By Rick Mullen,
Busline Magazine Associate Editor

The following import/export categories include motor buses, coaches, trolley buses and gyrobuses.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Census Bureau trade figures for October 2019 indicated vehicle imports were up in five categories outlined, compared to October 2018. For the first 10 months of 2019, vehicles imports were up in six categories, compared to the first 10 months of 2018.

The United States imported 308 vehicles in October 2019, up 2 percent from 301 vehicles imported in October 2018. For the first 10 months of 2019, the United States imported 2,334 vehicles, up 20 percent from 1,941 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Canada sent 1,330 vehicles to the United States during the first 10 months of 2019.

The average price per vehicle for October 2019 was $292,991.59, down 23 percent from the average price for October 2018 of $381,245.23. The average price per vehicle for the first 10 months of 2019 was $316,221.96, down 20 percent from $395,972.20 for the first 10 months of 2018.

The United States received 45 vehicles in October 2019, down 51 percent from 92 vehicles for October 2018. For the first 10 months of 2019, the United States imported 1,233 vehicles, down 19 percent from 1,524 vehicles for the first 10 months of 2018.

The United States imported 1,196 vehicles from Germany during the first 10 months of 2019.

The average price of the vehicles for October 2019 was $56,070.98, up 9 percent from $51,287.07 for October 2018. The average price per vehicle for the first 10 months of 2019 was $42,762.50, down 2 percent from $43,703.89 for the first 10 months of 2018.

The United States imported 23 vehicles during October 2019, compared to one for October 2018. During the first 10 months of 2019, 219 vehicles were imported, up significantly from six vehicles for the first 10 months of 2018.

All the vehicles imported came from Canada.

The average price for October 2019 was $224,308.91, down 44 percent from $398,235 for October 2018. The average price for the first 10 months of 2019 was $229,392.82, down 53 percent from $490,661.50 for the first 10 months of 2018.

No vehicles in this category were imported during 2018 and thus far in 2019.

No vehicles in this category were received by the United States in October 2019 or October 2018. The United States imported two vehicles from Canada during the first 10 months of 2019, at an average price of $15,200. No vehicles were imported during the first 10 months of 2018.

The United States imported one vehicle from Canada in this category during October 2019, which was also the only one for the first 10 months of 2019, at a price of $27,485. No vehicles were imported during October 2018. During the first 10 months 2018, one vehicle in this category was received, at a price of $10,325.

The United States imported eight vehicles during October 2019, compared to one vehicle for October 2018. During the first 10 months of 2019, 422 vehicles were received, compared to 18 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Canada shipped 319 vehicles during the first 10 months of 2019.

The average price per vehicle for October 2019 was $460,935.38, compared to $87,150 for October 2018. The average price for the first 10 months of 2019 was $127,169.53, down 30 percent from $180,598.50 for the first 10 months of 2018.

The United States imported two vehicles during October 2019, down 66 percent from six vehicles for October 2018. During the first 10 months of 2019, 108 vehicles were imported, up 61 percent from 67 vehicles for the first 10 months of 2018.

China sent all of the vehicles during the first 10 months of 2019.

The average price per vehicle for October 2019 was $8,986.50, down 24 percent from $11,818 for October 2018. The average price per vehicle for the first 10 months of 2019 was $8,272.57, down 5 percent from $8,718.40 for the first 10 months of 2018.

The United States imported 82 vehicles during October 2019, down 18 percent from 100 for October 2018. During the first 10 months of 2019, 1,329 vehicles were received, up 28 percent from 1,037 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Canada sent 1,305 vehicles to the United States during the first 10 months of 2019.

The average price per vehicle for October 2019 was $86,815.94, up 38 percent from $62,739.95 for October 2018. The average price for the first 10 months of 2019 was $78,393.25, up 9 percent from $71,615.91 for the first 10 months of 2018.

The United States imported 168 vehicles during October 2019, up 236 percent from 50 vehicles for October 2018. During the first 10 months of 2019, 1,237 vehicles were received, down 6 percent from 1,312 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Canada sent 1,002 vehicles to the United States during the first 10 months of 2019.

The average price per vehicle for October 2019 was $49,379.25, down less than 1 percent from $49,483.32 for October 2018. The average price for the first 10 months of 2019 was $43,520.12, down 6 percent from $46,126.94 for the first 10 months of 2018.

EXPORTS

Export totals for October 2019 were down in three categories, compared to October 2018. For the first 10 months of 2019, two categories reported increases.

The United States exported 592 vehicles during October 2019, down 26 percent from 800 vehicles exported in October 2018. During the first 10 months of 2019, 6,522 were sent, down 17 percent from 7,815 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Canada received 4,114 vehicles during the first 10 months of 2019, while Mexico imported 1,073.

The average price per vehicle for October 2019 was $56,741.56, down 22 percent from the average price for October 2018 of $72,594.77. The average price for the first 10 months of 2019 was $67,961.30, down 15 percent from $80,039.61 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Canada received 1,989 vehicles during the first 10 months of 2019.

The average price per vehicle for October 2019 was $5,905.61, down 79 percent from $27,580.54 for October 2018. The average price for the first 10 months of 2019 was $27,884.60, up 41 percent from $19,750.09 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Mexico received 86 vehicles during the first 10 months of 2019, while Venezuela imported 54 vehicles and the Bahamas 43 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for October 2019 was $28,977.88, down 15 percent from the average price for October 2018 of $33,898.56. The average price for the first 10 months of 2019 was $32,845.84, down 3 percent from $33,911.50 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Canada received 729 vehicles during the first 10 months of 2019.

The average price for October 2019 was $43,690. The average price for the first 10 months of 2019 was $29,843.86, down 81 percent from $155,137.64 for the first 10 months of 2018.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

From Mohawk
The Vertical Rise Lift

Mohawk Lifts announces the Mohawk Vertical Rise Lift, model VRL. The vertical lifts range in capacity from 33,000 to 99,000 pounds. The vertical lifts are available in runway lengths from 23 feet to 48 feet long, available in surface, flush or recessed mount versions.

Like all Mohawk Lifts, the vertical lift comes with a variety of options such as rolling wheels-free jacks, track lighting or galvanized versions for wash-bay applications.

For more information, visit mohawklifts.com.

BYD Produces 400th Bus In Lancaster, CA, Plant

The 400th bus manufactured in Lancaster, CA, is a 60-foot articulated K11M model transit bus built for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), part of a 20-bus order. The buses will be used to provide transportation for guests traveling between terminals and gates on the Los Angeles International Airport’s airfields.

“The 400th American bus is another great milestone for our Lancaster team,” said BYD North America President Stella Li. “Since delivery of our first American battery-electric bus from Lancaster in 2014, BYD has provided buses to customers in 14 states and four Canadian provinces. We are passionate about our mission to create a cleaner environment here in North America and across the globe.”

The company has expanded its Lancaster manufacturing plant, a former motorhome manufacturing facility, from 100,000 square feet to over a half million square feet.

“In all, BYD has invested more than $250 million in North America, and in 2018 alone, spent $70 million on components and services from American vendors.”

From one bus model under production in 2014, BYD’s product line now includes transit bus models ranging from the 30-foot K7 to the 60-foot K11, and coach models ranging from the 23-foot C6 to the double-deck, 45-foot C10MS.

BYD now has more than 50 municipal, transit agency, university, airport, federal and other commercial and private-sector bus customers, including the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Antelope Valley Transit Authority, Denver RTD, Kansas City International Airport, and Solano County Transit.

“The environment benefits from the fact there are no polluting emissions. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s website states that every zero-emission bus eliminates approximately 1,690 tons of CO2 over a 12-year period. This is equivalent to taking 27 cars off the road. These buses also eliminate approximately 10 tons of nitrogen oxides and 350 pounds of diesel particulate matter.”

BYD has an all-union workforce and a Community Benefits Agreement. BYD’s Lancaster team includes a growing number of women, veterans and second-chance employees.

The Official Sponsor of Mother Nature™, BYD has 220,000 employees across the globe, including nearly 1,000 in North America.

For more information, visit www.byd.com.

ABC Tech Team Participates In EV Training At Van Hool Factory In Belgium

“A team of ABC technicians recently visited the Van Hool factory in Belgium for preliminary training and product knowledge transfer to support the forthcoming Van Hool CX45E All Electric bus release. Together with ABC and Proterra, Van Hool continues to make preparations for the innovative new model introduction planned for North American unveiling at UMA Expo 2020, in Nashville, TN,” according to an ABC press release.

“The new Van Hool CX45E combines the Siemens modular ELFA II drivetrain system with Proterra’s industry leading E2 high power, high density battery system, in conjunction with energy efficient ELFA drive and converter technology to support daily range targets for operators. The vehicle’s zero emissions and quiet battery drive offers a smooth comfortable ride with very low noise levels to enhance the passenger experience like never before.”

Roman Cornell, president and CCO at ABC Companies, said, “Together with our partners Van Hool and Proterra, ABC is leveraging deep expertise to bring advanced electric technology to the motorcoach segment. We are pleased to migrate the benefits and utility of electric vehicle technology enjoyed in the automotive and transit segments to our customer base.”

In 2020, operators can also expect to see enhanced interior designs onboard the CX series (including the new CX45E model) which integrates a restyled passenger entry, cabin and restroom, as well as a fully redesigned driver’s area and new digital dash display.

The new Van Hool All Electric Zero-emission CX45E will be showcased at the upcoming UMA Expo 2020, where ABC and its partners will present a complete overview of the project, and be on hand to field questions about the new electric model, which, according to Van Hool, offers all the luxury passenger amenities owners expect from the standard Van Hool CX Series equipment.

For more information, visit abc-companies.com.

Four Livery Edition MCI J4500 Coaches For A Step Above Limousine In Charlotte And Atlanta Markets

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., helped launch the charter coach division of A Step Above Limousine, Charlotte, NC, and its sister company, Ambassador Global, in Atlanta, GA, with the delivery of four luxury MCI J4500 coaches. The delivery included three new and one pre-owned MCI J4500 coaches.

“These Livery Edition MCI J4500 coaches are sleek and elegant in black on the outside and a complete luxury experience on the inside with detailed black leather diamond-stitched seating, best legroom in its coach class, power outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity. The models also feature such options as programmable multicolor interior lighting, collision mitigation and back-up cameras,” according to a release.

Ayman Abusamak, founder and owner of both companies, looked at other coach brands and said he was attracted to the MCI J4500 for its modern design and quality craftsmanship, along with the professionalism of the MCI teams in service and support.

“Friends in the industry also suggested MCI to me,” said Abusamak, whose 30-plus fleet of vehicles also includes minibuses. “The move to motor coaches is a natural progression for us as our top clients are seeking this type of transportation.”

Abusamak’s company just signed a contract with Charter UP, an Atlanta-based charter bus service reservation platform that connects customers and groups in need of ground transportation. Other major events in 2020 will keep his divisions on the move. The 2020 NCAA Final Four is coming to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta starting April 4, and the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte runs August 24-27.

“The Livery Edition MCI J4500 class of coaches are real differentiators in both our markets,” said Abusamak.

Abusamak became an airport greeter at 13 for his father’s limousine company, and was the youngest licensed limo driver in the state of Georgia at the age of 16. He drove every style of livery vehicle while learning the business from the ground up.

“He opened A Step Above Limousine in Charlotte 20 years ago and expanded into Atlanta five years later. Clients in both cities get the highest level of personal service and well-trained drivers. All drivers receive ongoing training in safe driving practices with required participation in safety workshops and online courses offered through the MCI Academy. Abusamak’s company uses fleet-tracking technology including onboard dash cameras, electronic logging devices, telematics and GPS.”

Each driver dresses in a coat and tie for the job.

“We’re still a limousine company,” said Abusamak. “We’re very pleased to be able to bring this new level of service to the areas we serve.”

AACA Museum And Museum Of Bus Transportation Announce Merger

At the November 23 meeting of the AACA Museum’s board of directors, an agreement was signed to merge the Museum of Bus Transportation (MOBT) into the AACA Museum, Inc., concluding a process that began approximately six months ago. The MOBT ceased to exist January 1. According to a press release, its work and mission continue within the structure of the AACA Museum.

Founded in 1994, the MOBT has a long involvement with the AACA Museum. During the capital campaign to construct the building, the MOBT provided support by paying $500,000 for a multi-year, paid-up lease. That payment helped to assure that the museum would be built and it opened to the public in 2003. It provided the MOBT with space to display its collection of historic buses in the lower-level gallery. The group currently has a fleet of 40 historic buses ranging from a 1908 White to a 2009 battery-powered Proterra. Approximately a dozen are displayed at the museum in Hershey, PA, while the rest are stored in a MOBT-owned annex building adjacent to Hershey.

New AACA Museum Committee Member John Oakman said several factors drove this merger, “Not having a permanent home has severely impacted our ability to raise money, particularly within the bus industry.”

Oakman also added that, “The museum has proven itself capable in so many different ways that we gain much-needed additional capacity by being part of their organization.”

While the MOBT will cease to exist as an independent organization, many things will remain the same. The bus museum’s membership, who voted overwhelmingly to merge, will all become members of the AACA Museum. Their membership and contributions will continue to support bus-related activities. Rather than having a board of directors, the bus museum will be structured as a committee of the AACA Museum. As one of their last acts, the MOBT’s board selected bus industry veterans John Oakman, David Schmidt, and Randy Wilcox to head this body.

“The committee has a voting seat on the museum’s board, which will be filled initially by Oakman. Most of the MOBT’s existing committees will continue to function in carrying out bus-related missions centered on events, programs, education and fundraising. The plan is to combine and leverage collective resources to further both bus-related functions and general AACA Museum activities going forward.”

The MOBT joins the Tucker Automobile Club of America (TACA) which merged with the museum two years ago, and whose members are now part of the AACA Museum. AACA Museum President Hank Hallowell, who presided over both mergers, is hopeful that this change will bring stability and growth for all involved.

Halloweel said, “The MOBT was critical to the opening of the AACA Museum, and we appreciate their partnership. We are happy anytime we can strengthen our position and increase our ability to fulfill our mission of educating and entertaining the public relative to transportation history. The MOBT is a good fit in all of these areas, and we are pleased to have them as part of our museum family."

IndyGo Receives "Best Service Improvement" Award From
TransitCenter

IndyGo was honored with the “Best Service Improvement” award by TransitCenter on Thursday, December 19 in New York City.

“TransitCenter’s inaugural award ceremony recognizes exemplary work to improve transit service by American transit agencies and DOTs in the past year,” according to a press release.

IndyGo received the Best Service Improvement award for “the agency’s comprehensive approach to improving Indianapolis’ transit system.”

The event also honored American transportation professionals in several additional categories including Best Bus Stop Improvement; Best Transit Street; Best Transit Priority Program; Best Communications Initiative; Good Governance Award; and Best Internal Communications Initiative.

On September 1, IndyGo launched the Red Line, the city of Indianapolis’ first battery-electric bus rapid transit line. Simultaneously, IndyGo made major service improvements to its entire system. These improvements included additions to weekday evening service, enhancements to weekend schedules, and every route operating every day of the week.

“Being recognized on a national stage by transportation professionals is a helpful reminder for Indianapolis,” said Bryan Luellen, vice president of public affairs for IndyGo, who received the award on behalf of the agency. “With the support of our community, collectively we’ve made a significant leap towards a more equitable and accessible city. The professionals at IndyGo are working hard to implement best practices for high quality transit service.

“The launch of the Red Line, which operates seven days a week with 10-20 minute frequency, coupled with improvements to local service, has made transit more accessible during evening and weekend hours. In September, the Red Line transported nearly 250,000 riders, and IndyGo’s entire system ridership was 30 percent higher than in August.”