FROM
FYI
March/April 2016
MCI, SHOWCASED REALIBIITY DIRVEN
PUBLIC SECTOR SOARS
SETRA SURGES AHEAD
Highlights from 2016 ABA Marketplace and UMA Expo 2016 shows.
MCI delivers big to both Denver, Colorado and New Jersey marketplaces .
Updating looks while boosting parts services, and found on the road at the MCI Rallies.
FROM
FYI
WELCOME TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP.
Welcome to FYI from MCI, MCI’s new eZine. We’ve combined our newsletters and publications into a single bimonthly format to bring you more in-depth news and information about our MCI and Setra products and services. As always, we welcome your feedback. If you have comments or want to share a picture or tip, email us at fyi@mcicoach.com.
䤀琀ᤠ猀 栀攀爀攀⸀
吀栀攀 䴀䌀䤀글 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀椀漀渀 愀瀀瀀
䘀攀愀琀甀爀攀猀 椀渀挀氀甀搀攀㨀 䔀愀猀礀 愀挀挀攀猀猀 琀漀 䴀䌀䤀 愀渀搀 匀攀琀爀愀 猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀 䴀漀戀椀氀攀 愀挀挀攀猀猀 琀漀 瀀甀戀氀椀挀愀琀椀漀渀猀 䜀攀琀 爀漀甀琀攀猀 琀漀 渀攀愀爀攀猀琀 䴀䌀䤀 氀漀挀愀琀椀漀渀 倀愀爀琀猀 瀀爀漀洀漀琀椀漀渀猀 伀渀攀 琀漀甀挀栀 䴀䌀䤀 猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀 挀愀氀氀椀渀最 唀瀀挀漀洀椀渀最 攀瘀攀渀琀猀 䄀渀搀 洀甀挀栀 洀漀爀攀℀
CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO 2
Leading the industry starts with a winning team.
Parts World-class fill rates and inventory for all makes and models
Support 24/7 via in-house ERSA, Technical Call Center and extensive field support
Training Online LMS, LEARN webinars and Technical Tune-ups
F
Manufacturing Quality-at-the-source transformation
Performance Lowest total operating cost, maximum uptime
rom head-turning good looks to the market’s
from our team to troubleshoot your problem, get you
lowest cost of ownership, and safety technologies
your part, and get you on your way, thanks to second-
like adaptive cruise control and optional collision
to-none service and support. It’s what MCI has been
mitigation, our coaches lead the industry not just in
doing better than anyone for more than 80 years. And
sales, but in features, amenities and value. Plus, we
it’s what we’re still doing better today. See what an MCI
offer the assurance that there will always be someone
J4500, MCI D-Series, or Setra coach can do for you.
Discover what it means to be Reliability Driven.
©2016 MCI
To learn more about the MCI J4500’s lowest total cost of operation advantage, scan here.
mcicoach.com
3
CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2016
22
10
MCI Showcased Reliability Driven Best
Ups And Downs: Raising and Lowering Your SETRA
20
Public Sector soars: MCI Delivers Big To Denver, New Jersey
16
4
MCI-New Flyer CEO Optimistic About New Partnership
Setra Surges Ahead
8
17
Making Better Parts, The MCI Way
Training Camp
SETRA SURGES AHEAD
When MCI started distributing Setra coaches and parts in the U.S. and Canada in July 2012, it was with the belief that Europe’s leading luxury coach brand deserved North America’s best service network. Today, more than three years later, MCI is still a true believer—and is working harder than ever to give Setra customers new ways to stand out and stay ahead with their coaches.
New look for the S 407 One of the biggest differences Setra owners will notice in 2016 is with the model itself. The Setra® ComfortClass S 407 is getting a new aesthetic later this year, with new bumpers and other trim components that will make it more attractive to more operators. “It’s going to have way more curb appeal,” says Brent Maitland, Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning. “It is shockingly affordable compared to other products in this class, we — MCI and Daimler — have worked hard to make this coach competitive. It’s going to be a strong contender for operators who want to offer their riders true European style—and value— backed by MCI’s world-class support team”.
With its robust Mercedes engine, the TopClass S 417 will continue to represent the brand’s top luxury offering, with more ways to achieve a one-of-a-kind look and feel. Maitland says that the second door option continues to be a major attraction for operators who want to please inbound international tourists who are accustomed to boarding at two points on a coach, and for operators looking to introduce efficient, European-style boarding to their passengers. S 417 fans will notice a few upgrades as well, including the new Voyage Ambassador seating that gives operators even more options in their quest for customization. Additionally, the coach will feature added appeal through an updated front fascia to modernize its look. Says Maitland, “Anybody who custom orders this coach now will be receiving these updates, so we are excited to showcase them.”
Taking its show on the road Curious operators won’t have to wait until the next round of trade shows to see the Setra in action. MCI will once again invite customers to Reliability Rallies at its MCI Sales and Service Centers this spring and summer, and the Setra 4
5
S 407 will play an expanded role. Says Maitland, “We want people to be able to see it, touch it and drive it. We think that the S 407 is ready to earn a solid place in more of our customers’ fleets.”
Servicing Setra Of course, a coach is only as reliable as the service behind it. And MCI has been fine-tuning its support network to ensure that Setra owners can depend on their Technical Solutions Manager and their Regional Parts Manager as well as their sales representatives and others to deliver after-the-sale service that inspires confidence—and builds brand loyalty. “The experience we’ve gained over the past three years is paying off,” says Steve Batho, Vice President, Technical Support. “Our technical field staff has more knowledge, and we’ve been doing a lot of crosstraining. Setra customers can expect the same level of service they get with an MCI coach. It’s a seamless experience.” Batho points out all of the extra services that both MCI and Setra customers enjoy, including ERSA Emergency Roadside Assistance and MCI’s new online Learning Management System (LMS). MCI also supports Setra owners with their very own Technical Tune-up sessions, which give operators’ technicians the opportunity to learn in a hands-on environment.
Boosting parts service Setra customers are being better served by the MCI parts network as well. They now enjoy free standard shipping on parts for orders of all sizes, plus a no-hassle return policy. Another big part of MCI’s parts push is getting inventory closer to operators. Augmenting MCI’s main parts warehouse in Louisville, which houses some $30 million in inventory, MCI has been pushing to move parts through its satellite warehouses in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and Los Alamitos, California. MCI has also been paying attention to the pricing of Setra parts, making sure that customers have options and value. So what’s next for the world’s most luxurious coach? More fine-tuning of MCI’s service network, most likely, with plenty of support from Setra’s German headquarters. "We are pleased with our relationship with MCI,” said Hartmut Schick, head of Daimler Buses and CEO of EvoBus GmbH. “Our Setra brand is well positioned to further grow in the USA and Canada. We are fully committed to supporting the U.S. market and our customers by continuing the distribution partnership for Setra with MCI." 6
7
TRAI N I NG CAM P
MCI continues to offer a full schedule of hands-on Tech Tune-Up sessions and scheduled webinars as well as its new online, anytime LMS modules to help technicians, owners and others get to know their MCI and Setra coaches inside and out. Check your calendars, and make your plans. Chances are, there’s a learning opportunity that’s just right for you.
8
Training S c hedule May 17-19
May 11, 2:00 p.m. CDT
Advanced Technical Tune-up for MCI or Setra coaches
2016 Engines
National Training Center, Louisville, Kentucky
May 25, 2:00 p.m. CDT
Webinar Schedule
Online, anytime: MCI LMS takes training to a new level
April 27, 2:00 p.m. CDT
June 8, 2:00 p.m. CDT
Online, anytime: MCI LMS takes training to a new level
Taking turns: Understanding Setra steering
9
M A I N T E N A N C E M AT T E R S
UPS AND DOWNS:
RAISING AND LOWERING YOUR SETRA True luxury is a coach that bows on command. Setra coaches do just that, thanks to the suspension’s raise/lower feature, controlled by an air valve to the left of the driver’s seat.
10
Operation is simple. To raise the vehicle, turn the knob clockwise from its center position to the right position. To lower the vehicle, turn the knob counterclockwise from the center to the left. Returning the knob to the center position returns the suspension to normal ride height.
When the vehicle is being raised or lowered, the dash display shows this symbol for “vehicle not at standard height.”
How it works The raising and lower of the coach is controlled by an air actuator that’s part of each of the three leveling valves.
When the driver turns the rotary control knob, air is routed to one of the two air lines on this actuator, causing the suspension to raise or lower (depending on the direction of the control knob) a maximum of 2 ¾”. 11
The actuator attached to each leveling valve internally readjusts the geometry of the valve, causing the ride height changes. NOTE: Never move the vehicle at anything faster than a walking pace when the lifting and lowering system is activated.
Positioning the control knob in the CENTER position returns the suspension to normal ride height, and the dash indicator shuts off. This system is operational with the ignition switch OFF. NOTE: The coach must not be lowered if persons are located in its immediate vicinity. To the right are air schematics showing air flow for both the raise and lower functions from the accessory tank, through the control valve in the driver’s area, and on to the three leveling valves. 12
Please note that the two valves on the drive axle are not plumbed the same. This is because of the way the leveling valves are mounted and connected to the axle. Remember that if one of these valves is replaced, the opposite one can’t be used as a pattern. If they were plumbed the same, the side connected incorrectly would raise when it’s supposed to lower, and vice-versa. If you have further questions on how the system works, or need help with any troubleshooting issues, call the MCI Technical Support Group at 1-800-241-2947.
13
S ERV I C E S E L EC T I O N S
14
All in: MCI Reliability Rally to showcase hit parade of models, deals on pre-owned coaches, parts, and upgrades to customer care MCI is inviting tour, charter, scheduled service, shuttle operators and their teams to MCI Sales and Service Center Reliability Rallies this spring and summer. The events will feature test-drives, discounts on pre-owned coach inventory, training, supplier partner educational sessions, lunch, prize drawings and more.
Guests will have the chance to explore MCI’s newest innovations on its latest models and see how well the independent front suspension and Bendix Wingman adaptive cruise control and braking perform on the J4500. There will be opportunities to learn about new engine technology arriving on MCI models off line later in this year. The powertrain changes meet EPA 2017 regulations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and further gains fuel economy.
MCI's teams will be on-site, including sales, service and support, and supplier partners, along with a line up of top selling and performing models including the MCI® J4500 and the German built Setra® S 417 and Setra® S 407, now with a new look.
MCI technical experts will additionally conduct technician training sessions, and operators will be able to talk to participating supplier representatives, have lunch and win prizes. To RSVP, please visit mcicoach.com/rally
Reliability Rallies take place: May 12 in Winter Garden, Florida; May 24 in Dallas, Texas; June 1 in Los Alamitos, California; June 16 in Des Plaines, Illinois; July 12 in Blackwood, New Jersey; July 19 in Montreal, Quebec.
15
I N C A S E YO U M I S S E D I T. . . A S S E E N I N B U S & M OTO R COAC H N E WS
16 March 15, 2016
NEW AT MOTORCOACH EXPO
Bus & Motorcoach News
MCI-New Flyer CEO optimistic about new partnership ATLANTA — Paul Soubry, the new president and CEO of Motor Coach Industries, said he is optimistic about the future of the company now that it has joined with New Flyer Industries, which Soubry also heads as president and CEO. N ew F lye r completed its $480 million acquisition of MCI late last year, combining MCI’s position as the No. 1 Paul Soubry maker of motorcoaches with New Flyer’s position as the No. 1 manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses. “There were lots of attempts over the years to bring our businesses together,” Soubry told the motorcoach-industry media event at Expo 2016. “Finally we found someone who wants to be in the bus business long-term. Boy are we really excited.” He said the combined companies have 4,950 employees and $2.3 billion in annual revenue. MCI will continue serving as the exclusive distributor in North America of Daimler AG’s luxury Setra S 417 and S 407 motorcoaches even though Daimler sold its 10 percent stake in MCI when the sale closed. Still unclear, however, is the future of New Flyer’s distributorship agreement with MCI competitor ABC Companies. Since February 2014, ABC has served as the exclusive distributor of New Flyer’s MiDi and Xcelsior transit bus models to U.S. private bus and
shuttle operators. ABC markets, sells and provides after-sales service for the New Flyer models. Soubry said the companies haven’t “sorted it out yet” but that they still have contracts in place. “The game is different now. MCI has a private sales channel,” which New Flyer didn’t have, he said, adding that the issue is “deeply under consideration.” MCI also outlined various strategic moves during Expo. They include: • Offering free standard shipping on parts orders of all sizes, with no minimum order • An expanded 5,000 items as part of its Coach Critical Parts Guarantee, which promises listed MCI and Setra parts will ship the next business day or a credit will be issued for 50 percent of the part price up to $150 • In-stock parts under 150 pounds ordered by 2 p.m. in all time zones except Hawaii will ship the same day • More parts stocked and shipped at branch warehouses in East Brunswick, N.J., and from MCI’s Sales and Service Center in Los Alamitos, Calif. • A new MCI Companion App that gives coach operators fast access to support, mobile access to publications, drivers’ guides, routes to the nearest MCI location, parts promotions and one-touch MCI support calling for technical and ERSA assistance • Expanded technician and driver training options for 2016 MCI said many of the improvements are the result of feedback from its annual customer survey.
The Setra Top Class S 417 TC is a Daimler luxury coach distributed in North America by MCI.
MCI’s popular J4500 features cameras that provide a 360-degree view of the coach’s perimeter for greater driver safety.
Regulations can be a pain, but you need to embrace them ATLANTA — Are regulations your friend or foe? You might as well approach them with a positive state of mind because they aren’t going anywhere and they will keep your operations safer, said Matt Daecher, president of Daecher Consulting Group in Camp Hill, Pa. “If you talk to companies that have been around for generations, the first thing they think about regulations is that regulations are nothing but a pain in the butt,” Daecher said during an Expo education session. “There are some nuisance ones out there. We see new regulations coming out, but when was the last time you saw a regulation go away? They don’t get rid of them, so you
However, “If you think in a positive way and look at the underlying reasons behind almost any regulation, it really is a safety reason to help protect the public you serve. Really embrace them and figure out how to incorporate them into your business practice. Because you are a for-hire carrier and a common carrier, you have a higher standard of care that you are obligated to maintain. “Recognize that all these regulations that we sometimes think of as a pain in the butt are about a higher standard of care. When you don’t comply it gets you in trouble from a liability standpoint. The small carrier may not have experienced a serious accident, but at some point you will and that is the
quired in the with regulations at the be- pany that was under the assumption Reprinted permission from ginning and build everything that this regulation applied to them, Bus around & Motorcoach News 2016 that, you are not going to butMarch it was only for15, trucking.
Regulations can provide operational guidance, particularly for a young company that is developing processes and standard operating procedures, he said. “It is important to understand the regulations. For passenger transportation operations there are 144 acute and critical regulations — these are the ones that are deemed very serious. If you violate them they are going to count against you in the compliance review or investigation. You need to really make sure you are focused on those.” While you’re at it, don’t forget the regulations from the Americans with Disabilities 16 Act, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental
have to worry about whether you did this or that, because it is already incorporated,” he said. The preliminary categories of regulation cover vehicle registration, operating authority and insurance coverage. Once those are handled, “There are the big five areas: drug and alcohol testing, hours of service, driver qualifications, vehicle inspections and vehicle maintenance,” he said. It is important to distinguish trucking and passenger-carrier regulations, he added. “There is a growing variance between regulations that are applicable to property carriers and pas-
“The United Motorcoach Association is a great source of information and your state bus association would have information specif ic to buses. Even within buses you have to be careful because transit may have some different regulations than for-hire motor carriers,” he said. He also stressed the need to have multiple personnel versed in the regulations. “If it is all in your head and you haven’t shared it with other staff, Lord forbid something happens to you. If you make it the responsibility of your main operations persons and they leave, you don’t
PR O D U C T S & S ERV I C E S
MAKING BETTER PARTS, THE MCI WAY
As many technicians learn after trying to install a third-party component that doesn’t quite fit or fails quickly, not all coach parts are created equal. And there’s often room for improvement in OEM replacement parts as well. Loyal parts customers tend to find no such fault with Motor Coach Industries, which boasts a track record both of engineering OEM replacement parts that actually improve upon the original issue, and engineering privatelabel parts that meet OEM specifications under the Coach Guard® brand name.
Making parts better The process of improving upon an aftermarket part often begins with noticing a customer need—or fielding a request. “Our engineering group meets with our Product Lifecycle Managers and Regional Parts Managers who are in direct communication with customers, and we assess whether we can make a case for creating or improving upon a part,” says Miguel Ulloa, Aftermarket Engineering Manager. “We want to understand what our customers must have, what they want to have, and what they wish they could have.” 17
Ulloa offers the example of a replacement E-Series instrument cluster that MCI has recently introduced. Since the E-Series coach was first built, technology has advanced, and many operators consider the original equipment obsolete.
It is the first job of MCI’s engineering and PLM teams to weigh all of those factors along with market demand. Once MCI decides to open a project and create a part, the engineering team uses proven design methods, starting with intensive 3-D computer modeling.
The result of over a year of design and testing, the new dash offers the same sophisticated functionality and updated look as those found in current-production MCI coaches, with industry-standard, individually replaceable gauges that offer easy plug-and-play installation. Customers are already ordering it, and Ulloa expects it to gain popularity.
When the team is satisfied that it has a viable model that both meets customer demands and safety standards, they follow with real-life prototyping and, finally, bench and field testing for maximum efficiency, speed and accuracy. Throughout, it’s commonplace to involve the customer to gain valuable feedback and make sure that the team is on the right track.
“The legacy part is just the starting point,” says Ulloa. “We want these parts to meet or exceed the specs and longevity expectations of the original part.”
Making the operator part of the process “The customer may see the model on the computer, with us explaining the features and benefits,” says Ulloa, “and we’ll modify the model based on their input. The customer feels like part of the design team.”
High Coach Guard® standards MCI’s proprietary Coach Guard® parts undergo a similarly rigorous path to market. MCI will study the functionality and longevity of the OEM and competitor parts and make sure that the replacement part it offers is what the market demands.
Because the initial computer modeling is so thorough and precise, MCI can usually introduce the resulting part to the market quickly, with confidence that it will perform as expected. “We have been able to shorten the time from concept to production release, and we’ve been able to save on development costs because we are not creating a lot of prototypes,” says Ulloa.
And MCI is just as careful about sourcing and quality control, making sure that inferior, poorly made parts simply don’t make it into the catalog. Says Ulloa, “We don’t just rubberstamp parts here. We’re not just offering replacement parts. We offer better solutions.” 18
E
PA R T S P I C K S
Intro du Pricectory !
Promo Date: 2016
E-Coach Instrument Panel Retrofit Kit
4,999
$
USD
Introductor y Price
Same reliable gauge designs as used on current production MCI coaches
• Replaces obsolete instrument panel and dash communication components
Comes with everything for a plug-and-play installation!
• Manufactured by current MCI OEM instrument panel supplier • Individually replaceable gauges and components • Uses industry standard components for long term serviceability • Modern gauge function, diagnostics features, and appearance
Part No.
Description
USD
CAD
T07-3174
E-Coach Instrument Panel Retrofit (prior 2002) - includes the new Instrument Panel Assembly and Adapter Harness
$4,999
$6,498.70
T07-3221
E-Coach Instrument Panel Retrofit (prior 2002) - includes the new Instrument Panel Assembly and Adapter Harness - Metric
$4,999
$6,498.70
Information on this sheet is subject to change at the discretion of MCI and/or its affiliates. Contact your MCI parts solutions manager or customer service representative for further details. Order online for an additional 1% discount. Please reference appropriate Promo Code(s), if applicable, at time of order. Offer is not applicable to prior sales or existing orders. Prices quoted are subject to availability. Unless noted, all pricing is in US dollars (USD). No other discounts or promotions will apply. Prices do not include applicable taxes, shipping or handling charges, and are subject to change without further notice. Contact your MCI parts solutions manager or customer service representative for further details.
E-Coach IP-PR-2015-05
MCI Service Centers Toll Free 888-912-9983
MCI Customer Service In the U.S. Toll Free (800) 323-1290 Toll Free Fax (800) 525-4569
19
MCI Customer Service In Canada Toll Free English (800) 665-0155 Français (800) 546-3457 Toll Free Fax (800) 872-2486 www.mcicoach.com ©2015 Motor Coach Industries International, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
PUBLIC SECTOR SOARS:
MCI DELIVERS BIG TO DENVER, NEW JERSEY The MCI Commuter Coach continues to give public transit agencies a powerful tool to lure riders from their cars and onto greener, more sustainable modes of transportation, confirmed by two big orders in early 2016.
Shore thing in New Jersey In February, MCI announced that New Jersey Transit authorized an option to add 332 Commuter Coaches to its fleet, following the transit agency’s July 2015 contract for 772 new Commuter Coaches. Together, the options increase NJ Transit’s MCI purchase to 1104 coaches over the next six years. The new 57-seat, 45-foot coaches will ensconce riders in true comfort, with Wi-Fi readiness, along with seatbelts and wheelchair lifts. “The MCI Commuter Coach provides a high level of reliability and enhances passenger riding comfort for NJ Transit, and we’re proud the agency has once again called on us to assist with rejuvenating their fleet,” says Patrick Scully, MCI Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.” View the entire press release here.
20
I N C A S E YO U M I S S E D I T.
Riding high in Denver In March, Denver Regional Transportation District extended its 2013 54-coach contract, choosing to add another 42 D-Series Commuter Coaches to its fleet. Denver RTD also purchased 59 coaches in 2015 for its Flatiron Flyer service between Denver and Boulder. Denver RTD is treating its commuters to extra amenities, including 110V/USB outlets at every seat as well as bike racks and wheelchair lifts. “MCI has been a great vehicle for us,” says Bruce Abel, Assistant General Manager of Bus Operations, Denver RTD. “We look forward to providing exceptional service to our passengers with these latest coaches.” View the entire press release here. All MCI Commuter Coaches offer riders individual airflow controls and reading lights along with comfortable, forward-facing seats. The model also offers riders a smooth and safe ride at highway speeds. Agencies benefit from the D-Series-based Commuter Coach’s near-legendary sturdiness: MCI data also shows the model to be 10 times more reliable than the closest competitor.
21
MCI SHOWCASED RELIABILITY-DRIVEN BEST ABA MARKETPLACE AND UMA EXPO 2016
22
Innovations in motor coach technology, industry-leading parts and training programs, and quality time spent with motor coach operators headlined MCI activities at ABA Marketplace (January 8-12, Louisville) and UMA EXPO 2016, (January 31-February 4, Atlanta). President and CEO of New Flyer and MCI Paul Soubry attended both industry events, spending one-onone time with MCI customers.
Louisville Highlights MCI captured ABA members’ attention in Louisville, showcasing an exquisitely appointed MCI® J4500 and two-door Setra® TopClass S 417. Members of BusMARC, ABA’s recently formed Bus Maintenance and Repair Council, and IMG
23
(International Motorcoach Group), whose annual meeting coincides with Marketplace, visited the MCI Service Parts distribution warehouse and National Training center in Louisville. Wolfgang Winzer, MCI Vice President and General Manager of Aftermarket; Scott Robertson, Vice President of Product Lifecycle Management; and Scott Crawford, Manager of Technical Training, explained how upgrades to MCI parts, service and support are driving customer care.
Atlanta Activities At UMA EXPO in Atlanta, MCI featured two innovative MCI J4500 coaches; a two-door Setra TopClass S 417; new customer care programs; and a pre-owned coach display. MCI also hosted its third annual breakfast for
24
Setra owners. Booth activities included a German Fest and a prize drawing led by MCI Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Patrick Scully. Congratulations to the following prize winners: Casey Newton – Newton Bus Service, Gloucester, VT – 100 Company-Decaled Bus Banks Bill Meehan – Polynesian Adventure Tours, Honolulu, HI – German Bier Krug Sully Khan – Adventure Tours, Accokeek, MD – German Bier Krug Dennis Campbell – Ambassatours Gray Line, Halifax, NS – German Bier Krug Dan Holter – Rochester City Lines, Rochester, MN – Leather MCI Jacket Bobby House – AT&T Coach, Louisburg, NC – Apple iWatch
Going Greener For the past several years, MCI has co-sponsored industry awards with the ABA and UMA to recognize operators who demonstrate best environmentally friendly operating and business practices. The sponsorship puts a spotlight on MCI’s advances in
clean-diesel engines and powertrain engineering, which is leading to improved fuel economy and near zero emissions. The award also reaffirms the rank of the motor coach as the greenest mass transportation option on the planet, surpassing the train, plane and passenger car in lower emissions per passenger mile by far. Nominations for the ABA Green Spirit Award, which MCI began sponsoring in 2011, are reviewed in cooperation with the Certification for Sustainable Transportation at the University of Vermont and submitted to the ABA environmental committee for judging. Florida’s Mears Transportation and Maryland’s Adventure Tours were honored with ABA’s Green Spirit Award at a Marketplace ceremony attended by more than 800 industry peers Each year, UMA recognizes members who embody industry success with a Leadership Award and a Green Highway Award, sponsored by MCI, at its equipment trade show. The 2016 peer-judged awards, presented at a dinner banquet went to MCI customers. Silverado Stages took home the Green Highway award for holding itself to the highest standards in environmental sustainability. The California
Donald Storer, StorerCoachways
Harold Lewis, Lewis Coaches
operator has an aggressive fleet renewal program that keeps half of its 130 coaches model year 2013 or newer; a CNG-fueled shuttle fleet; and fleet monitoring software that reinforces fuel-conserving driving behaviors.
Lewis Coaches owner Harold Lewis and Storer Coachways President Don Storer both received standing ovations from their industry peers when accepting the awards.
Storer Coachways, Modesto, California, received the Leadership Award in the 15-coaches-andover category for the upstart approach of Don Storer, leader of this second and third-generation operator. His approach has helped the company to win commuter contracts with top Northern California firms as well as traditional tour and charter work with approximately 350 wellappointed, meticulously maintained vehicles The smaller operator winner, Lewis Coaches, New Orleans, was honored for the way it exemplifies both the human and business sides of the industry. It has a simple mission: safe and outstanding service. When the company takes delivery of a new coach, one of the owner’s young grandchildren sign the paperwork as a symbolic gesture of the child signing onto a family legacy.
26
UMA Chair, Brain Annett, Annett Bus Lines , left, with Silverado Stages President, Jim Galusha, and MCI Vice President of New Coach Sales Patricia Ziska.
At ABA Marketplace from left: MCI's Patricia Ziska, Vice President New Coach Sales; Adventure Tours' David Buckingham, General Manager, and Adnan Khan, President, with his wife Linda; and MCI's Greg Lukas, Vice President Mid Atlantic New Coach Sales
Adventure Tours' Adnan Khan, President, and Patricia Ziska, 28 MCI Vice President of New Coach Sales
29
WE COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT THE HELP OF OUR SPONSORS. PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THIS GREAT EFFORT!
MARCH
APRI L
The world’s first affordable wireless On-Demand passenger entertainment system. Call Today. 402.339.2200 800.228.9275 megamediarei.com
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN MCI'S FYI FROM MCI EZINE? PLEASE
CONTACT MARKETING@MCICOACH.COM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN MCI AT KEY INDUSTRY EVENTS OR ENJOY SOME PROMOTIONAL SPACE IN FUTURE ISSUES OF FYI FROM MCI.
30
Get a Close Look at a Reliable MCI Pre-Owned Coach. Call our Coach Concierge at
1-877-428-9624 Price quoted is in U.S. dollars and does not include any applicable sales or excise tax, title, license, documentation or environmental fees or handling charges. All coaches are available for, and subject to, immediate sale to the first qualified buyer. Š MCI Sales and Service, Inc. 2016, All Rights Reserved
2008 MCi D4505 Cummins, Allison. Re-Energized -55 Passenger, MCI 60-Day Warranty, RemanNew Engine/Transmission with Warranty. VIN #58488. Only $310,000!
2007 Prevost LeMirage XLii Detroit Diesel, Allison. 55 Passenger, Amaya Seats, Restroom, White Exterior, Remote Control Mirrors, 3 Monitor Video System VIN #28883. Only $157,000!
2006 setra s 417 Detroit Diesel, Allison. 44 Passenger, Leather Setra Seats, Gold Exterior, 5 Monitor Video System. VIN #00399. Only $135,000!
Find our latest news and offers:
Check out our Pre-owned Coach website
mcicoach.com/preowned
2002 van HooL C2045
2007 Prevost H3-45
2005 setra s 417
Detroit Diesel, Allison. 55 Passenger, National Seats, WCL, New White Exterior Paint, Steel Wheels, 4 Monitor Video System. VIN #45792. Only $73,000!
Detroit Diesel, ZF. West Coast/Southern Unit, 56 Passenger, Silver Gray Exterior, Shades, 4 Monitor Video System. VIN #10613. Only $150,000!
Detroit Diesel, Allison. 56 Passenger, Blue and Red Setra Seats with Blue Leather Headrests, Shades, Video system including monitors. VIN #00282. Only $80,000!
SPY
i
Have a great picture of your MCI or Setra coach in a fabulous location? Historical MCI or Setra photos? Send us what you have and we may use it in the next FYI from MCI! Send submissions to fyi@mcicoach.com www.mcicoach.com
31
© 2014 MCI | Setra – a brand of Daimler AG
Set to a Higher Standard
Embrace the confidence and pride of ownership. Experience the excellence and precision of driving. Enjoy the comfort and safety for the traveler. Encompass the reliability and dedication to service. It starts with Setra TopClass S 417, custom tailored luxury, German engineering. Read more, get more, and see more at setra-coaches.com.
MCI Distributor of EvoBus GmbH for Setra Buses and Setra Parts in the United States and Canada.
setra-coaches.com | 866-624-2622