PORTLAND, Ore. — In a special event on Monday night, IC Bus revealed for the first time its new AE Series school bus.

According to the manufacturer, it is the first Type A that is fully integrated. The new small bus is designed to have a longer lifecycle, and its proprietary design allows for bumper-to-bumper coverage and ensures that customers have a single point of contact with the IC Bus network.

The vehicle has an IC Bus chassis and runs on a MaxxForce 7 220 hp diesel engine with Advanced EGR. To enhance serviceability, its full-tilt hood provides unobstructed access to the engine compartment. The bus has an Allison 100 Series transmission and a hydraulic split brake system with ABS.

Optional features include factory-installed IC Air, an ADA-compliant wheelchair lift and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

The AE Series made an impressive debut at the event. Amid dramatic fog and lighting, a covering dropped from the bus, and cheerleaders and a marching band from a local school sprang from the vehicle.

IC Bus Director of Marketing David Hillman said that the AE Series will be available for order in spring 2011. The company plans to begin full production in the fall of that year.

For more information on the new Type A, click here.