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Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) unveiled North America's first double-decker hybrid bus during the APTA EXPO in San Diego. 

“With fuel prices, traffic congestion and greenhouse emissions at the top of the transport agenda, now is the time to take hybrid technology to a new level,” said Colin Robertson, ADL’s Chief Executive Officer, as he launched the Enviro500H, a revolutionary hybrid bus that is expected to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 25%. 

Robertson also revealed that his British-based company, which exports to over 20 countries, expects to be building double deck buses in the U.S. by the summer of next year. 

Over the past five years, the company has steadily increased its presence in Canada and the U.S., with double-deck vehicles now running in cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Seattle.

“Against this backdrop we have now signed a collaboration deal with ElDorado National, which is part of Thor Industries. By the summer of 2009 ADL double decks will be coming off the production line at their state-of-the-art facility in Riverside, Calif., Robertson said. "The deal will give us full Buy America Compliance and access to their 33 dealerships across the U.S. and Canada, broadening our sales and marketing opportunities in North America.

In addition, the company is also investing significantly in a new, purpose-built parts operation based in Las Vegas, which is expected to open in the next few weeks and will be the hub of Alexander Dennis' aftermarket operations for North America. The facility will support field engineers and satellite support centers located strategically across North America.