Winnebago Industries Inc. is entering the mid-size vehicle transportation market with the introduction of the Metro Link bus.

The company spent several years in the design and development phase, conducting extensive research involving public transportation operators and industry experts. The result is a revolutionary approach to transit bus applications with several features specifically tailored to provide a much quieter, better functioning vehicle with reduced maintenance and improved durability, many of which Winnebago Industries intends to patent. That durability is backed with an industry leading seven-year/150,000-mile structural warranty.

The Metro Link features a one-piece fiberglass roof; a fully-welded, tubular steel framework; high gloss fiberglass sidewalls; and exclusive frameless windows that offer exceptional performance and reduced long term maintenance. On the inside, the Metro Link offers fiberglass interior walls and a 78-inch center aisle height. Available in a number of passenger configurations, the Metro Link is highly customizable to meet the wide ranging needs of the transit and paratransit industry.

"This project has been in development for quite some time and we are very excited with the outcome. The Metro Link completed extensive testing at the highly regarded Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center in Altoona, Pa. and surpassed expectations," said Winnebago Industries Chairman of the Board, CEO/President Randy Potts. "With its improved functionality, low maintenance design and extremely quiet ride, it promises to be a game changer in the transit bus market."

Distribution of the new Metro Link will be conducted by Metro Worldwide, a division of the Pritchard Family Companies. In business for over a century, Pritchard has had a working relationship with Winnebago Industries for more than 25 years. Pritchard has a national presence in the distribution of commercial trucks where they have distinguished themselves as a leader in both volume and customer service.