On Tuesday, Fisher Coachworks selected AVL Powertrain Engineering Inc. to assess Fisher's propulsion system component selection and emissions certification strategies. This is the first of a series of key supplier relationship announcements in support of Fisher's final design and production launch of the GTB-40 PHEV Urban Transit Bus.

AVL provided modeling support utilizing their Cruise vehicle simulation package and assessed key propulsion system component selection, including batteries and the range extender APU, together with assessment of associated emissions data and analysis of certification alternatives.

The GTB-40, which is one half the weight of current 40-foot urban hybrid buses, delivers significant energy consumption and emissions benefits versus the competition, according to Fisher.

A decade in development, the GTB-40 is the result of a long-term funding commitment by the U.S. Department of Energy and the PHEV Transit Bus prototype has now confirmed its predicted performance objectives with a road testing program that began in August 2008. Following its successful private investment round in 2008, which included funding through the State of Michigan's 21st Century Jobs Fund program, Fisher Coachworks launched the final production release engineering and validation process in January 2009.