Vicinity Motor Corp. announced that it has entered into a strategic U.S. distribution agreement with DATTCO, Inc. to distribute Vicinity vehicles within the Northeastern U.S.

DATTCO operates facilities throughout New England and employs over 2,000 people in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The distributorship said it supports Vicinity's focus on U.S. distribution expansion for its portfolio of electric vehicles and conventionally powered buses.

"Our distribution partnership with DATTCO will add to our reach in the Northeastern United States with a well-established company that has served the area since 1924," said William Trainer, founder/CEO of Vicinity Motor Corp. "DATTCO's large customer base — with over 1,800 customers including corporations, schools, tour operators and local organizations — are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions for their transportation needs. We are excited to provide their first EV options for customers and believe they will be quickly impressed with our range of heavy-duty, light-duty and special purpose electric vehicles. We look forward to working closely with the DATTCO team going forward."

In addition to operating a fleet of over 1,200 buses, DATTCO provides sales, parts, warranty, and service support for transportation providers in the region.

Under the new agreement, DATTCO will distribute Vicinity vehicles throughout New England. 

In conjunction with the agreement, DATTCO has placed an initial order valued at over $2 million for Vicinity Lightning EV and Classic transit buses and Optimal-EV S1 paratransit electric low-floor shuttle busses.

"As one of the region's largest operators of buses, we are deeply committed to expanding our product portfolio to better serve our customers with a focus on dependability, quality service, comfort and safety," said Don DeVivo, president/CEO of DATTCO. "Our customers' priorities continue to evolve, and we're convinced Vicinity's product line has the best range of options covering traditional vehicles, as well as a widely-respected position in the expanding EV market. Both the innovative Vicinity Lightning™ EV and the VMC Optimal-EVs will be exciting new options that we believe will be an excellent choice for operators seeking electrified vehicles, designed from the ground up to be flexible, cost-effective and user friendly."