November 2018 Summary

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 September 2018 indicated vehicle imports were up in three categories outlined, compared to August 2018.

The United States imported 176 vehicles in September 2018, up 102 percent from 87 vehicles for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 1,640 vehicles were imported.

During the first nine months of 2018, Canada sent 705 vehicles to the United States, while Mexico exported 405 and Macedonia shipped 399.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $382,508.10, up 6 percent from the average price for August 2018 of $359,686.40. The average price for the first nine months of 2018 was $398,675.04.

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 458 vehicles in September 2018, up 218 percent from 144 vehicles for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 1,432 vehicles were imported.

Argentina shipped 729 vehicles during the first nine months of 2018, while Germany sent 681.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $41,007.78, down 12 percent from the average price for August 2018 of $46,634.07. The average price for the first nine months of 2018 was $43,216.70.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Comp-Ign Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel), And Electric Motor Designed For Transport Of 16 Or More Persons

The United States received no vehicles during August and September 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, five vehicles were imported.

Macedonia and Canada sent two vehicles each, while Belgium shipped one, during the first nine months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $509,146.80.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles For Transport Of 10 Or More Persons With Comp-Ign Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel), And Electric

No vehicles in this category were imported during the first nine months of 2018.

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

No vehicles in this category were imported during the first nine months of 2018.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Both Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine and Electric Motor for 10 to 15 Persons

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during August or September 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, Japan shipped one vehicle at a price of $10,325.

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

The United States imported two vehicles during September 2018, the same as for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 17 vehicles were imported.

China shipped 12 vehicles during the first nine months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $185,218, up 399 percent from $37,150 for August 2018. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $186,095.47.

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

The United States imported two vehicles in this category during September 2018, down 67 percent from six vehicles for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 61 vehicles were imported, all from China.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $15,611, up 79 percent from $8,713.33 for August 2018. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $8,413.52.

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

The United States imported 133 vehicles during September 2018, up 8 percent from 123 vehicles for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 937 vehicles were imported

Canada sent 913 vehicles to the United States during the first nine months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $59,928.40, up 8 percent from $55,554.44 for August 2018. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $72,563.19.

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

The United States imported 133 vehicles during September 2018, down 11 percent from 150 for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 1,262 vehicles were imported.

Canada sent 668 vehicles to the United States during the first nine months of 2018, while Germany exported 548 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $47,665.60, down 1 percent from $48,386.31 for August 2018. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $45,993.96.

EXPORTS

Export totals for September 2018 were down in three categories, compared to August 2018.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With A Compression-Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel) Only

The United States exported 805 vehicles during September 2018, down 35 percent from 1,241 vehicles exported in August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 7,015 vehicles were exported.

Canada received 4,434 vehicles during the first nine months of 2018, while Mexico imported 1,247.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $89,879.55, down 1 percent from the average price per vehicle for August 2018 of $91,039.31. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $80,888.63.

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

The United States shipped 122 vehicles in September 2018, up 369 percent from 26 vehicles for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 438 vehicles were exported.

Venezuela imported 223 vehicles during the first nine months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $4,684.02, down 56 percent from the average price per vehicle for August 2018 of $10,757.58. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $18,462.89.

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

The United States exported 22 vehicles in September 2018, down 48 percent from 42 vehicles for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 232 vehicles were exported.

Mexico received 79 vehicles during the first nine months of 2018, while Canada imported 34.

The average price per vehicle for September 2018 was $28,861.86, down 10 percent from the average price per vehicle for August 2018 of $32,027.67. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $33,912.89.

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

The United States shipped one vehicle in September 2018, down 83 percent from six vehicles for August 2018. During the first nine months of 2018, 46 vehicles were exported.

Canada received 10 vehicles during the first nine months of 2018, while Germany imported eight.

The price of the vehicle for September 2018 was $550,176, up significantly from the average price per vehicle for August 2018 of $35,734. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2018 was $157,423.24.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

BYD Continues U.S. Investment With New $5 Million Warehouse Facility

BYD (Build Your Dreams) has completed its latest U.S. investment, a new $5 million, 100,000-square-foot warehouse for its Lancaster, CA, manufacturing plant. This is the firm’s fourth expansion of its current manufacturing campus in Los Angeles County, bringing its total investment in Lancaster facilities to more than $53 million.

“BYD’s latest investment to boost efficiency and production, in order to meet increasingly high demand for its vehicles, is just one example of what the company has done and continues to do for our local, regional and national economies,” said city of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “BYD’s strong sense of corporate citizenship and continued investment has resulted in a better quality of life for those living in Lancaster, as well as the surrounding areas.”

According to a press release, “The new warehouse provides additional space and the ability to further streamline the handling of materials and supplies. It also frees up space on BYD’s adjacent 450,000-square-foot manufacturing plant floor, allowing for greater production and operational efficiencies.”

Bobby Hill, vice president of BYD North America, Coach and Bus, said, “We have the capacity to produce up to 1,500 battery-electric buses a year, which will go a long way toward creating a cleaner climate and a quieter, more efficient way to travel. BYD has delivered more than 270 buses in North America, with an additional 80-plus buses in current production, and 300 bus orders, with options that could double that number."

Since it first opened in 2013, the Lancaster manufacturing plant has grown from 106,000 square feet, and a workforce of a few dozen, to a facility that now covers more than a half million square feet, and employs more than 820 workers. The firm said it is the only electric vehicle manufacturer in the U.S. to have an all-union workforce, and an exceptionally diverse team of employees.

The company has invested in the purchase of an additional 150 acres of land near its Lancaster manufacturing plant, and is planning service/maintenance centers across the U.S.

“BYD has invested more than $250 million in the region to date, including some $53 million in the Lancaster facilities. The firm’s battery-electric, zero-emission buses not only meet but also exceed all current and future stated FTA Buy America requirements, incorporating 70 percent-plus U.S. content. BYD is projected to spend over $50 million this year with U.S. vendors."

BYD said it is committed to hiring locally, and from communities that are typically under represented in manufacturing, including second-chance employees, veterans, women and people of color. BYD’s workforce is comprised of 85 percent minority employees.

For more information, visit www.byd.com.

Prevost Opens New Service Center In Florida

Prevost, a member of the Volvo Group, has opened a new service center in Orlando, FL.

Prevost said, “With this addition, the company’s Parts And Service Network is growing again after the opening of four new service centers in North America last year. Now, with 15 service locations, Prevost has strengthened its network even more. In addition, the service network is supported by more than 190 bus-certified Volvo Truck locations.

“The Orlando service center, which opened for business at the end of August, supports the local economy as it required investments of $6 million, and plans to hire up to 50 employees. It is a full-service facility, and is staffed by technicians who are factory trained to work on Prevost, Nova Bus and Volvo motorcoaches, as well as other motorcoach brands.”

Håkan Agnevall, president of Volvo Buses, said, “The efforts and investments we make in continually expanding our network of service centers reflect the importance the Volvo Group places on our American customer base. We aim, not only to satisfy our customers by providing quality, reliable and sustainable coaches, but also by providing better access to the best services.”

François Tremblay, vice president and general manager for Prevost, said, “The opening of this service center is a new demonstration of our commitment to get closer to our customers, meet their needs efficiently and better serve them. The Orlando location brings the total of Prevost owned and operated service centers to 15.”

“Our goal is to ensure that our customers have access to our services easily. Thus, by growing the number of service centers, and combining them with our fleet of mobile vans, we’re offering to our customers more options, more accessibility and more flexibility,” said Randy Castillo, services network director for Prevost.

Prevost is a manufacturer of premium intercity touring coaches, and produces conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion.

For more information, visit www.prevostcar.com.

Dean Trailways Takes Delivery Of 2 New 2018 Van Hool CX45 Coaches

Headquartered in Lansing, MI, Dean Trailways recently took delivery of two new 2018 Van Hool CX45 coaches. The coaches are equipped with Cummins engines, Wi-Fi, satellite TV and outlets with USB ports, etc.

Dean Trailways operates 34 vehicles, ranging from black-car service to 56-passenger motorcoaches. Its services include line runs, charters and casino trips, as well as travel for educational institutions, sporting events, church groups and tour groups. It is family-owned and operated, and led by Kellie Dean and his two sons, Patrick and Christopher.

Founded in 1994, Dean Trailways originated as an extension of the company’s long-standing Dean Transportation business, with which it has operated over 1,500 school buses across the state of Michigan since the mid-1950s. Dean Transportation’s focus is on transporting Michigan’s special needs students. In the early 1990s, Dean began transporting students to the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, and the Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint, from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As these students were required to travel long distances, there was a need for amenities including bathrooms, as well as other comfort and functional amenities. Dean Trailways was formed to fill those needs by offering coaches as part of its fleet lineup. Since it began purchasing coaches in the early 1990’s, the company has grown its fleet to 25 motorcoaches today.

Dean Trailways has worked with ABC Companies since the introduction of the Van Hool CX model in 2014. Today, the company operates eight CX45s as well as one CX35, and adds Van Hools to its fleet as replacement coaches, maintaining its late model fleet. When asked what he liked most about the CX models, Patrick Dean, vice president of Dean Trailways said, “The CX models have come to offer some standard amenities that are a premium option on others. We take great pride in offering our riders the most amenities and best riding experience possible, and these coaches offer exactly what we need.”

Dean added that his experience working with ABC Companies, the exclusive distributor of Van Hool coaches, as another reason for its fleet change. “We have been very happy with the reliability and support provided from everyone at ABC. They excel beyond the product purchase in follow-up and support, and truly understand the value of building solid relationships.”

Pete Bachrach, senior account manager with ABC Companies, described the Dean family as a true class act. “The family is always flexible and willing to look at options which provide a better end-product for its riders. They are such a pleasure to work with, and we are honored that they have chosen to work with ABC over the past few years.”

The company is an active member of Trailways, the United Motorcoach Association, the American Bus Association, the National School Transportation Association, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and the Michigan Small Business Association.

ABC Companies offers products and services including new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment, transit and specialty vehicles. ABC has an after sale service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and after market parts needs for transit, motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment from 10 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

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

TX’s Denton County Transportation Authority Takes Delivery Of 12 Spirit Of Independence Low-Floor Buses From ARBOC

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC (ARBOC), a U.S. subsidiary of the NFI Group Inc., has delivered fully accessible low-floor Spirit of Independence® (Independence) buses to Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) in Texas. The order for 12 buses was secured by Creative Bus Sales (CBS).

“The new body-on-chassis (cutaway) buses will enhance 10 fixed-route services in Denton and Lewisville, TX, and demand/response paratransit services in Frisco and Highland Village, TX.

“ARBOC is proud to support DCTA’s growing fleet with equal mobility solutions,” said Don Roberts, president of ARBOC. “We commend the agency for operating an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant fleet.”

"The fully accessible low-floor Independence provides a single, wide entrance, and contains no steps throughout the bus. The 96-inch-wide body offers easy maneuverability inside the bus for up to 15 ambulatory, or five wheelchair passengers,” according to a press release.

“Creative Bus Sales is proud to work with Denton County as it expands its fleet,” said Brent Roy, regional sales manager for CBS. “DCTA will be pleased with the dependability and low cost of ownership the Independence promises, and the accessibility and efficiency for which ARBOC products are known.”

In addition to fixed-route and paratransit services, DCTA operates a 21-mile A-train commuter rail system, Highland Village Connect Shuttle, Access service, Collin County Transit, North Texas Xpress (in partnership with Trinity Metro), Denton Enterprise Airport On-Demand, Campus Shuttle service for the University of North Texas and North Central Texas College, Frisco Demand-Response and vanpool service.

Nearly 70 percent of North America’s low-floor cutaway buses are manufactured by ARBOC, said the company.

Further information is available at www.arbocsv.com.

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., has begun to deliver Commuter Coaches to NJ TRANSIT in year three of a six-year contract with the agency.

“The MCI Commuter Coaches are powered by clean diesel which reduces exhaust emissions as required by the latest Clean Air Act amendments. They also feature a 57-seat configuration that is seatbelt-equipped and fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),” according to MCI.

“We’re on track to complete deliveries on time,” said Tom Wagner, MCI vice president public sector. “It’s rewarding to be able to provide riders in New Jersey with a more comfortable commute. Our Commuter Coach has earned a workhorse reputation operationally, and is popular with passengers for the legroom, amenities and smooth ride on the way to and from workplaces and appointments.”

“In July 2015, MCI and NJ TRANSIT signed a public transit contract for 772 new commuter coaches, followed by board authorization increases on options for a total potential quantity of 1,222 coaches over six years. MCI completed 374 deliveries to NJ TRANSIT between Jan. 1, 2016 and Oct. 1, 2018, and 17 new models were delivered in October.”

NJ TRANSIT is the third-largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit in the United States, linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. The agency operates a fleet of more than 2,200 buses covering 251 routes. It completes over 277 million passenger trips each year.

In total, NJ TRANSIT has purchased over 2,000 coaches over three decades from MCI, including 147 compressed natural gas (CNG) models in 2015.

For more information, visit www.mcicoach.com.

Transit Agencies Honored Voters And Veterans With Free Rides On Election Day, Veterans Day

Laketran
On Tuesday, November 6, Lake County OH’s Laketran offered free rides to polling locations across Lake County.

“Lack of transportation or the ability to afford transportation should not stand in the way of any resident who chooses to exercise his/her right to vote, especially here in Lake County,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “If anyone would have been unable to get to a polling location because he/she does not drive or could not afford the bus fare, we wanted them to be comfortable calling Laketran so we could get them there.”

Laketran also offered free rides to veterans November 12 in observance of Veterans Day. Riders on local routes and Park-n-Rides only needed to inform the driver of their veteran status (when they boarded the bus) and their trip was free.

Capelle said, “There are never enough opportunities for people to show their appreciation for the sacrifice our veterans make for our country. Offering rides is the least we can do.”

BATA
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA-Michigan) also offered free rides on its fixed-route Loop buses on Election Day.

­­­­­­­HART
Tampa, FL’s HART offered free service to area polling locations on Election Day.

The Roll to the Polls promotion ran throughout the day on November 6 on all HART services. Voters only needed to show a valid voter information card upon boarding.

"As a community partner, we take pride in doing our part to offer free rides to the polls to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to vote. HART is once again pleased to offer this service to Hillsborough County residents,” said HART Interim CEO Jeff Seward.

Customers were encouraged to prepare for their trip by identifying their polling location, and the specific routes necessary for travel before starting their trip.

DCTA
Texas’ Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) honored veterans and military personnel with free rides November 12 – the official day the federal government observed Veterans Day. To receive free rides all day, veterans and active military personnel showed their military ID, state-issued ID with veteran/military designation or discharge papers to DCTA bus and rail operators.

“We at DCTA appreciate the many men and women in our community who have made great sacrifices for our country, and will offer all veterans and military personnel free rides to show our gratitude for these courageous heroes,” said Raymond Suarez, DCTA CEO.

Bailey Coach Brings Over 400 Veterans And Guests To Gettysburg

To celebrate Veterans Day, PA's Bailey Coach invited veterans from York and Adams County to Gettysburg, PA, for a day of dedication and remembrance on Nov. 9. A total of 425 veterans and guests, transported on eight buses, visited historic Gettysburg for museum and tour experiences, speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.

For the past three years, Bailey Coach has transported veterans to war monuments around its region. Since the company's inaugural year, over 1,500 veterans and guests have been transported, free of charge, to Washington, D.C., and Arlington, VA.

“I am an Army brat. Both of my parents served our country during WWII in Europe, my father as a captain, and my mother, as a lieutenant. My father was drafted into the Army in May 1941, and began his Army training in Gettysburg, which is why Gettysburg has a special place in my heart,” said John Bailey, president of Bailey Coach. “My staff and I truly feel we can never do enough to support our nation’s troops past, present or future.”

The day kicked off with a tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum And Visitor Center, followed by a licensed battlefield guided tour. The group then traveled to the Wyndham Gettysburg for lunch and a program by Tigrett Corp., which highlighted the WWII history of Gettysburg. The day concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.

This event was made possible with the help of Bailey Coach, Executive Coach, Destination Gettysburg, the East Berlin VFW, Hanover Allied Veterans, Red Lion American Legion, Shiloh American Legion, Spring Grove VFW, West York VFW, York Elks, Starbucks, Maple Donuts, York Expo Center, Utz Quality Foods, ABC Bus Company and Resorts Casino.