dedicated to preserving the history of the bus industry was on display.

Many thanks to ABC Companies, long a supporter of the Museum, for letting prep the coach be completed in their Winter Garden facility.

Progress in CERTS Funding for Bus Companies

Some progress was shown in early May on the CERTS program for funding bus companies during the pandemic. The Department of the Treasury released the guidelines that everyone had been waiting for. Note that this information was for guidance only

OneofthemorepopularandinterestingvehiclesondisplayattherecentUMAMotorcoachExpowas this65-year-oldScenicruiserthatwasoriginallybuiltbyGreyhound.Thisparticularcoachwasrestored byAshDovelandbroughttotheshowbythemembersofthebusmuseuminHershey,Pennsylvania. Theinteriorwasjustasimpressiveastheexterior.