REDFORD, Mich. Detroit Diesel Corporation has made it official: Its back in the North American motorcoach and bus engine business to stay.

The No. 1 supplier of engines to the motorcoach industry for decades announced last month its "re-entry" into the U.S. and Canadian bus and coach market.

Early last year Detroit Diesel informed its bus builder customers that it was exiting the motorcoach and bus markets, with one exception it would sell engines to its sister company, Daimler Buses of North America, seller of Setra coaches. (See March 15, 2008, Bus & Motorcoach News.)

Then, last month, Detroit Diesel officially confirmed it would "resume its commitment to pursue the dominant position it (has) held in the (bus and motorcoach) industry for more than 50 years."

Such an announcement had been expected since late this past summer when industry executives began reporting that Detroit Diesel was in talks with bus builders, potential customers and others about remaining in the bus market. (See Oct. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.)

Included in the Detroit Diesel announcement were comments from executives at two long-time customers Motor Coach Industries and Greyhound Lines.

"MCI is pleased to hear about Detroit Diesels re-engagement and future support of our industry," said Terry Loewen, powertrain systems manager at MCI. "Detroit Diesel had been an important supplier to MCI for many years, and we look forward to the return of their leadership, technological advances and commitment to this market for decades to come," said Loewen.

Added Dave Leach, president and CEO of Greyhound: "We have worked with Detroit Diesel for many years and welcome their re-engagement in our industry."

In its announcement, Detroit Diesel noted that its engines and North American distributor network have served the bus and coach industry since the 1950s, providing engine platforms and produce support "that have suited the industry well."

It said 2010 buses and coaches equipped with reduced-emissions Detroit Diesel engines would see 5 percent greater fuel efficiency over similar USEPA 2007 technology, while reducing CO2 and nearly eliminating nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter emissions at the tailpipe.

"Detroit Diesels platform of engines for the bus and coach industry will be manufactured at its Redford, Mich., operation and will be supported by the companys network of 275 North American distributor locations," it added.