New Flyer Industries Inc. announced a long-term joint venture with the U.K.’s Alexander Dennis Limited (Alexander Dennis) as part of its strategy to pursue growth and diversification.

The two companies will collaborate to introduce a North American medium-duty low-floor bus (or “midi bus”) specifically developed and tested to a 10-year operational life. This strategic partnership will build upon New Flyer’s North American market leading position, manufacturing expertise and extensive aftermarket support network, with Alexander Dennis bringing demonstrated design expertise of quality midi buses, having delivered over 16,000 of this class of bus to customers throughout the UK, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia. 

New Flyer estimates the market for this type of product could be approximately 1,000 buses on an annual basis. 

Under the arrangements of the new joint venture, New Flyer is responsible for sales, marketing, manufacturing and aftermarket support with Alexander Dennis performing engineering, test and prototype development activities. Prototypes of the New Flyer/Alexander Dennis midi bus for North America will be built this summer, with a planned market launch in early 2013. The midi bus will be offered to both public transit and private operators and will have propulsion system options ranging from clean diesel, electric hybrid and compressed natural gas.