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 December 2020 indicated vehicle imports were down in seven categories outlined, compared to December 2019. For all of 2020, vehicles imports were also down in seven categories, compared to all of 2019.

The United States imported 105 vehicles in December 2020, down 68 percent from 331 vehicles for December 2019. For all of 2020, the United States imported 1,543 vehicles, down 48 percent from 2,952 vehicles for all of 2019.

Canada sent 1,141 vehicles to the United States during all of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for December 2020 was $340,387.50, down 6 percent from $362,880.60 for December 2019. The average price per vehicle for all of 2020 was $286,603.30, down 11 percent from $322,088.20 for all of 2019.

8702106100 Public-Transport Passenger Vehicles For Transport Of 10 Or More Persons With Only Comp-Ign Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel), Other

The United States received no vehicles in December 2020, compared to 137 vehicles for December 2019, at an average price of $46,165.53. For all of 2020, the United States imported 144 vehicles, compared to 1,417 vehicles for all of 2019.

The United States imported 115 vehicles from Germany during all of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for all of 2020 was $74,727.59, up 74 percent from $42,999.77 for all of 2019.

The United States imported one vehicle in this category during December 2020, compared to 13 vehicles during December 2019. During all of 2020, 209 vehicles were imported, down 18 percent from 254 vehicles for all of 2019.

All the vehicles were imported from Canada, during all of 2020.

The price per one vehicle for December 2020 was $220,463, down 8 percent from the average price of $240,184 for December 2019. The average price for all of 2020 was $250,930.78, up 9 percent from $230,502.76 for all of 2019.

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during December 2020 or December 2019. Six vehicles were imported during all of 2020, compared to two vehicles for all of 2019.

Canada sent three vehicles, while Italy exported two vehicles and Mexico one vehicle, during all of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for all of 2020 was $113,206.50, compared to $15,200 for all of 2019.

The United States imported one vehicle in this category during December 2020, at a price of $6,500, compared to two vehicles for December 2019, at an average price of $13,116. Five vehicles were imported during all of 2020, compared to three vehicles for all of 2019.

The United Kingdom shipped four vehicles to the United States during all of 2020, while Japan sent one vehicle.

The average price for all of 2020 was $6,837.40, down 62 percent from $17,905.67 for all of 2019.

The United States imported one vehicle during December 2020, at a price of $255,250, compared to six vehicles for December 2019, at an average price of $339,659.67. During all of 2020, 136 vehicles were imported, down 70 percent from 453 vehicles for all of 2019.

Canada sent 67 vehicles during all of 2020, while China shipped 55 vehicles.

The average price for all of 2020 was $222,260.28, up 65 percent from $134,497.69 for all of 2019.

The United States imported no vehicles during December 2020, compared to 16 vehicles for December 2019, at an average price of $6,499.06. During all of 2020, 74 vehicles were imported, down 42 percent from 128 vehicles for all of 2019.

China sent all of the vehicles during all of 2020.

The average price for all of 2020 was $9,372.03, up 14 percent from $8,196.30 for all of 2019.

The United States imported 107 vehicles during December 2020, up 67 percent from 64 vehicles for December 2019. During all of 2020, 1,306 vehicles were received, down 11 percent from 1,463 vehicles for all of 2019.

Canada sent 1,299 vehicles to the United States during all of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for December 2020 was $99,971.79, down 31 percent from $143,914.98 for December 2019. The average price per vehicle for all of 2020 was $89,244.54, up 6 percent from $83,929 for all of 2019.

The United States imported 78 vehicles during December 2020, down 66 percent from 230 vehicles for December 2019. During all of 2020, 769 vehicles were received, down 54 percent from 1,678 vehicles for all of 2019.

Canada sent 604 vehicles to the United States during all of 2020, while Germany exported 105 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for December 2020 was $46,634, down 6 percent from $49,822.85 for December 2019. The average price per vehicle for all of 2020 was $43,911.54, down 3 percent from $44,295.43 for all of 2019.

EXPORTS

Export totals for December 2020 were up in two categories, compared to December 2019. For all of 2020, two categories also reported increases, compared to all of 2019.

The United States exported 556 vehicles during December 2020, down 19 percent from 689 vehicles exported in December 2019. During all of 2020, 7,174 vehicles were sent, down 9 percent from 7,868 vehicles for all of 2019.

Canada received 4,068 vehicles during all of 2020, while Mexico imported 2,149 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for December 2020 was $48,419.35, down 35 percent from $74,278.15 for December 2019. The average price per vehicle for all of 2020 was $67,683.86, down 1 percent from $68,299.54 for all of 2019.

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

The United States shipped 66 vehicles in December 2020, compared to 14 vehicles for December 2019. During all of 2020, 492 vehicles were exported, compared to 2,242 vehicles for all of 2019.

Canada received 208 vehicles during all of 2020, while Mexico imported 169 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for December 2020 was $6,664.27, down 29 percent from $9,378.57 for December 2019. The average price for all of 2020 was $38,747.39, up 40 percent from $27,673.66 for all of 2019.

The United States exported 46 vehicles in December 2020, up 100 percent from 23 vehicles for December 2019. During all of 2020, 470 vehicles were sent, up 54 percent from 306 vehicles for all of 2019.

Mexico received 293 vehicles during all of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for December 2020 was $36,743.07, up 42 percent from $25,807.65 for December 2019. The average price for all of 2020 was $29,621.85, down 6 percent from $31,628.34 for all of 2019.

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

The United States shipped eight vehicles in December 2020, compared to 92 vehicles for December 2019. During all of 2020, 2,132 vehicles were exported, compared to 868 vehicles for all of 2019.

Canada received 2,092 vehicles during all of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for December 2020 was $339,507.25, compared to $30,612.61 for December 2019. The average price per vehicle for all of 2020 was $38,894.01, up 29 percent from $30,213.55 for all of 2019.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

From ABC Companies
Lightning Emotors EV Repowered Coach In San Francisco

ABC Companies, provider of motorcoach, transit and specialty passenger transport equipment in the United States and Canada, has delivered its first-ever repowered diesel-to-electric motorcoach to one of Silicon Valley’s largest battery-electric fleet commuter operators.

“Together with its industry-leading partner, Lightning eMotors, the company has achieved a successful proof-of-concept — creating a cost-effective, sustainable path to EV fleet adoption via a proprietary ZEV Repower approach,” said ABC Companies.

“ABC is committed to streamlining the move to EV for customers that are ready to integrate now,” said Roman Cornell, president and chief commercial officer of ABC Companies. “With this successful proof-of-concept in market and in service, we’ve demonstrated the feasibility of lowering EV market cost of entry by bringing a unique solution to extend the value and working life of an existing asset. Similar to the many repower programs ABC has completed using updated diesel engines, this is simply the next evolution of a robust process we have used many times before. The importance of this milestone is to help owners discover a significantly more affordable option that repurposes existing assets in a timely, cost-effective way. We believe it’s a really novel approach to carbon neutrality, that’s available to them right now.”

Multi-Vehicle Repower Options Available Now.

As an authorized Lightning eMotors exclusive partner and certified Lightning eMotors zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) repower kit installer, ABC can provide a full range of motorcoach zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) repower options, as well as repower for many popular shuttle vans and cutaway applications including the Lightning Ford Transit passenger van, E-450 and F-550 chassis.

“The Lightning eMotors portfolio provides a great fit for ABC and our customers,” Cornell said. “Many of our customers utilize these smaller vehicles for various short distance routes, such as airport runs and hotel shuttles, as well as last-mile services for smaller groups. These vehicles can offer a lower-cost stepping stone (versus full size motorcoach) to EV integration as fleet owners work to get back on the road. We are ready to help them identify vehicles for repower or choose from our OEM EV product line, as we also continue to support their traditional equipment and operational needs.

“Expanding product options and price points for customers is a core business focus for ABC in 2021,” Cornell said. “EVs will play a pivotal role in our portfolio diversification. We are actively seeking partners for collaboration that are like-minded in creating growth for the industry. We have the potential to connect our customers to a broader range of platforms that harness technology and innovative solutions to help enable their growth and sustainability.”

About (ZEV) Repowered Motorcoaches

The first project consisted of a 2012 Van Hool T2145, which was converted to full-battery electric capability with collaboration between ABC and Lightning eMotors — a developer of zero-emission electric drivetrains for commercial vehicle fleets. The repowered motorcoach can be seen cruising throughout south San Francisco as it provides employee commuter shuttle service in the area. With a range up to 200 miles, the repowered coach provides riders with the ultimate passenger experience offering clean, quiet, zero-emissions transport to their workplace, while taking numerous cars off the road.

For more information about the ABC repower process, visit abc-companies.com/repowered.

Trans/Air Announces The Arrival Of Premium 4-Layer Anti-Microbial Filters

“Trans/Air has recently joined forces with Freudenberg Filtration Technologies to provide world class proprietary filtration technology to the bus and transit markets. It proves to be 99.9 percent effective at inactivating viruses such as swine flu and Coronaviruses when in contact with the special active layer,” said the company.

How does it work?

• Layers 1 & 2 — Top performance particle filter: Patented multilayer design, stops fine dust and microorganisms like fungal spores;

• Layer 3 — Top performance activated carbon: Carbon layer that protects against harmful gases and emissions; and,

• Layer 4 — Functional layer: Superior long-term effect against air floating allergens on unique fruit extract basis.

“This design has minimal effect on air flow and cooling capacity. The filter is coated with a citrus-based organic extract.

“The filter comes in two sizes: Bus Cabin Air and Ford Transit OEM Air, which joins the Whiff! Chlorine Dioxide Generator in our Safer/Aire line of products that help keep air space, buses, and facilities clean.”

Visit www.transairmfg.com for more information.

Covid-19: Valeo Equips Buses And Coaches With An Air Purifier Capable Of Eliminating More Than 95% Of Viruses

Paris, September 24, 2020 – Valeo has developed the world's most powerful air sterilization system for bus and coach cabins. Upon activation, the system eliminates, in a single airflow cycle, more than 95% of viruses, including Covid-19, as well as any bacteria or mold present in the air circulating in the cabin.

Irrespective of the source of infection, whether inside or outside the vehicle, the Valeo-designed modules are effective throughout the vehicle's journey with passengers onboard.

The Valeo devices are available as a standalone solution box or they can be directly integrated into the vehicle’s air conditioning systems. They use ultraviolet light technology, similar to that used in medical and hospital facilities. The UV rays work as both a bactericide and a germicide and can kill microbes such as viruses and pathogens. The rays stop these microbes from spreading and can be used as an alternative to other disinfection methods, avoiding the use of chemical products.

Valeo has created a unique solution integrating a UV light provided by one of the leading global experts in the technology, and a “light labyrinth”, which blocks the UV rays from spreading outside of the metal box, ensuring that passengers are never exposed to them. Only the air circulating in the ventilation box is purified by the light.

On July 10, 2020, the Institute of Medical Virology at the Goethe University Hospital in Frankfurt confirmed the technology's virucidal efficacy.

The Valeo solution has recently been integrated as original equipment in vehicles manufactured by a Brazilian bus maker. It is designed to be compatible with buses and coaches of all types and sizes, air-conditioned or not. Valeo now plans to bring these systems to markets in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Valeo’s air purifiers will also be offered to operators of vehicles already on the road, as they can be adapted to existing ventilation systems or retrofitted to non air-conditioned vehicles.

Valeo is also working to roll out this technology to passenger vehicles. For more information, visit valeo-thermalbus.com/us.

Agency News

JTA “Wellness on Wheels” Mobile Vaccination Service

The Jacksonville ( FL) Transportation Authority (JTA) and Agape Family Health launched “Wellness on Wheels,” a mobile vaccination service to bring the COVID-19 vaccine directly to seniors and at-risk citizens throughout Jacksonville.

Wellness on Wheels will tour the city of Jacksonville through at least June, targeting areas where there are gaps in health equity. Vaccinations will be distributed by Agape health care professionals and in accordance with local and state rules, and only to eligible populations.

Cincinnati Metro Celebrates Operators On Transit Driver Appreciation Day

In honor of Transit Driver Appreciation Day on March 18, Cincinnati (OH) Metro joined transit agencies across the country in celebrating the work of its nearly 600 Metro and Access operators.

Metro board members, staff and friends gathered on Cincinnati’s Government Square, the transit agency’s busiest transfer location, to hold signs showing their appreciation for Metro and Access operators. Festivities were also held in each operation’s facility featuring a DJ for musical entertainment, snacks and tokens of appreciation.

New Transit Center For Laketran

Laketran, Lake County, OH, has opened a new transit center with charging infrastructure, preparing to deploy Ohio’s first battery-operated electric buses this summer.

The Frank J. Polivka Transit Center at Lakeland Community College opened March 15, creating a central hub for Laketran, improving access to higher education and training, while preparing for the arrival of Ohio’s first battery-operated electric bus fleet later this year.

The new building features an indoor waiting area, accessible real-time information, public restrooms, Wi-Fi, and charging infrastructure for the agency’s battery-operated electric bus fleet.

Laketran anticipates the transit center will serve 65,000 commuters annually between the local fixed route, Park-n-Ride and Campus Loop services. In 2019, Laketran provided over 30,000 trips to Lakeland Community College students alone, using the local route service.

TX’s Trinity Metro Offers Free Rides To Vaccinations

Trinity Metro (Ft. Worth, TX) is among the agencies providing free rides to COVID-19 vaccination sites.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this additional option for residents to receive vaccines,” said President and CEO Bob Baulsir. “Tarrant County has been a great partner in the effort to provide free rides to vaccination sites.”

SanUVAire’s 360™ Provides Continuous Inaction Of Harmful Pathogens

SanUVAire 360™, the leader in air quality solutions for the public transportation industry, launches the latest addition to its product line. SanUVAire 360™ is not just a product, it is a portfolio suite tailored to your needs, with a plan to protect against harmful pathogens in the new age of pandemics, to detect by continuous monitoring, to respond with state-of-the-art comprehensive technological coverage, and to recover fully and effectively with the greatest return on investment.

The SanUVAire 360™ portfolio suite implemented into any public transport vehicle, whether a bus, train, ship, or airplane provides CONTINUOUS INACTIVATION of harmful pathogens, while maintaining a chemical and ozone free compartment, all without the need for reapplication.

Air is the most important environmental element we rely on every moment to survive, including, and especially, in spaces where the public congregates for daily routine needs such as traveling to and from work on a bus or rail car. This necessity has created a familiar, common place inside vehicle cabins where occupants want to feel safe. Under the direction of SanUVAire’s CEO, innovator Chad Sleiman, SanUVAire has launched the most comprehensive product portfolio to create continuous inactivation of harmful pathogens in the air and on surfaces within the confines of public transport compartments.

Since the onset of the current worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, public transportation and other marketplaces have been inundated with pop-up products claiming to provide safe air and sanitized surfaces. New and veteran companies alike have fleetingly rolled out product without sufficient testing and accreditation. Many tout claims without having any expertise in air purification, surface sanitation, UVGI technology, or transit applications, but rely on company history and name to promote product. SanUVAire, however, specializes in air quality and UVGI technology, and has over 60 years of combined expertise, engineering efforts, and talent. The launch of the SanUVAire 360™ system is the result of those many years of research and development prior to the current pandemic, not as a result of the pandemic, and is a testament to SanUVAire’s expertise in UVGI technology, its solutions, and its target public transportation market.

The SanUVAire 360™ introduces the plan first, to protect, detect, then to respond and recover. It is a full circle, 360-degree approach to air quality with a derivative methodology to surfaces. The plan is founded on UVGI technology principles, an all-angle implementation, and includes air purification, coil disinfection, surface sterilization, air filtration, and air quality monitoring. Not only is the approach all-encompassing, but it is provided by a company focused on air quality with a tried, tested and accredited UVGI product line. No other company provides this complete and comprehensive approach with the expertise that SanUVAire offers.

SanUVAire 360™ is the only portfolio suite on the market TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS INACTIVATION of harmful pathogens, including COVID-19, without the need for any reapplication, while providing a chemical and ozone free environment. To breathe safe and breathe clean, to build the greatest and safest protection against harmful pathogens, SanUVAire 360™ is the only unmatched line of attack. Visit SanUVAire.com.

Air is Life, SanUV 'Air'e for Better Life.

BYD Buses And Coaches For New Mexico

BYD buses and coaches are headed to New Mexico thanks to a statewide purchase agreement made public in mid-February.

“Listed on the agreement are BYD's 30-foot K7M, the 35-foot K8M, the 40-foot K9M, and the 60-foot K11M, the first articulated bus to successfully complete the Federal Transit Administration reliability test. Motor coaches included in the agreement are the 23-foot C6M, 40-foot C9M, and 45-foot C10M,” said BYD.

“BYD is the first battery-electric bus manufacturer that has both a unionized workforce and a Community Benefits Agreement, which sets goals for hiring veterans, single parents, second chance citizens, and others facing hurdles in obtaining manufacturing employment.”

For more information, contact byd.com.

Amaya-Astron Offers Antimicrobial Fabric Treatments On All Fabrics, All Seat Models

“Amaya-Astron Seating (based in Mexico City) continues its long-standing position as the premier seat manufacturer for the North American Motorcoach industry. As the world changed with the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, Amaya changed, too, by adapting its production and design protocols to fit the requirements for not only safety, but health too. We now provide antimicrobial treatments for all the fabrics on all seat models manufactured today,” said Amaya-Astron.

“We have 13-plus years producing 3-point seat belts to meet FMVSS, NHTSA, and DOT regulations and requirements on all models of seats available to North American coach manufacturers. Amaya’s engineering and production departments focus on, not only meeting, but exceeding these safety standards/requirements as well as designing and building the most comfortable seats available to the market today. These seat models include: the GT, A-220, SIGMA, and the newest model, the Alpha.

“Our goal is to provide the safest and most comfortable seats for motorcoach manufacturers, operators, and passengers. Seats are designed for safety, built for comfort, and now are helping to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus with the treatment of all fabrics with an antimicrobial solution.”

According to the company, Amaya-Astron Seating is constantly striving to improve its manufacturing processes by working together with all departments in order to offer the best seats available to the motorcoach industry. From engineering and research and development to production, shipping, and quality control departments, Amaya’s goal is 100 percent customer satisfaction.

Amaya-Astron seats come with a 3-year warranty from the factory.

“Amaya-Astron seats focus on ergonomic design in order to add to overall seat comfortability. All seat models now feature a thinner seat back design in order to increase passenger leg room. Amaya offers a variety of different fabric and upholstery options, from flat-woven to plush-fabrics to vinyl and leather, which include stylish designs or solid colors. There are many options and accessories available including automatic foot rests, grab handles, airline-style and flip-up tray tables, cup holders, mesh magazine pockets, and 110V outlets. Amaya-Astron also offers luxury-seating options such as the 2+1 seats.

“Offering a variety of different seat models and types is just one of the many ways Amaya-Astron works to keep ahead of the market. Amaya proudly stands behind its seats by providing the best in aftermarket sales and service support.”

To learn more, contact North American sales representatives Bob Greene (bgreene45@cox.net), Jeff Goldwasser (interiors@jeffgoldwasser.com) and Donovan Albarran, vice president of export sales, (donovan@amaya-astron.com.mx).

Visit Amaya-Astron at www.amaya-astronseating.com, which offers an English language version.