The J4500 coaches have factory-installed “2+1” executive seating, which provides passengers with added space.
Photo: MCI
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The first J4500 units were delivered to Hebaragi & Lemi Bus, a charter operator in Gardena, CA, serving the Los Angeles market.
Photo: MCI
Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., has delivered its first J4500 luxury coaches in the U.S. The coaches have factory-installed “2+1” executive seating, which provides passengers with added space.
The first units were delivered to Hebaragi & Lemi Bus, a charter operator in Gardena, CA, serving the Los Angeles market. While 2+1 executive seating has been available through aftermarket providers, MCI now offers the configuration factory-direct, eliminating the extra time and costs associated with third-party installation.
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“Offering factory-direct executive seating on the J4500 is a game-changer for operators focused on delivering a top-tier travel experience,” said Tom Wagner, vice president of private sector sales and service at MCI. “It joins the many other luxury options that MCI offers our motorcoach customers, and we are proud to debut it in the U.S. with Hebaragi & Lemi Bus.”
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For Hebaragi & Lemi Bus, which operates a fleet of 15 motorcoaches — including numerous MCI vehicles — the new coaches align with their mission, according to a company release, to provide a high level of comfort and service to their discerning clientele.
“For us, offering 2+1 seating isn’t just about luxury — it’s about cultural familiarity and premium service,” said Eric Song, operations manager at Hebaragi & Lemi Bus. “We serve a high volume of international tourists, particularly from Korea and Japan, where this type of seating is considered the gold standard. Partnering with MCI to bring that experience directly to our U.S. fleet helps us elevate our brand and better serve our customers.”
This delivery marks Hebaragi’s first new motorcoach purchase since the pandemic and their return to fleet expansion following the purchase of nine J4500 coaches in 2019.
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