ABC, New Flyer sign exclusive distribution deal

New Flyer Industries Inc. and ABC Companies Inc. signed an agreement to serve as the exclusive distributor of New Flyer’s MiDi and Xcelsior transit bus models to U.S. private bus and shuttle operators on the show floor at the United Motorcoach Association’s Expo at Travel Exchange in Los Angeles.

Under the terms of the agreement, ABC will market, sell and provide aftersales service for New Flyer’s MiDi and Xcelsior buses through its established service locations and select independent dealerships.

All New Flyer products purchased through ABC will be fully supported by New Flyer’s industry leading warranty, genuine spare parts and lifetime customer care programs.

“This is a great opportunity for New Flyer to respond to private customer demand and expand our market reach in the United States,” stated Paul Smith, New Flyer executive VP, sales and marketing. “The addition of New Flyer’s best-selling transit buses to ABC’s current portfolio of highway coaches, light-duty cutaway buses and refurbishment services provides a comprehensive solution for private bus operators.”

The New Flyer MiDi is a mid-sized, low-floor, clean diesel powered bus that is ideal for use in community, airport, university and hotel shuttle services. Available in 30- and 35-foot lengths, the streamlined design of the MiDi provides greater maneuverability while maintaining excellent accessibility for passengers with one or two doors and a 1:6 slope wheelchair ramp. Substantially lighter than vehicles in its class, MiDi was developed through a joint venture with Alexander Dennis and is based on its proven E200 design with over 16,000 vehicles deployed worldwide.

The New Flyer Xcelsior is a heavy-duty; low floor bus that is ideal for use in rigorous duty cycles and provides higher passenger capacities. Available in 35-, 40- and 60-foot lengths, the Xcelsior is offered with clean diesel, compressed natural gas and diesel-electric hybrid propulsion systems.

ABC will offer New Flyer models through their Specialty Vehicles Division, headed by Roman Cornell, sr. VP, ABC Companies.

“ABC is committed to offering our customer base an expansive selection of transport solutions to support their fleet’s unique requirements”, stated Cornell. “The ABC/New Flyer alliance complements our overall strategy to offer a diverse range of equipment solutions, and we’re pleased to offer New Flyer’s wide range of vehicle options to our customers, along with the industry leading after sales support for which ABC is known.”

The New Flyer MiDi and Xcelsior bus models will both be available for sale at all ABC’s North American sales locations.