Motor Coach Industries (MCI) delivered two coaches to Iowa’s Hawkeye Stages.

The delivery, which included an MCI J4500 and an MCI J3500, completed an eight-coach order and coincided with Hawkeye’s 70th anniversary.

Hawkeye’s New MCIs

Over the past two years, the Iowa operator purchased six 45-foot J4500 and two 35-foot J3500 coaches with custom interiors and luxurious passenger amenities.

The MCI clean-diesel vehicles featured plush seating from Amaya, an enhanced REI® sound system, a rear window for more natural light, and Bendix Wingman Fusion — an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety suite.

Designed for curb appeal and with best-in-class legroom, the MCI J-Series coaches were purchased to help fulfill Hawkeye’s strategy to keep a young, pristine fleet that is equipped with the latest safety options.

“The new models have brought the age of our 19-coach fleet to the youngest we’ve ever had, allowing us to maintain a quality brand standard,” said Steve Tjossem, the third-generation co-owner of Hawkeye Stages along with his wife Kari. “We are still a bit amazed to walk through the garage, seeing the stunning new MCI coaches and the competitive advantage — fire power — they provide us.”

Hawkeye’s Legacy

Founded in 1954 by Tjossem’s father, grandfather, and uncle, Hawkeye Stages started with line-run service, moved into charters, added tours, and grew through strategic diversification and proactive customer service.

In 2006, Hawkeye Stages started a new business called Legacy Tour & Travel, and later formed Legacy Student Travel. Now combined into Legacy Travel Group, the company has successfully provided a total travel experience under one umbrella for the past 10 years.

“All three customer segments have been critical to our success,” said Tjossem. “Each division makes the other stronger and allows us to operate more in line with who we want to be.”

Today, Legacy Travel Group members are Hawkeye’s largest clients. The company has also maintained long-standing relationships with Luther College in Hawkeye Stage’s hometown of Decorah, Iowa, and Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, which goes back to the company’s earliest days.

With garages located in Decorah, Newton, and Waterloo, Iowa, the company has served customers from all over the state as well as parts of Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Hawkeye purchased its first MCI coach in 1982 and continued until 2000. After a pause, Hawkeye returned to MCI with its most recent order.

“We are happy that Hawkeye chose MCI for their new coach purchase,” said Brent Maitland, VP, sales and marketing, MCI. “We will continue to earn their confidence by providing a consistently high-level of service and support to keep their fleet on the road.”