CHICAGO ABC Companies officially launched its new rear-engine, midsize bus here early this month, saying the 3035RE model has both big-coach features and big-coach feel.

In debuting the bus, ABC said the 3035 is the latest milestone in its strategic plan to present customers with broader choices of products, services and support. And the company announced that Roman Cornell has been named its top sales executive.

"Adapting new technologies and relevant applications that can offer our customers true business benefits like efficiency, performance and value -- have resulted in some uniquely innovative offerings through ABC and our valued partners," said Dane Cornell, president and CEO of ABC.

The unveiling of the 3035RE came at BusCon, the annual bus convention put on by Metro Magazine. The coach represents the third major collaboration between ABC and Thor Industries commercial bus division and General Coach America.

The companies also collaborated on the launch of the ABC 1035 and 1235 cutaway buses. Thor is the nations leading producer of midsize buses and RVs, and the parent company of ElDorado National, Champion Bus and Goshen Coach.

Built on the new XBR Freightliner chassis, ABC 3035RE has a list of big-coach features, including:

ZF independent front suspension with disc brakes

Pantograph baggage and engine doors

05G Carrier compressor

Under-floor luggage storage

Spare tire located behind the front bumper

Interchangeable windshields

Stainless steel below the floor line

Seamless side glass

dual wiper motors

LED exterior lighting

Air-lock baggage doors

Multiplexed 12-volt electrical system

Independent 24-volt HVAC system

Full-size restroom with Monogram stainless-steel insert

The 3035RE is a fusion of midsize efficiency coupled with big coach-style features, said Cornell. "Our customers were looking for a big-coach feel in a smaller, more efficient vehicle. ... We're quite optimistic this new release fits the bill and offers a truly unique fleet solution to operators who want to tap into the midsize transport market."

As part of its strategic growth, ABC in recent weeks has introduced the Van Hool TD925 double-deck coach with seating for up to 80 passengers; significantly expanded its parts operation with the acquisition of Muncie-Baker Transit Supply; added a parts warehouse in California, and revealed it plans to rollout a "green"-powered equipment line, offering eco-friendly features, including hybrid electric, and will re-engineer its call center to support expansion and anticipated volume increases.

"We are always exploring new ways to improve the customer service experience," said Cornell.

Roman Cornell, who is the nephew of Dane Cornell and the son of ABC's late chairman, Ronald Cornell, who died in August, has been named national sales vice president of ABC.

Cornell will oversee day-to-day operations of all sales-related activities, including coordination of national sales; designing and implementing corporate sales policies, programs and procedures; product development, and managing key customer relationships.

Roman Cornell joined ABC 12 years ago as a sales assistant in the ABC branch in New Jersey. In 1999, he moved to ABC's corporate location in Minnesota, serving as regional vice president for four years.

In late 2003, Cornell was appointed regional vice president for the companys Western region in California, and most recently moved to the ABC Florida location as regional vice president.

Separately, Cornell has just been elected to board of the Trailways Transportation System, where he will serve on behalf of his father, completing his term. He also has been appointed to the board of ABC Companies.