SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Blue Bird reveals 3 new powertrains for 2016

The OEM will offer a new compressed natural gas school bus, a new Cummins diesel engine and a new Eaton transmission next year.

November 11, 2015
Blue Bird reveals 3 new powertrains for 2016

Blue Bird will begin production of its first Type C Vision school bus fueled by compressed natural gas next year.

2 min to read


RICHMOND, Va. — Blue Bird will offer a new compressed natural gas (CNG) school bus, a new Cummins diesel engine and a new Eaton transmission in 2016.

The school bus OEM announced the new offerings at the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) trade show in Richmond on Tuesday.

Ad Loading...

“Along with the gasoline-powered Blue Bird Vision that we announced earlier this year, Blue Bird’s four all-new powertrains in 2016 demonstrate our commitment to new products that customers want and value,” Blue Bird President and CEO Phil Horlock said. “This represents an unprecedented pace of new product launches and is an exciting time for Blue Bird and our customers.”

Blue Bird will begin production of its first Type C Vision school bus fueled by CNG next year. The new model will utilize Ford’s 6.8L V10 engine and 6R140 transmission with ROUSH CleanTech’s fuel system. The CNG-powered Type C, which joins Blue Bird’s CNG-powered Type D bus, will be available for delivery in late 2016.

Another new Blue Bird offering is the Cummins ISV diesel-powered Vision, which will be launched in the summer of 2016. Company officials said that the quiet, compact ISV 5.0L V8 diesel will provide customers with the lowest acquisition price of all Blue Bird diesel models.

Also new for 2016, Blue Bird will offer the Eaton Procision dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission. Company officials said that the Procision provides efficient acceleration, optimizing shift points to reach the highest gear as early as possible. It will be an option on Blue Bird ISB diesel models and will be available for delivery in the summer of 2016.

“Our customers want and value reliable, affordable and safe bus options that reduce their operating costs,” Blue Bird Chief Operating Officer John Kwapis said. “Our innovative Blue Bird Vision CNG, Blue Bird Vision ISV and ISB diesels, and Eaton Procision transmission will provide a strong return on investment and more choices for our customers.”

More Alternative Fuels

Graphic announcing the EPA's proposed 2027 heavy-duty engine rule changes, featuring an open school bus engine compartment in the background with the EPA logo and the headline, "The EPA's 2027 Proposal Is Here. What's Changing?" alongside School Bus Fleet branding.
Alternative Fuelsby StaffJuly 11, 2026

EPA Unveils Proposed Changes to 2027 Heavy-Duty Engine Rules

The federal agency has proposed changes to next year’s targets that would eliminate DEF derates, ease warranty requirements, and retain current NOx emissions standards.

Read More →
An orange and yellow graphic with a black and white image of an InCharge Energy technician working and text reading "EV Charging & Infrastructure Gains."
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesJuly 10, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: EV Charging & Infrastructure Projects Gain Momentum

The latest developments include new funding, charging infrastructure, utility investments, and fleet technologies designed to support the transition to electric school buses nationwide.

Read More →
An orange and yellow graphic with a black and white image of the back end of an electric bus next to charging infrastructure and text reading "Alt-Fuel Moves: Fleets Power Up Beyond the Bus."
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesJune 12, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: Fleets Power Up Beyond the Bus

See how districts are pairing electric buses with charging, solar, and V2G technology to cut costs, boost resilience, and unlock new fleet value.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic showing a winding road and directional signpost labeled “electric,” “propane,” “biofuels,” and “natural gas” beneath the headline “Where Is EPA Funding Headed?” with School Bus Fleet logo.
Alternative FuelsJune 11, 2026

What the EPA’s Updated Clean School Bus Program Means for Fleet Electrification in 2026 and Beyond

A guide to the EPA’s evolving school bus grants, including how the Trump administration changed funding priorities and how school districts can prepare for future bus purchases.

Read More →
Billy Murphy of Power Innovations International speaks at ACT Expo in front of a display featuring EV charging equipment and a Blue Bird school bus graphic. A text overlay reads “Simplified EV Charging.”
Alternative Fuelsby Amanda HuggettJune 3, 2026

A Solution Helping School Buses Charge Without Major Infrastructure Upgrades

Power Innovations International dishes on its EV charging technology designed to reduce infrastructure barriers, improve reliability, and support V2G applications for school bus fleets.

Read More →
Promotional graphic announcing New Eagle's OpenECU platform. A blue electronic control unit (ECU) is featured against an orange background with EV charging stations and charging cables. The image includes the New Eagle and OpenECU logos, a "New Product" label, and School Bus Fleet branding.
Alternative FuelsJune 2, 2026

New Eagle Launches All-in-One EV Control Platform

The new OpenECU NX3 platform integrates charging and vehicle controls into a single platform, with support for megawatt charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Children board a yellow electric school bus from Central Consolidated School District during snowfall, as an adult assists students at the bus entrance.

GreenPower Unveils New Heating Solution for Type A Bus

The all-electric bus manufacturer's new product aims to eliminate cold-cabin issues on its Nano BEAST zero-emission school buses operating in cold climates.

Read More →
An orange and yellow graphic with a black and white image of an electric bus charger and text reading "Alt-Fuel Moves: Fleets Plug In For the Long Haul."
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesMay 22, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: Fleets Plug In for the Long Haul

School districts across the U.S. are moving electric school bus plans into operation, with new fleet deployments, charging infrastructure, and long-term electrification partnerships taking shape.

Read More →
Thumbnail graphic for a School Bus Fleet interview at ACT Expo featuring a smiling BetterFleet executive seated in front of a fleet technology booth display. Overlay text reads “BetterFleet” and “The G Problem in V2G.”
Alternative Fuelsby Amanda HuggettMay 22, 2026

The Achilles Heel of School Bus Electrification: BetterFleet’s Take

BetterFleet’s managing partner discusses AI-powered EV fleet management, vehicle-to-grid challenges, and the real challenges in bus electrification today, from ACT Expo.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A red, black, and white graphic with text reading "The Fuel Decision is Yours."
Alternative FuelsMay 20, 2026

You're On Your Own to Pick a Drivetrain [Op-Ed]

After years of federal pressure toward electric school buses, districts are suddenly being told to choose their own path. Let’s explore the risks, realities, and politics behind school bus drivetrain decisions.

Read More →