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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 February 2022 indicated vehicle imports were up in five categories outlined, compared to February 2021. For the first two months of 2022, vehicles imports were up in six categories, compared to the first two months of 2021.

The United States imported 76 vehicles in February 2022, down 19 percent from 94 vehicles for February 2021. For the first two months of 2022, the United States imported 170 vehicles, down 24 percent from 224 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

Canada sent 131 vehicles to the United States during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $321,789, up 12 percent from $286,224 for February 2021. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2022 was $314,323, down 6 percent from $334,625 for the first two months of 2021.

The United States received two vehicles in February 2022, compared to one vehicle during February 2021. For the first two months of 2022, the United States imported four vehicles, up from three vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

The United States imported two vehicles from Canada, and one vehicle each from Australia and Germany, during the first two months of 2022.

The average price for February 2022 was $360,873, compared to $23,622 for February 2021. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2022 was $193,572, down 19 percent from $240,362 for the first two months of 2021.

The United States imported eight vehicles during February 2022, compared to two vehicles for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 12 vehicles were imported, compared to two vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

All of the vehicles were imported from Canada during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $265,789, down 47 percent from $504,366 for February 2021. The average price for the first two months of 2022 was $311,596, down 38 percent from $504,366 for the first two months of 2021.

8702303100 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine And Electric Motor For 16 Or More Persons

The United States imported one vehicle from Turkey in this category during February 2022 and the first two months of 2022, compared to no vehicles during the first two months of 2021.

The price of the vehicle imported for the first two months of 2022 was $78,423.

8702303100 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine And Electric Motor For 16 Or More Persons

The United States imported one vehicle from Turkey in this category during February 2022 and the first two months of 2022, compared to no vehicles during the first two months of 2021.

The price of the vehicle imported for the first two months of 2022 was $78,423.

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during the first two months of 2022 and 2021.

8702403100 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Electric Motor Only, For Transport Of 16 Or More Persons Including Driver

The United States imported 119 vehicles during February 2022, compared to two vehicles for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 127 vehicles were received, up from 32 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

China shipped 105 vehicles during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $39,052, compared to $367,199 for February 2021. The average price for the first two months of 2022 was $51,157, down from $214,038 for the first two months of 2021.

8702406100 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles, With Electric Motor Only For Propulsion, NESOI

The United States imported nine vehicles during February 2022, down 31 percent from 13 vehicles for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 23 vehicles were imported, up 28 percent from 18 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

China sent all of the vehicles during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $8,672, down 6 percent from $9,251 for the first two months of 2021. The average price for the first two months of 2022 was $9,423, down 8 percent from $10,132 for the first two months of 2021.

8702903100 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles For 16 Or More Persons Including Driver, NESOI

The United States imported 74 vehicles during February 2022, down 31 percent from 107 vehicles for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 91 vehicles were received, down 57 percent from 214 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

Canada sent all of the vehicles to the United States during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $97,588, down 39 percent from $159,242 for February 2021. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2022 was $102,345, down 35 percent from $158,458 for the first two months of 2021.

8702906100 Motor Vehicles For The Transport Of 10 To 15 Persons Including Driver, NESOI

The United States imported 38 vehicles during February 2022, up 41 percent from 27 vehicles for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 75 vehicles were received, up 17 percent from 64 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

Canada sent 71 vehicles to the United States during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $40,186, up 3 percent from $38,858 for February 2021. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2022 was $38,528, down 5 percent from $40,568 for the first two months of 2021.

Export totals for February 2022 were down in three categories, compared to February 2021. Three categories also reported decreases for the first two months of 2022, compared to the first two months of 2021.

The United States exported 519 vehicles during February 2022, up 6 percent from 491 vehicles for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 964 vehicles were sent, up 18 percent from 816 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

Mexico received 458 vehicles during the first two months of 2022, while Canada imported 359 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $39,624, down 25 percent from $52,777 for February 2021. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2022 was $37,122, down 29 percent from $51,969 for the first two months of 2021.

8702200000 Public-Transport Vehicles With Both Compression-Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel) & Electric Motor

The United States shipped 58 vehicles in February 2022, down 10 percent from 64 vehicles for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 100 vehicles were exported, down 25 percent from 134 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

Canada received 91 vehicles during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $70,543, compared to $6,537 for February 2021. The average price for the first two months of 2022 was $71,932, compared to $6,137 for the first two months of 2021.

8702300000 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Both Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine & Electric Motor

The United States exported 18 vehicles in February 2022, down 40 percent from 30 for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 36 vehicles were sent, down 45 percent from 66 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

Mexico received 10 vehicles during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $20,799, down 3 percent from $21,350 for February 2021. The average price for the first two months of 2022 was $23,920, up 18 percent from $20,340 for the first two months of 2021.

8702400000 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Only Electric Motor For Propulsion

The United States shipped 12 vehicles in February 2022, down 75 percent from 48 vehicles for February 2021. During the first two months of 2022, 14 vehicles were exported, down 87 percent from 104 vehicles for the first two months of 2021.

Canada received nine vehicles during the first two months of 2022.

The average price per vehicle for February 2022 was $28,265, down 60 percent $71,247 for February 2021. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2022 was $29,530, down 38 percent from $47,607 for the first two months of 2021.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

Pictured left to right are: Lancaster City Councilman Darrell Dorris, Palmdale Water District member Kathy MacLaren, AVTA CEO Martin Tompkins, AVTA Board member Dianne Knipple, California Air Resources Chair Liane Randolph, Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit at California State Transportation Agency Chad Edison, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, BYD Americas President Stella Li, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, AVTA Chair and Lancaster Vice Mayor Marvin Crist, AVTA Board Member Michelle Flanigan, Palmdale City Councilman Richard Loa, Lancaster City Councilman Raj Malhi, Lancaster City Councilman Ken Mann and former AVTA CEO Macy Neshati.

Thirty years ago in April 1992, in response to an expressed desire from the Antelope Valley residents for public transportation, the Antelope Valley Transit Authority was established. A Joint Powers Agreement between the cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, and Los Angeles County was developed to govern the organization of the newly-formed agency.

Three months later, the first AVTA bus, a diesel-powered Gillig, rolled down the streets of Lancaster and Palmdale. During that first year, AVTA launched three services: local transit, commuter service to L.A., and a dial-a-ride paratransit service.

“During a year of remarkable and historical achievements at AVTA, the staff is taking a moment to celebrate a simpler milestone,” said AVTA Chairman of the Board Marvin Crist. “This agency started from humble beginnings and has been built into a nationally known transit agency, recently becoming the first 100 percent all-electric, zero-emission transit agency in North America.”

Over its 30-year existence, AVTA has stayed dedicated to serving the residents of the Antelope Valley. AVTA exists to mobilize and empower the AV community by connecting people to resources for opportunities that enrich and elevate their lives.

“The staff of AVTA sincerely believes and follows this vision of why we exist,” said Martin Tompkins, AVTA executive director and CEO. “In the next 30 years, we look forward to continuing our board of directors’ vision for a greener and technologically superior transit system serving the citizens of Lancaster, Palmdale, and the rural northern Los Angeles County communities.”

AVTA provides local, commuter and dial-a-ride service to a population of more than 450,000 residents in the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale as well as the unincorporated portions of northern Los Angeles County. Its total service area covers 1,200 square miles.

Partner BYD Congratulates Antelope Valley Transit Authority On Achieving North America’s First Fully Zero-Emission Fleet

“Most of AVTA’s 87 battery electric coaches and buses were built by BYD at its Lancaster Coach & Bus Manufacturing facility. Many BYD employees and their families are served by the agency in the Antelope Valley,” said BYD.

“This is an important and wonderful accomplishment,” said Stella Li, president BYD Americas. “We’re proud to have worked closely with AVTA to make this happen, and know it’s the beginning of great things for all Californians.”

At an event celebrating the historic milestone, CARB Chair Liane M. Randolph congratulated AVTA on reaching California's Zero-Emission Goal 18 years ahead of schedule.

“The Antelope Valley Transit Authority, together with the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale and Los Angeles County, has shown California and the world how local growth can coexist with clean transportation, low-carbon energy and new local job opportunities,” said Randolph. “Their accomplishment underscores the fact that committed and visionary communities are key to our clean air and climate solutions as well as a strong California economy.”

Visit byd.com for more information.

Irizar I6S Efficient Launch:
The Most Efficient Coach In The History Of Irizar

According to a press release, Irizar is presenting a new generation of the Irizar i6S model coach that is more efficient, sustainable and profitable.

“With the new Irizar i6S, consumption and emissions have been reduced up to 13 percent, weight is down to 950 kg and the aerodynamic coefficient is 30 percent lower. That makes it a latest generation vehicle designed to provide maximum efficiency to operators, the best experience to passengers and it emphasizes sustainability.”

Aerodynamic Coefficient Improved By 30 Percent
Excellent aerodynamic performance is the key to this new generation of coaches. Part of the front of the vehicle and roof has been modified. The curvature of the windscreen and the other front windows have also been reworked to reduce air resistance as much as possible.

Furthermore, the Irizar i6S Efficient has the option to replace the rearview mirrors with digital vision cameras with the two-fold goal of providing wide-angle vision in any weather conditions. These modifications provide improvements in the driver's direct and indirect field of vision.

Weight Reduction Up To 950 Kg
Another major challenge was reducing weight. The weight of every component was analyzed and reduced. The weight of the vehicle has been redistributed with the goal of improving weight distribution.

High-strength steel and lighter composite materials were used rather than traditional structural materials.

“Thanks to those innovations we've been able to increase the space for passengers to improve ergonomics and comfort. We've also reduced noise and vibrations to the minimum. The cockpit has likewise been redesigned to be more comfortable and ergonomic and have a larger field of vision. The new line of Hispa cold climate control devices is more compact, efficient and lighter. That lets us make the traveling experience in this new Irizar as comfortable as possible,” said the company.

A Smart Coach
“The i6S Efficient is a very efficient coach that is connected, safe and designed for the sustainable transport of the future. It has a new multiplexed architecture and communications protocol that can give self-diagnosis services in real time. Irizar technology makes preventive maintenance and online monitoring for remote diagnostics possible.

“With the connectivity systems developed by Datik, all the data and usage statistics for the vehicle are stored in the cloud to maximize profitability, optimize route planning and minimize maintenance costs.

“The i6S Efficient has the most advanced active safety systems for preventing accidents. Moreover, the vehicle has a reinforced structure that improves its response to torsion, flexing and head-on collisions, also improving its passive safety.

“We've increased and improved the driver's field of vision. In addition, the digital camera system gives a panoramic view in all conditions and situations, even at night or in the rain.

“Having the electronics in the central console, the accessibility of the controls and the virtual dashboard let drivers interact with the vehicle and quickly obtain all the information they need and administer the entertainment and comfort system.”

Exhaustive Studies And Aerodynamic Tests
“Like all Irizar buses and coaches, the i6S Efficient has been developed using the most advanced technology in design, materials, components and production processes. Fatigue and durability testing was done on it at one of the most prestigious research institutions in the world to ensure its reliability and quality.

“Exhaustive aerodynamic studies and tests using simulators and measurements in real circuits have shown an exceptional 30 percent improvement in the aerodynamic coefficient and a reduction of up to 13 percent in consumption and emissions. Those demanding tests are proof of the solutions that make the i6S Efficient a market leader in consumption and sustainability.”

Maximum Adaptation
“As always at Irizar, we adapt to the specific demands of each market and client. And we offer the possibility to personalize vehicles with endless configurations for either right or left hand driving.

“The i6S Efficient is prepared for diesel, biodiesel, natural gas, biogas, and it's designed to be adapted to future zero-emissions models. The versions adapted to each market will be presented in every country during 2022."

For more information, visit irizar.com.

CA’s SamTrans Declares May Older Americans Month

According to SamTrans, as San Mateo County, CA, recovers from the effects of COVID-19, SamTrans continues its commitment to providing quality service to senior citizens in the county.

“SamTrans recognizes how transportation enables access to services and activities that help older Americans preserve their dignity and independence. Our services help seniors make vital trips to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies and other important places.

“In aiding senior mobility and independence, SamTrans has a Senior Mobility program that helps seniors unfamiliar with transit services become educated and familiar with transit options and routes to shopping, medical appointments and entertainment.”

SamTrans operates 70 routes throughout San Mateo County, and has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.

Brian Hill Joins MCI As Private Market Regional Vice President

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., has announced Brian Hill has rejoined the organization as MCI private sector regional vice president, new and pre-owned coach sales, Midwest Region.

With over 20 years of experience on the MCI sales team, and based in Des Plaines, IL, Hill will be responsible for new and pre-owned coach sales to private operators in the Midwest region, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

"We are pleased to welcome Brian back to our team as he succeeds Richard DeYoung, who is set to retire in May,” said Patricia Ziska, vice president of Private Sector Sales, MCI. “Brian’s track record demonstrates extensive expertise in the motorcoach industry, as does his unparalleled commitment to building long-lasting relationships. Leveraging this experience, Brian will lead our Midwest private sector coach sales and support customer needs across an expanding and market-leading product range.”

Prior to rejoining MCI, Hill’s responsibilities spanned sales, customer management, support team leadership, and strategic planning. A four-time MCI sales award winner, his many accomplishments include expanding MCI’s pre-owned footprint in the Southeast market, and establishing long-standing partnerships with key operators across the region.

For more information, visit mcicoach.com.

Las Vegas RTC Kicks Off National Bike Month

During the month of May, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), Las Vegas, will celebrate with Bicycle Transit Systems and the Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition (SNVBC) to host community bike rides, bike safety and maintenance events, and mark the expansion of the RTC Bike Share system.

“Cycling safety and education is a critical part of how the RTC is helping to build a stronger, more accessible Southern Nevada,” said M.J. Maynard, RTC chief executive officer. “As an advocate for sustainable mobility options, I encourage the community to participate in Bike Month to support bicycle safety and transportation equity for all road users.”

Bike Month includes activities throughout May beginning with free 15-day Explorer passes on RTC Bike Share. Users can try out bike share for free until May 31 by using a promo code.

Other events continued at “First Friday” in downtown Las Vegas where visitors to the RTC Bike Share team’s booth could get a free bike helmet.

RTC Bike Share is also hosting a community ride through downtown Las Vegas, and a Bike to Work week.

To help the community stay safe and keep their bicycles in good riding condition all year long, RTC and SNVBC are hosting a Bike Safety and Maintenance event followed by a community ride.

Closing out the month, in partnership with the Southern Nevada Health District, the RTC will unveil a new RTC Bike Share station. It will feature a new type of docking station that combines the flexibility and streamlined infrastructure that cities and riders want.