Blue Bird Debuts Leading Innovations at the School Transportation News EXPO
Reno, NV (PRWEB) July 29, 2014 -- Blue Bird’s new tag line, “a heritage of looking ahead,” was accentuated at the School Transportation News (STN) Expo, where the company introduced best-in-class and industry-leading technology for windows, luggage compartments, air conditioning and Bendix® air disc brakes. The new forward-thinking initiatives received significant interest from over 500 school transportation conference attendees across North America.
Blue Bird’s new best-in-class window, the E-Z Window®, features the industry’s smoothest, most ergonomic design. Made with transportation personnel and school children in mind, the exclusive window is a breeze to adjust and features interlocking construction with leak-resistant seals. Made with hollow frame construction for superior strength, the ergonomic dual-grip latches with Super Spacer technology are made of glass-filled nylon that can withstand over 50,000 up-and-down cycles over the life of the bus. The kid-friendly windows are outfitted with greater weather stripping which further reduces noise, wind, dust and water intrusion. The E-Z Window is featured on the Vision and All American buses.
Similar to the new window, customer feedback was a significant component during the redesign process of the newly enhanced and best-in-class luggage compartment. The luggage compartment’s superior steel-bonded design, solid door reinforcement and tough handles provide customers with robust, easy to operate construction. A full-perimeter bulb seal ensures that the compartment and its contents stay clean and dry. The luggage compartments are offered in a choice of three sizes with the option of interior compartment lighting and gas cylinders to assist with door operation. The new luggage compartment is available on the Vision and All American buses.
Blue Bird’s new state-of-the-art air conditioning system eliminates any encroachment into the passenger compartment. Mounted in the bulkheads at the front of the bus above the windshield and at the rear of the bus above the emergency door window, the system is supplied by industry frontrunner, Mobile Climate Control. Thanks to the factory-installed system, drivers will have a dedicated in-dash evaporator to ensure they always stay cool. Blue Bird Air Conditioning has been fully validated by engine suppliers Cummins and Ford/Roush CleanTech to diminish any concerns of voiding warranties. The air conditioning is currently offered on the Vision and All American buses.
Continuing the list of new innovations, Blue Bird is pleased to add ADB22X™ air disc brakes from industry leader, Bendix. Positively influencing a bus’ total cost of ownership, the new brakes require less maintenance, deliver longer pad and rotor life, and reduce service time by 50 percent. Bus drivers will immediately notice the brakes provide a sharper, safer stop that closely resembles stopping with a passenger car, with virtually no brake fade. The Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes are currently available on the Vision and All American buses.
“Blue Bird is thrilled to introduce these best-in-class and innovative technologies,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “Since our founding in 1927, Blue Bird has been providing the school transportation industry with cutting-edge and forward-thinking technologies. We continually listen to our customers and strive to offer technology that delivers four driving priorities; enhanced safety, quality, durability and serviceability. These new features exemplify our commitment to our customers and we are delighted with the tremendous feedback we've received at the show."
The manufacturer of the new E-Z Window, Lippert Components (LCI®), also looks to offer advanced products for the school transportation industry. “We love the opportunity to develop custom products for companies that really get it. Blue Bird sought to set new standards for window safety, quality and durability. We are delighted to deliver a premium product with sturdy frames, integrated seals and enhanced performance,” said Andy Pocock, vice president of specialty sales for LCI.
To learn more about any of these Blue Bird products, please visit http://www.blue-bird.com or visit your local Blue Bird Dealer.
Erin Lake, Blue Bird Corporation, +1 478-822-2578, [email protected]
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