ST. CLOUD, MN, Oct. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) New Flyer of America Inc. ("New Flyer"), the U.S. subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc. ("NFI Group"), the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, opened its doors last week to the new 30,000 square foot Vehicle Innovation Center ("VIC"), America's first innovation lab for advanced bus technology. U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator Jane Williams, along with several elected officials and industry leaders, delivered remarks at the grand opening ribbon cutting celebration in Anniston, Alabama on October 12 where more than 125 New Flyer customers, suppliers and team members were invited to tour the VIC's state of the art manufacturing lab, virtual reality learning spaces, driving simulators, and other interactive exhibits.
"The collaboration between New Flyer, the City of Anniston, and the State of Alabama is a shining example of the power of public private partnerships, which is a key component of U.S. Transportation Secretary Chao's Innovation Agenda," said Ms. Williams. "We continue to embrace new technologies that will boost our economy and make our transportation safer and more efficient, and I am confident this facility will bolster the transit industry for years to come."
"At New Flyer, we're not waiting for the future to happen, we are shaping it," said Paul Soubry, Chief Executive Officer of the NFI Group. "The VIC is not a museum for technology; instead, it is a dynamic, interactive, and progressive place where we can learn, share and work together to drive American public transportation innovation."
Newly appointed Chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., also delivered remarks: "Our industry is facing the most significant transformation we have seen in generations. As our customers' needs continue to evolve, we too must evolve with them, offering real, sustainable solutions that foster growth. The Vehicle Innovation Center is not just a vital resource for public transportation, it is also an economic catalyst for our nation."
"New Flyer of America is building on our 87 year legacy of innovation to deliver disruptive transit technology that meets the complex demands of America's growing communities today and into the future," said Wayne Joseph, President of New Flyer of America. "The VIC is our latest investment in delivering safe, efficient, comfortable and sustainable bus technology that Americans can rely on."
The VIC is North America's first innovation lab dedicated to the advancement of bus and coach technology that connects people to places, with a focus on the environment and sustainable transportation. It will feature advanced research and development capabilities that will evolve electric, autonomous and telematic technologies for bus transit.
"Anniston is being placed squarely on the map for innovation and technology, and New Flyer is a key part of that," said Mayor Jack Draper. "I applaud New Flyer for its bold commitment to research and development that will further advance public transportation, which so many Americans depend on."
The VIC was created by New Flyer in partnership with Motor Coach Industries Inc. ("MCI"), also a subsidiary of the NFI Group, to deliver on NFI Group's commitment to investing in U.S. innovation, jobs, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
VIC official partners include Siemens, ABB, XALT Energy, A123 Systems, Parker/Vansco, Valeo (Spheros), Vapor Bus International (WABTEC), Powerex Inc., Ballard Power Systems, Hydrogenics, ChargePoint, Thermo King, EMP, Center for Transportation and the Environment, CALSTART, and Alabama Power. Over the next two years, NFI Group will invest more than US $9.1 million to advance its electric-bus manufacturing program. This will complement the USD $25 million 36-acre Anniston campus facility expansion, which was supported by NFI Group, the City of Anniston, State of Alabama, and Alabama Power.
NFI Group has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses (ZEBs) and employs more American workers than any other transit bus manufacturer in North America.
About NFI Group
NFI Group is the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, with 31 fabrication, manufacturing, distribution, and service centers across Canada and the U.S. employing over 5,800 team members.
It is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the largest transit bus product line under the brand Xcelsior®, incorporating the broadest range of drive systems available, including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, trolley-electric, and battery-electric. NFI Group actively supports over 44,000 heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in service, of which 6,400 are powered by electric and battery propulsion.
NFI Group is also North America's motor coach market leader offering the Motor Coach Industries Inc. (MCI) J-Series, the industry's best-selling intercity coach for 11 consecutive years, and the MCI D-Series, the industry's best-selling motor coach line in North American history. MCI is also the exclusive distributor of Daimler's Setra S 417 and S 407 motor coaches in the United States and Canada. MCI actively supports over 28,000 coaches currently in service.
NFI Group also operates North America's most comprehensive parts organization, NFI Parts™, providing parts, technical publications, training, and support for its OEM product lines (transit buses and motor coaches). All buses and coaches are also supported by an industry-leading comprehensive warranty, service, and support network.
Further information is available on NFI Group websites at www.newflyer.com and www.mcicoach.com. The common shares of the NFI Group are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of the NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including those risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.
SOURCE New Flyer of America Inc.
For further information: Jon Koffman, Investor Relations, Ph: 320-316-4964
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