Clean Fuel News

Blue Bird Unveils Three All-New Powertrains for 2016 Introduction at NAPT Show 

Newest innovations showcase company’s first CNG-fueled Type C bus;
 a new diesel engine; and, dual-clutch automatic transmission 

Fort Valley, Georgia, November 10, 2015 – Today, Blue Bird Corporation, the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, debuts its latest innovations at the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s (NAPT) Annual Summit in Richmond, Virginia.

“Along with the gasoline-powered Blue Bird Vision that we announced earlier this year, Blue Bird’s four all-new powertrains in 2016 demonstrate our commitment to new products that customers want and value,” said Blue Bird President & CEO, Phil Horlock. “This represents an unprecedented pace of new product launches and is an exciting time for Blue Bird and our customers.”

CNG-Powered Blue Bird Vision. Blue Bird will begin production of its first Type C Vision bus fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) in 2016. With its excellent performance and quiet operation, the Blue Bird Vision CNG will reduce fuel and maintenance costs, while meeting stringent emissions standards. The CNG-powered school buses will utilize Blue Bird’s exclusive and established partnership with Ford and ROUSH CleanTech, deploying Ford’s 6.8L V10 engine and 6R140 transmission with ROUSH CleanTech’s fuel system. Propane-powered school buses built by this proven Blue Bird, Ford and ROUSH CleanTech partnership have tallied more than 60 million miles. With the same engine and transmission architecture covering propane, gasoline and CNG-powered school buses, Blue Bird’s customers and technicians are assured of simpler and easier maintenance and service. The new Type C CNG-powered model joins the Type D CNG bus currently offered by Blue Bird, and will be available for delivery in late 2016.

ISV Diesel-Powered Blue Bird Vision. An all-new, modern, quiet and fuel-efficient Cummins ISV 5.0L V8 diesel is now being made available in the Blue Bird Vision Type C school bus. Blue Bird will be the only school bus manufacturer to offer this engine when launched in the summer of 2016, providing customers with the lowest acquisition price of all Blue Bird diesel models. With its excellent performance, the ISV engine will establish a new standard for being the quietest diesel engine on the road, and its compact size will make service accessibility simple.

Eaton Procision Transmission. As the first dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission available for Class 6 – 7 vehicles in North America, the Eaton Procisionensures driver confidence by efficiently accelerating and optimizing shift points to reach the highest gear as early as possible. The advanced dual-clutch module is fully contained within the transmission, and is hydraulically controlled and oil cooled for extended life. Electronic shifting provides optimal fuel efficiency and smooth, continuous delivery of torque to a vehicle’s wheels. The transmission will offer the driver a number of new and innovative features that simplify the shifting operation. The Eaton Procision transmission will be an option on Blue Bird ISB Diesel models and will be available for delivery in the summer of 2016.

“Our customers want and value reliable, affordable and safe bus options that reduce their operating costs,” said Blue Bird Chief Operating Officer John Kwapis. “Our innovative Blue Bird Vision CNG, Blue Bird Vision ISV and ISB Diesels, and Eaton Procision Transmission will provide a strong return on investment and more choices for our customers.”

Blue Bird representatives will be onsite at the company’s NAPT booth No. 911 to answer questions from conference participants.

The following vehicles will be on display:

• Blue Bird All American RE Diesel
• Blue Bird Vision Gasoline
• Blue Bird Vision Propane
• Blue Bird Micro Bird G5
• Blue Bird Micro Bird T-Series

Also, in Blue Bird’s booth:

• 100-gallon, extended-range propane autogas tank
• Bendix Air Disc Brake
• Bendix Electronic Stability Program
• Blue Bird Armor
• Blue Bird Connect
• Ford 6.8L V10 engine interactive display

Tonight, the company will host the Blue Bird Ride ‘N Dine Event at the Richmond International Speedway. NAPT participants will be able to experience the Bendix^® ESP^® Electronic Stability Program full-stability technology plus Bendix^® Air Disc Brakes as well as other innovative products from Blue Bird. More details can be found at Blue Bird’s booth.

For more information on Blue Bird’s complete line of buses and new technology, visit a local Blue Bird Dealer or www.blue-bird.com.

About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio.