DaimlerChrysler announces changes in legal structure

DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America (DCCBNA) announced changes in its legal structure and expects further developments for its full line of transit, shuttle and coach products. Thomas Built Buses and The Mayflower Corp. plc have ended their joint venture formed in 1999 to build the SLF 200 low-floor bus. DCCBNA takes complete ownership of Thomas Dennis, LLC after an amicable split. The SLF 200 and CL 100 shuttle buses will continue to be manufactured at the Thomas Dennis plant in Greensboro, N.C. Mayflower plans to focus its efforts on the niche double-deck sector in North America. "Our relationship with Mayflower enabled us to capitalize on the commercial bus expertise and design of an established and well-tested product available in Europe," said Tony Domabyl, president of Thomas Dennis. Two operating units within DCCBNA, Orion Bus Industries and Thomas Dennis Co., are now 100% legal entities of the newly-founded DaimlerChrysler Commercial Bus Holdings. The DCCBNA group achieved sales of 900 units with revenues of $204 million in 2002, a 10% increase over 2001.