ELKHART, Ind. -- Glaval Bus is cranking up production of its new midsize luxury coach, the Synergy, that offers many of the amenities found on more expensive vehicles and can even be equipped with a private lounge.

Glaval sees the Synergy as an option for operators looking for a bus to handle smaller groups, yet provide the luxury the traveling public demands.

Char Miller, spokeswoman for Glaval, says the company is now producing two Synergy coaches a week and that 10 are already on the road.

The price range is from $235,000-$240,000-plus, depending on the options, says Miller.

The 38-foot, 41-passenger Synergy is built on a raised-rail Freightliner chassis, with a Cummins ISB 275-horsepower rear engine. Glaval says the nine-inch-frame-rail construction creates a solid foundation that minimizes stress

on the coach so windows and doors perform properly for the life of the vehicle.

'Also, with the rail construction, you can get up to 275 cubic feet of storage space under the vehicle, with access from either side,' Miller says.

'It has large interior and exterior engine access panels and smooth floor cove molding that is rounded at the wall for easy maintenance. There are no corners or cracks for dirt to stick in.

'It also has electronically controlled, heated exterior mirrors, and electric windshield shades. If the bus is going to be parked for a while, the driver can bring the windshield shade completely down for privacy.'

Miller says Freightliner's chassis with its ZF independent front suspension offers 'the tightest turning radius of any chassis on the market.' The enhanced maneuverability, says Miller, means bus operators will be able to better negotiate their way through the toughest roads, parks and tourist attractions.

Whats more, the chassis has a Neway air suspension and Sachs shocks for improved stability, handling and increased driver comfort, she said. The system also provides for a softer ride.

In addition, equalizer beams and rigid trailing arms control axle movement, drive and brake reaction, and vertical load. The company says stabilizer bars and beams widen effective load centers on the rear axle, maintaining a high resistance to vehicle roll.

The Allison 3000 transmission has electronic controls for smooth shifting and improved fuel economy. An exhaust brake offers increased brake and tire life, as well as greater vehicle control by quickly and safely slowing the vehicle under stress conditions. The air-conditioning system is from Carrier.

Miller says the rear-engine Cummins diesel provides quieter, more comfortable rides, lower fuel costs and effortless hill climbing.

Freightliner, with a network of more than 350 dealers, will provide customer support, according to Miller.

The Synergy can be equipped with a restroom, of course, but also available is a rear lounge option.

'Its a separate room that could be used for extra storage or luggage,' Miller says. 'It has a door and, as a lounge, features horseshoe seating that folds out into two sleeper sofas. Its an option for passengers or for the driver, who could use it to rest while waiting for passengers to return from sightseeing.

It has separate climate controls, and a flat-screen, 20-inch TV and a DVD package. It could be used by a celebrity or for a bridal party,' she says.

Development of the Synergy began six years ago but was put on the back burner after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

'In the last year and a half we all got together to develop the right bus,' says Miller.

Glaval touts the Synergy for all types of customers, including students, professional and collegiate sports teams, conventions, sightseeing trips, corporate groups, and private parties.

The Synergy offers an array of standard and optional features, including large panoramic windows, reclining seats, foot rests, overhead storage racks with individual reading lamps, speakers and climate control, passenger window shades, magazine pockets, individual tray tables, beverage holders, and one or more televisions with DVD capabilities.

It has the same luxury and amenities of 'larger, more expensive buses at a more affordable price,' says Miller.