CHICAGO — Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) recently introduced a new XB-P, 45-foot commercial bus chassis to meet the needs of customers requesting a durable luxury coach at a competitive price point.

Joining FCCC’s robust motorcoach lineup, the FCCC XB-P provides a cost-effective alternative for 45-foot coach manufacturers, who typically have relied on a monocoque style body when designing coaches. Manufacturers now have the option to build 45-foot coaches on the FCCC XB-P chassis, which utilizes frame rails for a sturdy product, according to the company.

The FCCC XB-P chassis utilizes a 16,000-lb ZF™ Independent Front Suspension (IFS) and a Neway ADL series rear air-ride suspension. The heavy-duty steel frame rails reduce flex, bowing and vibration and minimize coach stress to guarantee a smooth and comfortable ride.

“The addition of the FCCC XB-P chassis creates a complete range of products from FCCC for the commercial bus market,” said Kris Hus, commercial bus product manager at FCCC. “We strive to anticipate our customers’ needs, while making sure that we’re providing them with the best chassis to meet their application. Commercial bus manufacturers have come to rely on FCCC for a complete range of motorcoach chassis products because we give them proven technology and proven performance.”

Equipped with a Cummins ISM 450 horsepower rear diesel engine and an Allison B500 six-speed transmission, the FCCC XB-P commercial bus chassis meets the needs of customers who desire a powerful and reliable motorcoach chassis, backed by the support of more than 400 Freightliner service centers across the U.S.

The FCCC XB-P chassis has a GVWR of 49,000 lbs and offers a 56-degree wheel cut for increased maneuverability to easily travel through urban settings and parking lots. Furthermore, the FCCC XB-P chassis offers Bendix® air disc brakes as standard on all three vehicle axles, reducing stopping distance and increasing motorcoach safety.

Mark Middleton, director at CAIO NA, a leading manufacturer of mid- and full-sized coach buses based in McDonough, Ga., said CAIO chose to build on the FCCC XB-P chassis for its new G3600 full-size coach because of FCCC’s excellent reputation for products and service within the commercial bus market.

“In partnering with FCCC, our customers can now purchase a high-performance, high-luxury vehicle at an extremely competitive price,” said Middleton. “Also, our motorcoach customers also will have the outstanding support of the strongest nationwide network of service available to them from FCCC.”

The FCCC XB-P joins the company’s comprehensive lineup of pusher and front engine commercial bus market applications, including the XB-R, XB-S, MB-65, MB-HEV, S2 and the S2 cab cutaway.

The FCCC XB-P chassis is currently available for order. For more information about the FCCC XB-P chassis, visit www.freightlinerchassis.com.