Firm estimates around 1,000 vehicles could be sold each year
NORTH AMERICA Canadian bus manufacturer New Flyer Industries has agreed a deal with Alexander Dennis to introduce low-floor midibuses with a 10-year operational life.
New Flyer is responsible for sales, marketing, manufacturing and aftermarket support, while Alexander Dennis will handle engineering, testing and prototype development activities.
Prototypes will be built this summer, with a planned launch in early 2013. The midibus will have propulsion system options ranging from clean diesel, electric hybrid and compressed natural gas.
Paul Soubry, New Flyer President and CEO, said: “Operators are faced with pressure to operate and adapt their fleets in tough economic conditions. With escalating costs, there are many of our customers’ routes that do not require a full sized heavy-duty bus with a 12-year design life. Customers have asked us to provide a bus which meets their needs for this application, but with the full support of New Flyer’s aftermarket network.”
“We also believe private shuttle operators in North America are looking for a high quality product”, Soubry added. “In developing our strategy to support both segments, we evaluated our own midi design and compared it to buses in this class around the world. Alexander Dennis has a world-class midibus which is modern, quiet, fuel efficient and provides the best value for our customers.”
New Flyer estimates around 1,000 buses could be sold each year.
“The decision to develop a strategic relationship with New Flyer was a simple one”, said Colin Robertson, CEO of Alexander Dennis. “We researched the North American market and came to the same conclusion. New Flyer is recognised for its reputation for customer care and product support and is a compliment to our product expertise. We look forward to working with New Flyer to merge all the benefits of our midi bus with New Flyer’s commitment to lifetime customer care in North America.”
