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Motor Coach Industries

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This article is about the bus manufacturer. For the defunct telecommunications provider, see MCI Communications.

Motor Coach Industries
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryBus manufacturing
Founded1933; 91 years ago (1933)
FounderHarry Zoltok
HeadquartersDes Plaines, Illinois
ProductsMotorcoaches
Number of employees
2,300
ParentNFI Group (2015~present)
Websitemcicoach.com

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is a North American multinational bus manufacturer, specializing in production of motorcoaches. Best known for coaches produced for intercity transit and commuter buses, MCI produces coaches for a variety of applications, ranging from tour buses to prison buses.

Currently, MCI is headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. Since 2015, it has been a subsidiary of Canadian bus manufacturer NFI Group, the parent company of New Flyer Industries.

History

[edit]

The company was incorporated in 1933 by Harry Zoltok as Fort Garry Motor Body and Paint Works Limited, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.[1] In 1948, Greyhound Lines of Canada, at that time MCI's major customer, became a majority shareholder when it purchased 65 percent of the company. MCI was purchased outright by Greyhound Lines in 1958. In 1963 a new plant was opened in Pembina, North Dakota, to increase capacity as MCI began to expand into the U.S. market, while Greyhound widened its operations and switched increasingly from GMC to its own in-house products. In 1974 another plant was opened in Roswell, New Mexico, under the title Transportation Manufacturing Corporation (TMC).[citation needed]

In December 1986, Greyhound was split, with Greyhound Lines being sold to an investor group, and Greyhound Lines of Canada, MCI and TMC remaining part of The Greyhound Corporation, which was renamed Dial, Inc. in 1991.

In 1987, Greyhound Corporation bought the transit bus manufacturing operations of General Motors Diesel Division (GMC), which was based in Canada. (GM phased out intercity and transit bus construction at the large GMC Coach and Truck plant in Pontiac, Michigan, shifting medium duty school bus chassis production to Janesville, Wisconsin.)[citation needed]

MCI also took over production of GM's RTS model, transferring production to TMC. MCI also purchased the GM bus assembly plant in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, which then produced GM's Canadian transit bus model, the Classic. TMC ceased production of the older MCI vehicles in 1990 to concentrate on manufacturing the RTS, and on the A-Series intercity coaches.[citation needed]

In 1993 MCI became an independent corporation, Motor Coach Industries International Inc.[citation needed]

1994 acquisition

[edit]

In 1994, MCI stocks were purchased by Mexican DINA S.A.,[2][3] which had a long history of bus building and developed their HTQ proprietary technology[4][5][6] (valued at 70 million dollars)[7] that culminated with the creation of the Viaggio Confort Bus Line. MCI reproduced its Viaggio 1000 DOT for sale to the United States and Canada, and in late 1999/2000 the G4100, G4500 and F3500 models were released to the United States and to the Canadian markets. Production of the G4500 later moved to Winnipeg, after the G4100 was discontinued. Poor reliability of the G4500 resulted in very low sales after Greyhound Lines filed a lawsuit against MCI over the various issues with the bus. Greyhound took delivery of very few Winnipeg-built G4500s; these were later retired and sold. Related to a major contract cancellation[8] by Western Star,[9] DINA S.A. sold a great portion of its previously acquired MCI shares to Joseph Littlejohn & Levy.[10]

In 1994 TMC, including production rights for the RTS, was sold to NovaBus. In 1997 MCI purchased the rights from the bankrupt Flxible to produce the Flxible Metro and all related parts for it. After a period of waning product demand, increased competition and lay-offs in the early 2000s, production at MCI plants in Winnipeg and Pembina increased in 2006, and 130 employees were added.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, MCI consolidated its operations, the Winnipeg site was expanded and modernized. DINA S.A. purchased North American Symix[11] and opened an assembly plant[7] in Buenos Aires, Argentina[12] and the DIMEX[13] and DINAIR companies.[14] A new coach finishing and paint facility and customer delivery centre were constructed on the site. At the same time, a seven-year contract was signed with the IAM union local. This agreement contained cost improvements and production operations flexibility to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the manufacturing and assembly operations.

The buses, especially the older MC-8 and workhorse MC-9 models of the 1980s, became the standard for interstate travel for many bus companies. Those particular buses featured metal frames and roof supports, metal panels on the sides and were extremely durable and reliable. Many of the buses, having survived millions of miles of commercial use, had a second career serving churches or other organizations, while the MCI/TMC coaches were popular "conversion shells", used for motorhomes.

2008 bankruptcy

[edit]

Motor Coach Industries Inc. announced on September 15, 2008, the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a restructuring the company said would "help shed hundreds of millions of dollars of debt".[15]

On April 17, 2009, Motor Coach Industries Inc. emerged from its voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization. MCI and its subsidiaries became wholly owned by KPS Capital Partners, LP. KPS Capital Partners, LP is the Manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of private equity limited partnerships with over $2.6 billion of committed capital focused on constructive investing in restructurings, turnarounds, and other special situations.[16][17]

Partnership with Daimler AG

[edit]

Motor Coach Industries announced on April 25, 2012, that it had reached a deal with German vehicle manufacturer Daimler AG to distribute its Setra brand of motorcoaches for the North American market. The agreement came as Daimler reconfigured its commercial bus operations in North America, also selling off its Orion brand of transit buses to New Flyer Industries.

Under the agreement, Setra would build its S407 and S417 motorcoaches in Germany and ship them to North America, where MCI would sell and service the coaches using its existing dealer network. In exchange, Daimler would purchase a 10 percent share in Motor Coach Industries.

The relationship between competitors was less than ideal. Daimler complained that MCI focused on its own motorcoaches, and did not allow for sufficient attention to the Setra brand.[18]

The deal came to an end on January 4, 2018, with Daimler signing a new distribution rights agreement with REV Group, a U.S.-based specialty vehicle manufacturer. Sales of new motorcoaches transferred immediately, followed by the service agreement in mid-2018.[19]

2015 acquisition

[edit]

On November 10, 2015, it was announced that Canadian bus manufacturer New Flyer Industries had agreed to acquire Motor Coach Industries, Inc. for C$604 million (approximately US$459 million). The deal closed in December 2015.[20]

In late 2022, the factory in Pembina, North Dakota was planned to be shut down;[21] this decision was later reversed, and the facility has since remained open.[22] The U.S. assembly line was moved to the NFI group facility in Crookston, Minnesota.[23]

Operating subsidiaries

[edit]
  • Motor Coach Industries, Ltd. – Canadian manufacturing facility, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Motor Coach Industries, Inc. – U.S. manufacturing facility, located in Pembina, North Dakota[22]
  • Motor Coach Industries, Inc. – U.S. headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois
  • MCI Sales and Service, Inc. – U.S. new and used coach sales division
  • MCI Service Parts – aftermarket parts sales division of the company, based in Des Plaines, Illinois, with its distribution center located in Louisville, Kentucky, with close access to the international UPS distribution center
  • MCI Financial Services – coach financing division, based in Dallas, Texas

Models

[edit]

After the Courier and MC model name schemes, MCI adopted an alphanumerical system for naming the different series of coaches. Two different systems have been used:

2001–present
Series Nominal Length Generation Options
D
E
F
G
J 		35 = 35 ft (11 m)
40 = 40 ft (12 m)
41 = 41 ft (12 m)
45 = 45 ft (14 m) 		00 = 1st
05 = 2nd
20 = 3rd 		CL = "classic" styling
CT = "contemporary" styling
CNG = compressed natural gas fueled
H = hybrid-electric
ISTV = inmate security transportation vehicle
N = 96-inch (2.4 m) narrow body
CRT = NextGen Commuter Coach
CRT LE = NextGen Commuter Coach with low floor section for wheelchairs
CHARGE = battery-electric
1985–2001
Width Series Options Axles Body option
096 = 96 inches (2.4 m)
102 = 102 inches (2.6 m) 		A W = wheelchair lift-equipped 2
3 		—
B — SS = stainless steel
C
D L = 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) length
W = wheelchair lift-equipped
E L = 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) length —

For Example, a wheelchair-lift equipped, 45-foot, diesel powered, D-Series with fluted stainless steel sides from 1997 would be designated a 102-DLW3SS. A 45-foot, battery-electric powered J-Series from 2020 would be designated a J4500 CHARGE. Not all possible combinations of models, lengths, and powertrains are made.

Current

[edit]

Motor Coach Industries currently produces two different product lines. All current models are 102 inches (2.59 m) wide, exclusive of mirrors.

Series Models Length Photo Introduced Notes
D D4020 ISTV 40 ft (12.19 m)
2022
  • Replaced D4000 ISTV
  • D45 CRT
    • D45 CRT CHARGE
    • D45 CRT LE
    • D45 CRT LE CHARGE
    • D4520
 45 ft (13.72 m)
D45 CRT LE
 2017
  • Part of NextGen D-Series.
  • D45 CRT LE includes low floor section for wheelchairs.
J
    • J3500
 35 ft (10.67 m)
2018
  • First 35 foot MCI bus since the F-Series.
    • J4500
    • J4500 CHARGE
 45 ft (13.72 m)
J4500 (Post-Facelift)
 2001
  • Received a facelift in 2013.

Past

[edit]

Letter series (post-1985)

[edit]
Series Models Length Width Photo Introduced Discontinued Notes
A
    • 96-A2
    • 96-A3
 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
102-A2
 1985 1991
  • Offered with fluted stainless steel front and sides only.
  • First mass-produced 102 in (2.59 m)-wide coaches by MCI.
  • Available with 2 or 3 axles (last digit indicated the number of axles).
  • Also offered with a wheelchair lift (designated 102-AW3).
    • 102-A2
    • 102-A3
 102 in (2.59 m) 1986
B 96-B3 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
102-B3
 1991 1994
  • Designed as an affordable alternative to the C-Series.
  • Offered with fluted stainless steel or smooth paintable front-end and sides.
102-B3 102 in (2.59 m) 1993
C 102-C3 40 ft (12.19 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
102-C3
 1988 1993
  • Front-end design incorporated into the D-Series.
  • Offered with fluted stainless steel or smooth paintable front-end and sides from 1992.
D
    • 102-D3
    • D4000
    • D4000H
 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
102-DL3
 1994 2005
  • Replaced B and C-Series coaches.[24]
  • Offered with fluted stainless steel or smooth paintable front-end and sides.
  • 102-D3 renamed to D4000 in 2001.
  • Hybrid-electric model (designated D4000H) also offered.
  • Replaced by updated models in 2005.
    • 102-DL3
    • D4500
 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) 1992 2005
  • First 45 ft coach built by MCI.
  • Offered with fluted stainless steel or smooth paintable front-end and sides.
  • 102-DL3 renamed to D4500 in 2001.
  • Replaced by updated models in 2005.
D4000N 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 2002 2004
  • Only 12 units of this model were produced: 8 for Pace and 4 for NJ Transit.
    • D4005
    • D4000CL
    • D4000CT
    • D4000CTH
    • D4000ISTV
 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
D4500CT
 2006 2022
  • Restyled with frameless windows and headlights from the G-Series, designated "CT" (contemporary) styling: D4000CT and D4500CT.
  • Models with the original square headlights and framed windows were designated "CL" (classic): D4000CL and D4500CL.
  • CT version also available with hybrid electric ("CTH") or CNG ("CT CNG") powertrain.
  • Rubber front bumper and framed windows are optional on CT version.
  • Rubber front bumper is standard on ISTV units.
  • Replaced by second generation models in 2022.
    • D4505
    • D4500CL
    • D4500CT
    • D4500CTH
 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) 2005
E
    • 102-EL3
    • E4500
    • E4500LX
 45.58 ft (13.89 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
102-EL3
 1998 2013
  • Also known as the Renaissance.
  • Introduced the curved stepwell.
  • Renamed to E4500 in 2001.
  • E4500LX introduced in 2005 as a top-of-the-line luxury appointed coach.[25]
  • Differs from the current J-Series in cosmetic changes and onboard technologies.
F
    • F12
    • F3500
 35 ft 5.5 in (10.81 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
F3500
 2000 2003
  • Produced in Mexico by DINA.
  • Designated as F12 in the Mexican market.
  • Offered as a conversion shell.
G G4100 41 ft 7 in (12.67 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
G4500
 1998 2001
  • Designed for Greyhound.
  • Introduced as the 102-G3 and 102-GL3.
  • Only 25 G4100s were built.
  • Redesigned headlights incorporated on the later D-Series models.
G4500 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) 2000 2005

MC series (1958–1998)

[edit]

These models bore the MC-number designation.

Series Models Length Width Photo Introduced Discontinued Notes
MC-1
  • MC-1
    • MCX-1
 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
1959 1961
  • Prototype designated MCX-1
MC-2
  • MC-2
    • MCX-2
 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
1960 1961
  • Prototype designated MCX-2
MC-3
  • MC-3
    • MCX-3
 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
1961 1963
  • Prototype designated MCX-3
MC-4
  • MC-4
 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
1963 1963
MC-5
  • MC-5
    • MCC-5
    • MCX-5
 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
MC-5B
 		1963 1964
  • Prototype designated MCX-5.
  • Canadian models designated MCC-5.
  • First buses built at MCI's Pembina, ND plant.
  • MC-5A
    • MCC-5A
 1964 1970
  • Early Canadian models designated MCC-5A.
  • MC-5B
 1971 1977
  • Clearance and marker lights shared with the later MC-8 model.
  • MC-5C
 1978 1980
  • Styling updated to match the MC-8.
MC-6
  • MC-6
    MCX-6
 40 ft (12.19 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
MC-6
 		1968 1969
  • Prototype designated MCX-6.
  • First 102 in wide bus produced by MCI.
  • Built exclusively for Greyhound.
  • Also nicknamed the Supercruiser.
MC-7
  • MC-7
 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
MC-7
 		1968 1973
  • Also known as the Challenger.
  • First 40-foot buses built by MCI.
  • Most Greyhound examples called Super 7 Scenicruiser.
MC-8
  • MC-8
 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
MC-8
 		1973 1978
  • Also known as the Crusader.
  • Side windows modified in last year of production.
MC-9
  • MC-9
    • MC-9A
    • MC-9B
    • MC-9 Special
 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
MC-9
 		1978 1991
  • Also known as the Crusader II.
  • Commuter coach models known as MC-9A and MC-9B.
  • MC-9Bs distinguished from MC-9As by a larger front destination sign.
  • Later model MC-9s known as the MC-9 Special.
  • MC-9 Specials distinguished by optional square headlights and late model years.
MC-12
  • MC-12
 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
MC-12
 		1991 1998
  • Similar appearance to previous MC-9 Special.
  • Designed for Greyhound.
  • Also sold as a prisoner transport vehicle.
  • Last MCI model with a slanted rear cap.

Courier series (pre-1960)

[edit]
Series Models Photo Introduced Discontinued Notes
100
  • Courier 100
    • Courier 100A
    • Courier 100B
    • Courier 100C
1946 1949
200
  • Courier 200
    • Courier 200A
    • Courier 200B
1947 1950
85
  • Courier 85
    • Courier 85A
    • Courier 85X
1950 1953
50
  • Courier 50
    • Courier 50A
1950 1955
95
  • Courier 95
    • Courier 95D
    • Courier 95 Skyview
Courier 95 Skyview
 1953 1960
  • Courier 95D model was diesel powered.
  • Skyview model had panoramic windows.
90
  • Courier 90
    • Courier 90 Skyview
1953 1960
  • Skyview model had panoramic windows.
96
  • Courier 96
1955 1960
97
  • Courier 97
1956
  • Only one unit built.

Transit (all discontinued)

[edit]
Main articles: Classic (transit bus) and Rapid Transit Series
Series Models Length Width Photo Introduced Discontinued Notes
150
  • 150
1939
40TRY
  • 40TRY
1942
Classic
  • TC40-102A
    • TC40-102N
 40 ft (12.19 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
TC40-102N
 1987 1993
  • TC60-102N
 60 ft (18.29 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
TC60-102N
 1992 1993
Citycruiser
  • T-30
 30 ft (9.144 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
T-30
 1979 1982
RTS
  • RTS-06
    • RTS-08
 30 ft (9.144 m)
35 ft (10.67 m)
40 ft (12.19 m) 		96 in (2.44 m)
102 in (2.59 m)
RTS-06
 1987 1995
  • Produced by subsidiary TMC.
  • Design acquired from General Motors in 1987.
  • Design sold to NovaBus in 1995.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "A Rich Heritage in Coach Building Excellence". MCI. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  2. ^ Company News; Boards Approve Grupo Dina-Motor Coach Merger. The New York Times (May 19, 1994). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  3. ^ HighBeam[dead link‍]
  4. ^ Industry Today – The World of Manufacturing Archived July 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Usitoday.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  5. ^ Grupo Dina Unveils Its HTQ Series. Theautochannel.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  6. ^ Grupo Dina Unveils Its HTQ Series Launching a New Era in Global Truck Technology | Business Wire. (September 24, 1998). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  7. ^ a b History Archived May 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Dina.com.mx. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  8. ^ International Business; Mexican Truck Maker May Lose Order. The New York Times (September 28, 2000). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  9. ^ Union Postpones Strike at Grupo DINA Plant. Theautochannel.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  10. ^ Company News; Grupo DINA Plants to Sell 61% Stake in Motor Coach Unit. The New York Times (June 16, 1999). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  11. ^ Market-Leading Motor Coach & Truck Manufacturer Expands SYMIX Software Across 11-Site Operation. – Free Online Library Archived October 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Thefreelibrary.com (October 19, 1998). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  12. ^ Presentó Grupo Dina sus Camiones HTQ en Argentina Archived May 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Truckinginfo.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  13. ^ "DIMEX home". DIMEX. Archived from the original on February 2, 2011.
  14. ^ DINA S.A. Maquinas de Compresion de Gases. Compresoresdina.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  15. ^ MacPherson, James. Motor Coach files for bankruptcy protection[permanent dead link‍], Grand Forks Herald, September 15, 2008. Accessed September 17, 2008.
  16. ^ Motor Coach Industries Emerges from Chapter 11 Archived February 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Pr-inside.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  17. ^ KPS Capital Partners, LP. Kpsfund.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  18. ^ "MCI to cease distributing Daimler's Setra coaches". www.metro-magazine.com. January 4, 2018. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  19. ^ "MCI To Cease Distributing Daimler's Setra Coaches". MCI. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  20. ^ "New Flyer buys Motor Coach Industries for $604M Cdn". CBC. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  21. ^ "Winnipeg bus maker closing factory in Pembina, N.D., as part of cost-cutting plan". CBC. May 20, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  22. ^ a b "Motor Coach Industries to keep Pembina facility open". Grand Forks Herald. November 16, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  23. ^ Bailey, Ann (April 17, 2021). "Motor Coach Industries' plans draw concern from employee at Pembina, N.D., factory". Grand Forks Herald. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  24. ^ "MCI Models A-J National Bus Trader" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
  25. ^ "MCI unveils two heart-racing models amid a wedding at UMA EXPO 2005". Archived from the original on July 4, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  26. ^ "MCI Celebrates 80 Years of Bus Production - National Bus Trader". busmag.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
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