DES PLAINES, Ill. –Motor Coach Industries is developing an electric coach and also plans to introduce a 35-foot J-coach to complement its flagship J4500 model.
MCI also plans to showcase the latest innovations on the J4500 and luxury Setra S 417 coaches during UMA Motocoach Expo in St. Louis.
“As we move into 2017, investments in our products continue as we are in the early stages of developing both a 35-foot coach and fully electric coaches based on the industry’s best-selling MCI J4500 model,” said Patrick
Scully, MCI executive vice president of sales and marketing. Scully said the electric-bus technology will apply to both private and public commuter shuttles and will be especially suitable for MCI’s San Francisco Bay-area operators and others wanting the benefits of electric power.
New Flyer Industries, MCI’s parent company, has been in the fully electric bus market for more than a decade and MCI plans to build on that knowledge base.
“Our customers in the public and private sectors have been inquiring about our plans, and we’re confirming that an electric coach is under development,” Scully said. “We’re grateful to have New Flyer’s leadership, commitment and electric expertise to quickly move the development along.”
MCI also is an industry pioneer in CNG and diesel-electric hybrid buses, offering the MCI D-Series coach in those configurations.
At the same time it is developing electric coaches, MCI is in early development stages of a 35-foot J-coach in response to customers’ request for a smaller vehicle that offers the reliability and parts commonality of the popular MCI J4500.
“We want to be able to offer a product option to customers that need a smaller coach and are looking for product and brand commonality with MCI,” Scully said. “Currently we are moving from planning to the design phase and will keep the market updated on our progress.”
MCI also will unveil the latest generation of EPA 2017 Cummins ISX12 and Detroit DD13 engines available on all new J4500 motor coaches. Both engines benefit from faster, 500-baud communication and adopt the new “Nexiq” interface tool to replace the existing Dearborn interface adapter.
“Plus, each supplier now offers its own proprietary real-time remote diagnostic system with telematics, making trouble shooting easier for drivers or technicians when an issue occurs,” said Brent Maitland, vice president of marketing and product planning. “MCI’s technical call center is also linking to these systems to improve our responsiveness to customer issues.”
Maitland said the company is focusing on advanced driver assistance technology aimed at reducing incidents and lowering operational costs. The optional Bendix Wingman Advanced, which combines adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigation technology, is worth the investment when “even one incident is avoided,” he said.
Another J4500 option is a 360-degree camera system that improves driver’s visibility especially in low-speedmaneuvering. LED drip-rail-mounted lights provide improved curbside and roadside illumination when drivers are loading and unloading baggage or fueling the coach.
Passenger comfort is enhanced with new luxury upholstered Amaya GT seats that have a thinner back for more per-passenger cabin space. Sleek Kiel seats are available as an option, along with an enhanced REI entertainment system for premium sound and HDMI tour guide connectivity.
Technical changes include a new Parker-Vansco multiplexing system, improved cooling fan and drive system, and a maintenance-friendly sight glass for the fan miter box. The model also includes 16,000-pound payload capacity, a new 150-amp Denso alternator and easier-to-access electrical components.
An upgraded ProHeat X45 auxiliary heater has improved serviceability and diagnostics features as well as USB connectivity.
For operators who run their J4500s on gravelly road conditions, a Severe Duty package option offers improved engine filtration, protective engine under-pans and triple mud flaps designed to deflect debris. A dedicated cabin filtration system and pressurized baggage compartments help keep dust out of the coach.
MCI’s Setra distribution agreement with Daimler has been extended, and improvements to the S 417 include a redesigned front fascia and improved rear styling. Other interior upgrades include Harmonia rosewood flooring and Makassar wood rear lavatory walls.
Additionally, the Setra S 407 Comfort Class arrives with significantly more curb appeal, featuring exterior and interior finishes similar to the Setra S 417.
MCI has also announced plans to open a new service center in the San Francisco Bay area. Site selection is underway with additional information expected in the next few months. Visitors to MCI’s Expo booth will also get to test the new MCI online PartsStore. A series of online enhancements for a better customer service experience include superior inventory searches, on-point suggestions and sharp photos of individual parts. The site also features expedited shipping options and estimates and improved automated order tracking from a desktop, tablet or smartphone.
Visitors to MCI’s Expo booth will also get to test the new MCI online PartsStore. A series of online enhancements for a better customer service experience include superior inventory searches, on-point suggestions and sharp photos of individual parts. The site also features expedited shipping options and estimates and improved automated order tracking from a desktop, tablet or smartphone.
New Flyer and MCI recently announced the promotions of Ian Smart to president of MCI and Brian Dewsnup to president of aftermarket parts. In other management changes, the companies named Mark Renton vice president of manufacturing and facilities, succeeding Bryan Couch, who retired in December 2016 after a nearly 30-year career with MCI.
JP Pelletier was named vice president of engineering and Jim Macdonald was named vice president of quality and customer service.
