Send News Of Your Company To rankinmag@
consolidated.net

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 January 2022 indicated vehicle imports were down in three categories outlined, compared to January 2021.

The United States imported 94 vehicles in January 2022, down 28 percent from 130 vehicles for January 2021.

Canada sent 75 vehicles to the United States during January 2022.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $308,287, down 17 percent from $369,623 for January 2021.

The United States received two vehicles in January 2022, the same as for January 2021.

The vehicles came one each from Australia and Germany.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $26,271, compared to $348,732 for January 2021.

The United States imported four vehicles during January 2022, compared to no vehicles for January 2021.

All of the vehicles were imported from Canada during January 2022.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $403,208.

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 no vehicles in this category during January 2022 or January 2021.

8702306100 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 January 2022 or January 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 eight vehicles during January 2022, down 73 percent from 30 vehicles for January 2021.

Canada shipped five vehicles during January 2022, while Malaysia sent three vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $231,217, up 13 percent from $203,827 for January 2021.

The United States imported 14 vehicles during January 2022, up from five vehicles for January 2021.

China sent all the vehicles during January 2022.

The average price for January 2022 was $9,906, down 20 percent from $12,422 for January 2021.

The United States imported 17 vehicles during January 2022, down from 107 vehicles for January 2021.

Canada sent all the vehicles to the United States during January 2022.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $123,052, down 22 percent from $157,674 for January 2021.

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

The United States imported 37 vehicles during January 2022, the same as for January 2021.

Canada sent 34 vehicles to the United States during January 2022.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $36,824, down 12 percent from $41,816 for January 2021.

Export totals for January 2022 were down in three categories, compared to January 2021.

The United States exported 445 vehicles during January 2022, up 37 percent from 325 vehicles for January 2021.

Mexico received 235 vehicles during January 2022, while Canada imported 155 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $34,203, down 33 percent from $50,748 for January 2021.

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

The United States shipped 42 vehicles in January 2022, down 40 percent from 70 vehicles for January 2021.

Canada received 38 vehicles during January 2022.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $73,849, compared to $5,771 for January 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 January 2022, down 50 percent from 36 for January 2021.

Mexico received six vehicles during January 2022.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $27,042, up 39 percent from $19,499 for January 2021.

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

The United States shipped two vehicles in January 2022, compared to 56 vehicles in January 2021.

Ukraine received both vehicles during January 2022.

The average price per vehicle for January 2022 was $37,120, up 36 percent from $27,344 for January 2021.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

The Temsa TS45E, Its Electric Bus Developed For The North American Market

TEMSA unveiled the first electric version of its TS45 model vehicle at the 2022 UMA Motorcoach EXPO held recently in California.

“The TS45E, the electric version of the TS45 family, that has been on U.S. and Canadian roads since 2014, and is among the most preferred products in the market in the motorcoach (travel bus) segment, has been testing in the Silicon Valley in California and different states, one of the world's technology hubs, for nearly two years,” according to the company.

“It has successfully passed all the tests, and will be one of the pioneers of the transformation of the motorcoach segment, with its high-driving comfort, maximum passenger safety, advanced technology and zero emission features.”

In the introductory launch, TEMSA CEO Tolga Kaan Doğancıoğlu said TEMSA is one of the leading manufacturers in the industry with its 54 years of experience, and TEMSA’s branded vehicles, which have hit the roads in 66 countries around the world, have traveled 6 billion miles, which is equivalent to circumnavigating the world 240,000 times.

Doğancıoğlu said that the TS45E is the fouth electric vehicle in TEMSA's global product range that has put "smart mobility" solutions at the foundation of its growth strategy.

“We are very happy to add a fourth electric vehicle to our product range. North America is one of the strategically priority markets in TEMSA's growth plans. We have been a great success in this market for nearly 10 years, and have become one of the strongest players in this segment, especially with our market share reaching 10 percent in the motorcoach segment. Now, together with our electric TS45E model, and our revamped TS45 vehicle, we are bringing a whole new vibe to the market.

“One of our top priorities is to perfect the customer experience with our sustainability approach, passion for innovation and technological know-how. The first condition for this is to be close to the market and to your customer. That's why we've been operating in the market with our own company, TEMSA North America, since 2019. We coordinate our sales and after-sales services based in the USA. Despite all the challenging conditions of the pandemic, we are together with our customers and business partners. We are trying to convey TEMSA's new era vision to them. With the strong synergy created by our partners Sabancı Holding and Skoda Transportation, our goal in the North American market is to become the leading player in the electric vehicle market.”

For more information, visit temsa.com.

IndyGo To Receive Funding For Safe Passage For Pedestrians To And From Transit Stations

On April 12, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced $500,000 in matching grant funds to the Indianapolis Public Transportation Foundation (IPTF) to support IndyGo's initiatives for safe passage of pedestrians to and from transit stations. This grant will allow for the design and construction of safe pedestrian crossings at three intersections. Improvements to the intersections will include added sidewalks, accessibility ramps, and crosswalks with illuminated HAWK signals.

Mayor Hogsett and Indy DPW awarded eight community-based organizations with matching funding through the Indianapolis Neighborhood Infrastructure Partnership (INIP) for projects they submitted to improve pedestrian and roadway infrastructure in the public right-of-way.

“Infrastructure is more than concrete and asphalt,” IPTF Executive Director Emily Lovison said. “It's connectivity, independence, opportunity, economic mobility, quality of life, equity and inclusion. The impact that accessible, equitable and inclusive mobility solutions can have on our community is momentous. It will take bold, creative solutions to address these challenges, and IPTF is positioned to act.”

From ABC Companies
Bobby Hill Joins SVT Group As Strategic Account Executive

Bobby Hill joined the ABC Companies Specialty Vehicles and Technology group as a strategic account executive.

“This role will serve the quickly growing demand for electric passenger vehicles, as ABC Companies continues to introduce a range of applications for EV’s in the coach, and transit market across the country, said ABC.”

“Hill brings 30 plus years of experience in the coach and EV industry to the rapidly developing SVT group at ABC. He has narrowed this experience into a specialization on electric vehicles and batteries over the last seven years. Hill is joining ABC Companies from his most recent role as vice president of sales with an EV battery manufacturer.

“Prior to this role, he served as vice president of sales for a global commercial EV manufacturer, specializing in passenger transportation. These valuable experiences provided him with a broader perspective, and ultimately motivated him to return to a family-owned company.”

Hill said, “The experience gained working with a multi-national manufacturer provides a unique opportunity to bring my commercial experiences to an organization which starts with the customer first and then brings the right vehicles solutions to help that customer grow.”

According to ABC, he has gained experience throughout his career from all sides of the coach business. Frequent business travel aboard coaches grew into a love for the vehicles. His interest in luxury passenger coaches and travel logistics inspired him to create his own tour company. Over the years Bobby has owned several coach operations and takes great pride in having provided transportation during six different Olympic games. The challenge of sourcing high quality coaches for his business led him to ABC Companies many times over the years, for the very reasons he has most recently seen within the rapidly growing EV market.

“As a past client, Bobby experienced ABC’s closely held values of service and quality firsthand. The consistent and positive experience led him to his new role at ABC.

“The Specialty Vehicles and Technology group has partnered with over 15 vendors to provide the best quality options on the market today. The process of integrating EV’s and new infrastructure into a fleet can be intimidating amidst rapidly developing technology. ABC’s Fleet Electrification Services guides owners through a formal process of vehicle selection, infrastructure installation, onboarding, and partner feedback to facilitate a better experience.”

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

Laketran (OH) Offers Free Rides For Voters

Lake County, OH, residents can take Laketran’s local routes or schedule a door-to-door Dial-a-Ride free to polling locations for the May 3 primary election.

Free rides are also available for early voting before Election Day at the Lake County Board of Elections.

“Transportation should never be a barrier for someone to exercise his/her right to vote,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “We’re more than happy to make sure our residents have access to the primary election so they can get to the polls or vote early.”

Residents who prefer to take Laketran’s local routes simply need to inform their bus driver when they board that they are going to vote or just voted and the trip will be free.

Dial-a-Ride, Laketran’s door-to-door service will also provide rides to early voting or polling locations at no charge and requires a reservation one to 12 business days in advance.

Irizar Coaches Now In Cyprus

According to a press release, for the first time, Irizar has moved into the medium-distance public transport service in Cyprus by concluding an agreement for the delivery of 31 units of the Irizar i4 and Irizar i3 models in the region of Paralimni, Agia Napa and the surrounding areas.

“The contract signed with the operator OSEA, which after 10 years is once again the successful bidder for the operation of these lines, includes 20 Irizar i3 coaches and 11 Irizar i4 coaches, 12 metres long, with a single wide central door, on a Mercedes chassis.

“The vehicles are equipped with a Masats K7 model PRM platform and have 51 seats, a wheelchair area and 2 PRM seats to guarantee accessibility and fluid movement for all passengers. The comfortable interiors of both coaches feel well lighted and have high capacity personalised climate control systems so passengers and drivers alike can have a pleasant travel experience.

“The coaches have lumbar adjustment seat belts in all seats to improve passenger safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), pedestrian and cyclist protection, as well as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) that monitor the passenger compartment.”

In addition, includes a multimedia and information system with 15-inch screens and USB charging ports. They also have specific supports for the transfer of bicycles.

For more information, visit temsa.com.

The Tourrider Premium — Luxury Motorcoach For The First-Class Segment

“At an official presentation during the UMA Expo, the new Mercedes Benz motorcoach got off to a fantastic start impressing experts in the North American motorcoach industry.

Boston-based “A Yankee Line,” was the first customer to commit to a major multi-year order.

Yankee Line management said, “We are looking forward to providing our passengers with enhanced and sophisticated comfort along with new technology safety equipment that truly raises the bar. The ability and opportunity to customize this completely new MercedesBenz product to our exacting standards allows us to continue our legacy of impressing every single passenger who boards one of our coaches.”

All new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider coaches come equipped with new technology safety features including ABA 5, Sideguard Assist, Attention Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise control and more. Yankee Line is also including the new Mercedes-Benz exclusive wheelchair lift solution above the rear axle on each coach.

Industry Leading Safety Features
Designed specifically for the North American market, the 13.72-meter (45-foot) three-axle vehicles, with a chrome-plated central star set new standards for design, comfort, technology and individuality in the US and Canada. The motorcoaches are also top of the line in terms of efficiency. They feature an optimized aerodynamic shape and low fuel consumption.

The air-conditioning system from Eberspächer/Sütrak has an output of 35 kW. It cools the passenger area pleasantly at all times. Drivers can also keep a cool head with separate 9 kW air conditioning for the driver's cockpit.

Two Versions – Two Cockpits
The Tourrider Business offers the dynamic and functional Basic Plus cockpit and it also offers the functional Comfort Plus cockpit. Both cockpits are ergonomically designed and offer a wide range of practical and innovative functions.

Glass Roof And Ambient Lighting
The Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium is available with a panoramic TopSky glass roof and ambient lighting for night trips. LED strips along the luggage racks and underneath the window sills create a pleasant atmosphere and offer greater safety for passengers. Passengers can also enjoy a spacious interior, which is six centimeters (2.36- inches) higher in the premium version than in the Tourrider Business. Both versions are also optionally available with two wheelchair spaces. The lift, installed above the drive axle, is easy to operate.

World’s First Advanced Emergency Braking System ABA 5
It’s the first motorcoach to be equipped with the standard Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA 5) system with pedestrian detection. As the world’s first system for buses and coaches, it will brake automatically to a full stop if stationary or moving obstacles, including people, are detected. A radar-assisted adaptive cruise control system also maintains a safe distance at cruise speed.

An Eye On Pedestrians And Drivers At All Times
Safety features include the optional Sideguard Assist with pedestrian detection. This system warns the driver if, for example, pedestrians or cyclists appear in the surveillance zone on the curb side of the coach.

The optional Attention Assist (ATAS) keeps an eye on the driver at all times. It provides a visual and audible warning if it detects typical signs of fatigue or inattentiveness. As another safety feature, the Tourrider is to always stay in its lane. The lane departure warning system, a camera system behind the windshield, detects if the vehicle unintentionally strays from the marked lane and alerts the driver.

Crash Elements Protect Drivers
Passive safety was also a design focus. The Front Collision Guard (FCG) consists of a cross-profile that serves as an underride guard in the event of an accident. The structure behind it consists of crash elements that will absorb energy in a targeted way in the event of an impact. It is also equipped with integrated energy absorbing bumpers in the front and the rear of the vehicle.

Powerful Technology Package
From the Daimler Truck global engine family the Mercedes-Benz OM 471 in-line six-cylinder engine provides dynamic drive power. The engine delivers 336 kW (450 hp) from a displacement of 12.8 l and achieves a maximum torque of 1,550 ft lb (2,102 Nm). A powerful technology package consists of common-rail direct injection with flexible X-Pulse high-pressure injection, charge air cooling, exhaust gas recirculation and SCR technology. The Allison WTB 500R torque converter automatic transmission, which has proven itself in North America over many years, is responsible for power transmission.

Efficient Service Network
No touring coach is 100 percent free from breakdowns. But, help will be on its way quickly when needed. Across the whole of the U.S. and Canada, Daimler Coaches North America has an efficient and comprehensive service network. Operators can rely on more than 700 Detroit Diesel service locations and 18 full coach service centers.

For more information visit mercedes-benz-bus.com.