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 2021 indicated vehicle imports were down in seven categories outlined, compared to February 2020. For the first two months of 2021, vehicles imports were down in eight categories, compared to the first two months of 2020.

The United States imported 94 vehicles in February 2021, down 49 percent from 184 vehicles for February 2020. For the first two months of 2021, the United States imported 224 vehicles, down 47 percent from 423 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

Canada sent 181 vehicles to the United States during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $286,224, down 11 percent from $320,173 for February 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2021 was $334,625, up 6 percent from $315,291 for the first two months of 2020.

The United States received one vehicle in February 2021, compared to two vehicles for February 2020. For the first two months of 2021, the United States imported three vehicles, compared to 98 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

The United States imported two vehicles from Canada and one from Germany during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle in February 2021 was $23,622, down 30 percent from $33,776 for February 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2021 was $240,362, compared to $49,573 for the first two months of 2020.

The United States imported two vehicles in this category during February 2021, compared to 34 for February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, two vehicles were imported, compared to 59 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

Two vehicles were imported from Canada, during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $504,336, up 95 percent from $259,125 for February 2020. The average price for the first two months of 2021 was also $504,336, up 97 percent from $255,446 for the first two months of 2020.

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during the first two months of 2021. Two vehicles were imported during February 2020, at an average price of $170,799. Three vehicles were received during the first two months of 2020, at an average price of $221,611.

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during February 2021 or February 2020. One vehicle was received during the first two months of 2020, at a price of $8,357.

The United States imported two vehicles during February 2021, down 83 percent from 12 vehicles for February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, 32 vehicles were received, up 7 percent from 30 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

China shipped 21 vehicles during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $367,199, compared to $41,500 for February 2020. The average price for the first two months of 2021 was $214,038, compared to $53,033 for the first two months of 2020.

The United States imported 13 vehicles during February 2021, compared to five vehicles for February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, 18 vehicles were imported, down 18 percent from 22 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

China sent 16 vehicles during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $9,251, down 4 percent from $9,648 for February 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2021 was $10,132, down 15 percent from $11,907 for the first two months of 2020.

The United States imported 107 vehicles during February 2021, down 40 percent from 178 vehicles for February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, 214 vehicles were received, down 19 percent from 265 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

Canada sent 213 vehicles to the United States during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $159,242, up 76 percent from $90,671 for February 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2021 was $158,458, up 49 percent from $106,660 for the first two months of 2020.

The United States imported 27 vehicles during February 2021, down 31 percent from 29 vehicles for February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, 64 vehicles were received, down 52 percent from 134 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

Canada sent 56 vehicles to the United States during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $38,858, down 10 percent from $43,293 for February 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2021 was $40,568, down 9 percent from $44,383 for the first two months of 2020.

EXPORTS

Export totals for February 2021 were down in three categories, compared to February 2020. Three categories also reported decreases for the first two months of 2021, compared to the first two months of 2020.

The United States exported 491 vehicles during February 2021, down 22 percent from 632 vehicles exported in February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, 816 vehicles were sent, down 15 percent from 964 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

Canada received 350 vehicles during the first two months of 2021, while Mexico imported 329 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $52,777, up 2 percent from $51,756 for February 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2021 was $51,969, down 11 percent from $58,284 for the first two months of 2020.

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

The United States shipped 64 vehicles in February 2021, compared to 11 vehicles for February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, 134 vehicles were exported, compared to 36 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

Mexico received 107 vehicles during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $6,537, down 61 percent from $16,803 for February 2020. The average price for the first two months of 2021 was $6,137, down 35 percent from $9,381 for the first two months of 2020.

The United States exported 30 vehicles in February 2021, down 84 percent from 191 vehicles for February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, 66 vehicles were sent, down 69 percent from 211 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

Mexico received 36 vehicles during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $21,350, down 23 percent from $27,658 for February 2020. The average price for the first two months of 2021 was $20,340, down 30 percent from $28,856 for the first two months of 2020.

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

The United States shipped 48 vehicles in February 2021, down 61 percent from 122 vehicles for February 2020. During the first two months of 2021, 104 vehicles were exported, down 54 percent from 226 vehicles for the first two months of 2020.

Canada received 101 vehicles during the first two months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for February 2021 was $71,247, up 7 percent from $66,384 for February 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first two months of 2021 was $47,607, down 10 percent from $52,875 for the first two months of 2020.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

Eberspächer Names ABC Companies Certified Service Partner

ABC Companies, provider of motorcoach, transit and specialty passenger transport equipment, parts, service and technical support in North America, has been designated as the Eberspächer Certified Service Partner for the United States.

“After an extensive vetting process, Eberspächer selected ABC Companies’ Speciality Vehicles and Technologies (SVT) division to provide Eberspächer customers a comprehensive range of service, parts and dedicated technical support. This new program is part of Eberspächer’s ongoing enhancements in customer satisfaction for motorcoach and transit customers, including emerging zero emissions electric vehicles (ZEV),” according to a press release.

“As a qualified Eberspächer service partner, ABC SVT and ABC Parts Source divisions will support Eberspächer HVAC systems within the OE and replacement markets, providing access to parts and service directly through a nationwide parts and service network. Offering numerous benefits including onsite repairs at customer locations, as well as mobile tech services, Eberspächer customers can access technical and field support services via a 24/7 customer care hotline. With access to a comprehensive online parts ordering system, and U.S.-based call center, customers can expect fast and convenient turnaround on Eberspächer components. ABC warranty claims specialists can also assist Eberspächer customers in warranty support and claims processing as required.”

“Customers trust ABC to support their needs for major repairs and overhauls to simple components, and we are excited to represent a quality tier one supplier like Eberspächer within our service offering, technical support and expansive parts inventory,” said Roman Cornell, president, ABC Companies. “We distribute numerous tier-one OEM and national aftermarket brands, so we understand the importance of providing high-quality components, delivered via a superior customer experience. We began working with Eberspächer in this capacity to provide field service assistance on Proterra buses, given our familiarity with Eberspächer and ZEV requirements. This created the synergy with our technicians, warranty and parts specialists to offer the knowledge and expertise necessary to help customers keep their fleets up and running including critical climate controls for passengers and drivers.”

John Gillis, ABC vice president parts source said, “We are proud to represent the Eberspächer brand, giving operators direct access to ABC’s established supply chain, nationwide network of parts hubs and warehouses, as well as proven support and service capabilities.”

“We believe that customer service starts at delivery, regardless of whether it is a motorcoach or a simple part. Being able to find, order, receive and be accurately billed seems basic, but consistently delivering is critical. Making sure we can answer any questions, and provide necessary support along the way, allows us to continually improve our service,” said Thom Peebles, ABC Companies/vice president marketing.

“Working with organizations like Eberspächer, that share our commitment to customer service, and can leverage our systems and processes, allows them to continue focusing on designing and manufacturing high quality components, while relying on a robust process to satisfy their customers, a real win-win,” added Cornell. “By aligning with new, innovative partners, we continue to develop a higher level of technical knowledge that can deliver greater operational efficiency and opportunity to transit and motorcoach operations. The ability to bring this expertise as a service to Eberspächer and its customers is something we see as a growing opportunity for other manufacturers and suppliers, and we are happy to be behind the scenes using our resources on their behalf.”

ABC Companies has diverse product and service offerings that cover operational needs, including new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment, along with transit specialty vehicles including battery electric vehicles. ABC supports customers with a comprehensive after-sale service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality.

For more information, call ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or visit www.abc-companies.com.

Freedman Seating Introduces SeatLink™ Seat Belt Warning System

Freedman Seating Company, manufacturer of transportation seating, has developed SeatLink™, a seat information tracking system powered by InterMotive Vehicle Controls, a manufacturer of electronic control systems.

“As federal and local regulations continue to advance transportation safety initiatives, including 3-point seat belt usage, SeatLink™ offers a practical extension to just offering seat belts. The system displays and tracks the occupancy and belt status of passenger seats and provides visual warnings for the driver,” according to a press release.

“Safety is our No. 1 priority,” said Dan Cohen, president of Freedman Seating Company. “We’ve maintained a commitment to develop products that exceed federal motor safety standards, and we’re excited to be able to offer SeatLink with our partner, InterMotive.”

The system will trigger an alert if an occupant sits, but does not buckle or buckles before sitting. The system also records and stores data that can be retrieved in case of an event.

“School bus drivers especially are responsible for maintaining the safety of our children,” said Cohen. “SeatLink gives the driver eyes in the back of his/her head.”

The system can be expanded to work in vehicles with up to 90 passengers. It can also be battery-powered, making the system retrofittable on older vehicles.

Installation is simple with plug-and-play connections. A downloadable app lets the user custom configure the seating layout on the head unit.

“With this exclusive product, Freedman can present a long-desired solution to the seat belt challenge,” said InterMotive President Greg Schafer. “Drivers need a way to ensure passengers are really wearing their seat belts.”

SeatLink™ is now available for purchase and can be integrated into most commercial and school buses. For more information, phone 800-443-4540 or email info@freedmanseating.com.

Founded in 1894, Freedman Seating is a family-owned and operated company. FSC designs, engineers, and manufactures products for markets including small bus, mid-size coach, heavy-duty transit, rail, marine, delivery truck, and paratransit. Freedman Seating is an ISO 9001 registered company.

InterMotive Vehicle Controls provides commercial safety and performance optimization products.

“Our plug and play electronic control systems leverage a vehicle’s own data networks to enhance its function in new ways. We specialize in custom solutions for transit, school bus, mobility and more.”

Call 800-969-6080 or visit www.intermotive.net.

TEMSA Introduces New TS30 At UMA Motorcoach Expo

“TEMSA has been distributing coaches in the U.S. market since 2010, and continues its success story today. UMA Motorcoach EXPO 2021 brought industry professionals from all corners of the world together in Orlando, FL. TEMSA offers new technology, design, and innovation. It exhibited a single vehicle and attracted the attention and appreciation of all participants, with its new TS30 redesigned motorcoach,” according to a press release.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE ON THE ROAD

“With more than 15,000 vehicles in 66 countries, TEMSA is reinforcing its position in the U.S. day by day. Entering the U.S. market in 2010, TEMSA continues to operate through the TEMSA North America (TNA) Company founded in 2018. TEMSA, which has managed to be one of the most important players in the industry by achieving a 10 percent market share where it operates, is an ‘automotive-focused technology company’ with over 1,000 vehicles in the U.S. The company considers the North American market one of its growth areas, and aims to bring the recently developed TS45 Electric Bus to the U.S. market."

NORTH AMERICA WILL BE A GROWTH ACCELERATOR

Tolga Kaan Doğancıoğlu, TEMSA CEO, said, "We are proud of having arrived at a successful point in a challenging market like the U.S. Besides, it is an important factor in identifying new targets for the upcoming period. We have analyzed the market, and determined the needs in an accurate fashion. The electric vehicles we produce, along with their technology, will soon hit the roads in different parts of the U.S., particularly the Silicon Valley. In the upcoming period, we aim to write greater success stories, especially in the North American market, through the new partnership of PPF and Skoda Transportation."

NEW TS30 ATTRACTS GREAT APPRECIATION

Fatih Kozan, TEMSA North America country director, emphasized that it is the 50th anniversary of UMA and said, "As in every year, we also took part at the expo this year with an innovative product, which brings design and technology together. Our TS30 vehicle has been the No. 1 choice of transport companies, providing services with high quality standards in the market, as a high-end product that has never been in the travel/motorcoach segment. Our model, which we have enriched through new equipment, gained the appreciation of all operators. We believe that we will bring our sales performance in the market to higher levels thanks to our new product that stands out with its sturdiness and low operational cost."

For more information, visit temsa.com.

SamTrans (CA) Providing Service To Campuses As They Reopen

SamTrans (San Mateo County, CA) is partnering with school districts throughout San Mateo County to provide bus service to campuses as they reopen. As the (COVID-19) pandemic subsides, the agency remains committed to providing students with access to a safe and convenient ride to school.

Ongoing best practices for protecting against COVID-19 complicate this process, as SamTrans said it cannot maintain all of its routes that traditionally serve schools to the same degree as before, while also practicing social distancing, so the agency is first focusing on service to neighborhoods with the highest public transportation needs.

The process of restoring service starts with a request from the school district. From there, SamTrans evaluates the ability to provide service with the current bus and operator availability, and will integrate routes into service through its service revision process.

Xpress Opens Hickory Grove Park & Ride Lot

The Atlanta-Region (GA) Transit Link Authority (ATL) has opened its new Hickory Grove Park & Ride lot. Xpress operates 29 routes in 12 metro Atlanta counties that carry more than 1.8 million passenger trips annually to and from major employment centers in Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter Center.

Prior to the lot’s official opening, the ATL will host a ribbon cutting event.

REV Group Announces Expanded Sourcing And Supply Chain Team

REV Group®, designer and manufacturer of specialty vehicle brands, announces four appointments to its global sourcing and supply chain team, representing the Fire & Emergency and Commercial and Recreation segments. All four directors will report to Rob Vislosky, chief supply officer, with a matrix reporting to the group presidents.

Andrew Conway has joined REV Group as director of global sourcing & supply chain for the fire group of the Fire & Emergency segment. Conway was previously managing director (U.S. operations) for SAK Logistics. Prior, he worked for Continental Automotive Systems as the director of purchasing, procurement & quality; Siemens VDO Automotive as director of purchasing & supplier quality management; and, he held leadership positions at Meridian Technologies and Diamond Aircraft Industries. He received a B.A. in management and operations from the University of Newfoundland, a B.A. from Strayer University of Pennsylvania, as well as a commercial pilot’s license from Shearwater School of Aviation in Nova Scotia. In addition to Rob Vislosky, he will matrix report to Kent Tyler, president, REV Fire Group.

Kipp Podlewski has been hired as director of global sourcing & supply chain for the ambulance group of the Fire & Emergency segment. Podlewski comes from Harley-Davidson Motor Company where he spent nearly 24 years in various roles. Most recently, he was director, global logistics and trade, where he was responsible for the strategy and operational performance of Harley-Davidson’s global warehousing, transportation, and trade compliance functions, as well as parts & accessories supply chain management. He holds a BBA in supply management from Western Michigan University, and an MBA in general business from Marquette University. Further to reporting to Rob Vislosky, he will matrix report to Anoop Prakash, president, REV Ambulance Group.

Rick Doub has joined REV Group as director of global sourcing & supply chain for the Commercial segment. Prior to REV Group, he was director of operations at L3Harris Technologies, where he was responsible for all aspects of the manufacturing assembly, supply chain, engineering, quality, EHS, facilities and maintenance functions. He has extensive experience within the aerospace and mining equipment industry with a background managing all aspects of procurement, purchasing, supplier quality and manufacturing operations. He received a master of manufacturing management and a B.S. in physics from The Pennsylvania State University. Doub is also a certified supply chain professional (CSCP), and holds a six sigma green belt certification.

Reporting directly to Rob Vislosky, he will also matrix report into Brian Perry, president, REV Commercial segment.

Ed Hulbert has been appointed as director of global sourcing & supply chain for the Recreation segment. Most recently, he was the director of supply chain for REV’s Recreation segment located in Decatur, IN. His success in this role included a 75 percent improvement on shortage reduction process, annual material cost reductions of $8-$10 million, and restructured material delivery to reduce damage over $250K year on year.

Before joining REV Group, he was the distribution and planning manager at C&M Fine Pack Inc., and the corporate logistics and compliance manager at Arden Companies. He holds a B.B.A. in operations management from the University of Toledo. Hulbert will report to Rob Vislosky and matrix report to Mike Lanciotti, president, REV Recreation segment.

“I am pleased to welcome Andrew, Kipp, Rick and Ed to REV Group’s Global Sourcing and Supply Chain team,” said Rob Vislosky. “All have extensive experience within the automotive and commercial vehicle OEM and aftermarket industries, and success in managing all aspects of procurement, purchasing and supplier quality. Their appointments are key in our maturing of REV Group’s procurement and supply chain capabilities.”

REV Group® is a designer and manufacturer of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services. For more information, visit revgroup.com.