SAINTE-CLAIRE, Québec – Under bright, sunny skies on Saturday, over 6,000 employees, customers, suppliers, and dignitaries gathered in Sainte-Claire, Québec, to celebrate Prevost’s 100th anniversary.
The celebration culminated a nine-month series of events across North America honoring the company’s century-long journey. From factory tours to a concert that had workers and customers dancing, the event showcased the deep connections Prevost has forged with its community, clients, and partners.
“The success of Prevost is due to our committed employees and loyal customers – many of whom have been with us for generations,” said Prevost and Volvo Group Canada President François Tremblay. “The anniversary is an opportunity to recognize them while honoring the legacy of Eugène Prévost.”
The company, founded in 1924 by Eugène Prévost, has deep roots in Sainte-Claire, a small town surrounded by farmland an hour southeast of Quebec City. The event brought together people from across North America to celebrate the intertwined histories of the coach manufacturer and the community and region.
Inside look at production
One of the celebration’s highlights was the opportunity for attendees to tour the factory where Prevost motorcoaches are built and explore a range of vehicles produced in the facility over the years for customers ranging from Greyhound to the police department’s mobile unit.
More than 6,000 visitors, including families of employees, customers, vendors, and regional dignitaries, walked through the plant, seeing up close the infrastructure required to support the craftsmanship and precision that go into each coach.
“It was an emotional moment for many,” said Michael Power, Director of Marketing and Brand Management at Prevost. “Our employees were proud to show their families where they work, and our customers got to see the care and dedication that goes into every vehicle we produce. You could see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”
The Sept. 14 event was the climax of nine months of activities throughout Canada and the United States. In addition to the factory tours, the Sainte-Claire celebration included visits to the Prevost museum, food and entertainment.
The weekend’s activities weren’t about celebrating with clients or employees separately, Tremblay explained. It was about bringing everyone together to share in the story of Prevost.
‘Clarisse’ a symbol of family, community ties
He added that one of the most talked-about moments of the anniversary celebration was the unveiling of “Clarisse,” a hand-built replica of the original wooden-body coach designed by company founder Eugène Prévost in 1924.
The project was spearheaded by Prévost’s grandson, André Turmel, and was named in honor of Eugène’s wife, Clarisse, who played a pivotal role in supporting her husband during the company’s early days.
The unveiling of Clarisse was a reminder of Prevost’s deep ties to family and community. Although owned by Volvo, the company has maintained its original guiding principles, with a focus on trust, respect, and long-term relationships with customers.
The weekend festivities concluded with a special dinner at Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury, the only military building in Canada that has been recognized as a national historic site. Along with customers and current employees, the gathering included the Prévost family, retired Prevost executives and leaders from Volvo Buses in Sweden, emphasizing the global significance of the event.
Over the weekend, hundreds of Prevost customers, many of whom had traveled from across North America, were treated to various activities, from a sightseeing cruise and bus tour to exploring the 400-year-old Quebec City, one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Many clients who had visited the region previously to pick up new coaches couldn’t time their trip to summer weather, and this visit allowed them to explore Old Quebec, overlooking the St. Lawrence River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
Additionally, in the week prior, 165 Prevost motorhome owners traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles to Québec City to take part in a multi-day 100-Year Anniversary Rally.
Carrying values into the future
The 100th anniversary celebration has intentionally focused on reflecting on the values that are the foundation of the company’s success and its vision for the road ahead.
“We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what the next 100 years will look like,” Power said. “We’re increasing production, developing new products, and expanding our market share. It’s a very exciting time for us.”
Prevost’s production capacity has already increased to four vehicles per day, with the company capturing a 42% market share in the motorcoach industry for the second quarter of 2024. Power credited this success to the company’s ability to balance tradition with innovation.
“We’re in a really good place,” Power said. “We’ve managed to maintain the values that have been part of this company for 100 years while also embracing the innovations that are driving the industry forward. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The effort to celebrate the company’s rich history and future has attracted attention from potential employees, with the company receiving more than 10,000 job applications over the past two years. Prevost has added 900 new employees during that time.
The relationships built over the years between Prevost and its customers were a key focus of the celebration. Tremblay emphasized the company’s culture of supporting all clients, regardless of size.
“We treat every customer like family,” he said.
