Las Vegas-based Meridian Specialty Vehicles Inc., a Mercedes-Benz-preferred bus manufacturer, announced availability of its long awaited SkyVue glass-top convertible Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus designed specifically for the sightseeing and tour industries.

The patented and proprietary SkyVue glass top convertible bus will be available in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean on the 170 inch-extended wheelbase 3500 model Sprinter in several 16 to 20 passenger configurations.

The glass roof system, which replaces the factory upper walls and roof converts a bus into a mobile panoramic touring machine like no other. The roof system replaces the factory structure, opens and retracts with the touch of a button and incorporates several safety features to prevent injury or damage to the system. The roof can be fully opened or closed in about 30 seconds and is completely water and air tight when closed so sudden weather or temperature changes are never an issue.

Included in the 100-plus available options are several oversized air conditioner and heater options to ensure passenger comfort in virtually any climate. The system has been tested extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East and is now being made available in North America.

SkyVue buses will be available through select Meridian dealers. MSRP for the M716, 16 passenger model is $145,550.