METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Meridian to unveil mid-sized luxury coach at UMA, LCT

The high-end Tourismo is the company’s newest in a growing number of product offerings on the popular and eco-friendly Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, designed specifically for tour, charter and limousine operators.

February 4, 2014
Meridian to unveil mid-sized luxury coach at UMA, LCT

 

2 min to read


Meridian Specialty Vehicles Inc., a Las Vegas-based Mercedes Benz-approved bus manufacturer will be unveiling its new Sprinter-based “Tourismo” mid-sized luxury motorcoach bus product line next week simultaneously at both the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Expo in Los Angeles and the International Limousine, Charter and Tour (LCT) Show in Las Vegas.  

The high-end Tourismo is Meridian’s newest in a growing number of product offerings on the popular and eco-friendly Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, designed specifically for tour, charter and limousine operators.  

Ad Loading...

RELATED:Top 50 Motorcoach Operators for 2013

The Tourismo boasts a standard 6-foot interior ceiling height, 24-foot overall length, multiple high-end European-style reclining seating configurations including bench, booth or forward-facing arrangements.

Other features include, individual overhead air controls and reading lights, PA system, LED mood and cabin lighting, wood grain commercial flooring, video system, over-sized ducted air conditioning and heating, integrated backup camera and skylights.

Available options include mobile Wi-Fi, fire suppression system, infotainment solutions, 110-Volt/USB passenger power outlets, privacy curtains, tire pressure monitoring, even fully-equipped lavatories. In all, over 100 options are available to customize every bus for each operator’s individual tastes and requirements for comfort and safety, according to company officials.

“With best-in-class 11,030-pound GVWR, incredibly smooth, quiet and comfortable ride quality and ultra-efficient and notoriously long-lasting diesel engines, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter was our immediate platform choice for the Tourismo mid-size tour bus to answer to our charter clients’ ongoing demand for a sub-20 passenger luxury touring coach”, said David Ronsen, President/CEO of Meridian Specialty Vehicles Inc. “Tour guests have become accustomed to high-end accommodations and tour operators are expected to provide luxurious buses, regardless of group size."

According to Ronsen, "Operators have had few options other than to operate 40-, 50- or even 60-passenger coaches for a fifteen passenger group.  When calculating associated fuel and maintenance costs, that practice simply doesn’t add up. The Tourismo solves the problem with a very cost-effective, fully-equipped mini tour bus that achieves an astounding 300+ passenger miles per gallon."

The Tourismo will be on display at Meridian’s booth at UMA (booth # 1425) and at the Creative Bus Sales’ booth at LCT (both #94).

RELATED:(photo gallery) ABA Marketplace 2014 in Nashville

More Motorcoach

EPA Proposal Targets DEF-Related Engine Derates
Motorcoachby Alex RomanJuly 10, 2026

EPA Proposal to Ease Diesel Emissions Compliance Could Improve Reliability for Motorcoach Operators

The EPA is proposing to remove DEF-related engine derates for new heavy-duty diesel vehicles, a change bus operators say would improve safety and reliability while sparking debate over the future of emissions enforcement.

Read More →
An MCI J4500 for Rustad Tours
Motorcoachby StaffJune 26, 2026

Minnesota's Rustad Tours Takes Delivery of New MCI Motorcoach

The latest addition represents Rustad Tours’ 17th new MCI coach, marking more than four decades of partnership between the two companies.

Read More →
Endera electric buses for California’s Mendocino Transit Authority
Technologyby StaffJune 25, 2026

Biz Briefs: Endera Delivers to California, Safety Vision Teams with San Antonio's VIA, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New MobilityJune 19, 2026

Modernizing Mobility with CharterUP CEO Armir Harris

From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.

Read More →
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program

Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.

Read More →
Driving Change Through Technology
Technologyby Alex RomanJune 12, 2026

METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility

From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
ABA testifies for federal bus regulations

ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUSES Act, National Standards for Bus Operators

The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.

Read More →
thumbnail for 2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
SponsoredMay 27, 2026

2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory

Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
The cover of the ABAF's Motorcoach Census 2025
Motorcoachby StaffMay 20, 2026

ABA Foundation’s 2025 Motorcoach Census Highlights Industry Growth, 77K Jobs

Conducted annually by Tourism Economics, the study found that 1,769 companies operating 49,543 motorcoaches are based in the US, while 122 companies operating 1,425 motorcoaches are located in Canada.

Read More →