MESQUITE, Nev. -- Arrow Stage Lines announced last month it has purchased a small motorcoach company here, increasing the number of Arrow locations to 12.

At the same time, Motor Coach Industries announced Arrow had purchased the 7,000th J4500 coach produced by MCI since the model was introduced in 2000.

Arrow acquired Mesquite Bus Co. from Ann Casey. Mesquite Bus was founded by her father, Bill Regan, 15 years ago. Its four-bus fleet primarily offered charter service in Nevada and southern Utah, along with shuttle runs to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.

Mesquite is a community of 15,000 plus located 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas along Interstate 15. Its just inside the Nevada state line with Arizona and roughly 40 miles from St. George, in extreme southwest Utah.

Mesquite has a growing retiree population, along with a handful of casinos and nine public golf courses.

The Arrow location in Mesquite is being operated by Jeff Howes and Darlene Mullins as co-managers. The two also co-manage the Arrow location in Las Vegas. Howes is primarily responsible for operations, while Mullins handles sales.

"We are excited about this recent acquisition," said Arrow Stage Lines Chief Operating Officer Luke Busskohl. "This will be a great addition for our western fleet. We will now be better equipped to handle business in Utah, and the growing Las Vegas market."

All Arrow vehicles at the Mesquite location will be compliant with California emissions rules so the company can serve tour and athletic markets while traveling on the West Coast.

"This puts us in a great position to serve various types of clients," added Mullins. "With the addition of the new facility and more equipment, we are extremely excited about our new business opportunities."

Arrow took delivery last month of two new MCI J4500s, including the 7000th model to roll off the E- and J-model assembly line at the MCI plant in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

During the past 10 years, the J4500 has been the most popular motorcoach model sold in North America. Coincidentally, MCI has sold 4,500 J4500s during the decade.

The Js purchased by Arrow Nos. 7000 and 7001 -- are the first to be equipped with a new ZF axle system, with independent front- and tag-axle suspensions, and a Bendix braking system designed to complement the models recently added MCI Dynamic Suspension System (MDSS). (See June 1 Bus & Motorcoach News.)

MCI says the technology upgrades give the J4500 "car-like braking," a smoother ride, and a significantly tighter turning radius of 40 feet, 11 inches, compared to the previous 47 feet.

Arrows newest J4500s also are equipped with Detroit engines, offering improved fuel economy, and such standard safety features as electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and Amerex fire suppression.

Inside the cabin there are passenger seats with three-point belts, power outlets at each seat and Wi-Fi connectivity.

"We are very excited to take delivery of the new MCI J4500 with the ZF and Bendix systems," said Busskohl. "The J coach has always been a very good motorcoach for our company. However, now with the new ZF suspension it takes the J to a whole new level."

In addition to its latest J4500 coaches, Arrow added two Setra S 417 models purchased through MCI, bringing its total MCI-associated fleet to 61 J4500s, 16 other MCI models, and 59 Setra coaches.

"We appreciate Arrows loyalty to both the MCI and Setra brands," said Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president of new coach sales.

Founded in 1928, Arrow continues to grow as a major U.S. charter company. According to the latest Metro magazine ranking of the Top 50 North American motorcoach fleets, Arrow ranked No. 13.

Besides its Omaha, Las Vegas and new Mesquite locations, it also has terminals in Kansas City, Denver and Phoenix, plus three more in Nebraska, two in Kansas and one in Iowa.

To learn more, go to www.arrowstagelines.com.