Collins Bus Corporation Announces New Bus Design

Collins Bus Corporation announced on April 2 a complete re-design of their Type A bus. Unveiled at a recent dealer meeting, the new bus represents a culmination of several years of research and development based on input received from a wide range of customers, dealers, and employees. Marketed under the model designator NEXBUS, it will be offered throughout North America under all three brands: Collins, Mid Bus, and Corbeil.

Kent Tyler, President of Collins Bus Corporation, said, "We're extremely proud of the effort put forward by the whole team to bring out this latest design. Through our Voice of the Customer initiative, we asked for recommendations from customers large and small, from mechanics to drivers, and from numerous experts in the industry. All that effort has given us a new Type A product that will enable us to further grow our position as the leader in the market. We fully understand that if you aren't moving forward, you are falling behind. And this NEXBUS design is further reinforcement of our unwavering commitment to safety and quality."

The first NEXBUS will roll off the production line at Collins in mid-April and will have new features that include a unique battery and storage drawer, over thirty percent added visibility through the view out window in the transition section, superior construction, and larger passenger windows. The new design underwent durability testing that simulated seven years/200,000 miles of use at the Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania. While not required in the school bus market, these test results indicate superior durability for the NEXBUS design. As recently announced by Collins, the new buses will come standard with SafeGuard Xchange seating systems.

Bryce Pfister, Vice President of Operations, noted that a large number of changes are focused on the manufacturing process. "Lean Manufacturing initiatives have revolutionized our production facility and the way our employees approach the tasks of building our bus. This new design allows us to make even more improvements in our manufacturing methods."

The new bus, shown in two prototype versions (high-top and low-top models), was well received at the recent dealer meeting. Nearly every dealer representing Collins, Mid Bus, or Corbeil was at the meeting and the excitement was palpable. "The response to the new design was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic," said John Doswell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Most of our dealers have been to the plant, seen the tremendous improvements in our quality over the last five years, and understand how we are using Lean Manufacturing principles to give them a superior product. They are all excited to get their hands on this latest design."

The numerous features and benefits of the NEXBUS will ensure that the small bus market will continue to be led by Collins Bus Corporation, where "Every Type A Bus is a Type A Plus."

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