Navistar launches new IC Bus campaign

Company officials say that the new school and commercial bus campaign takes an innovative "lifestyle" marketing approach.

Green Fleets Across America 2012

From operating alternative-fueled vehicles to installing pollution-control equipment on buses to reducing idling, pupil transportation operations are doing their part to provide a healthy and safe ride to and from school for students. Here, we provide details on these and other environmentally friendly practices at school districts and contractors throughout the country.

Snapshots — Winter, Spring, Summer 2012

Navistar forms school bus partnership in China

The IC Bus parent will collaborate with truck maker JAC to distribute, design and develop school buses in China. Navistar exec John McKinney says that the company "is excited to be sharing our experience and school bus safety expertise with China."

IC Bus honors top dealers

Midwest Transit Equipment of Kankakee, Ill., receives the school bus manufacturer’s 2011 North American Tom Cellitti Dealer of the Year Award for excellence in such areas as market share, customer satisfaction ratings, success in both school and commercial bus markets, and year-over-year performance improvements. Other dealers across the country earn regional awards.

IC Bus announces expanded 2012 training schedule

Sessions for the manufacturer's IC Bus University will be held during the weeks of June 25, July 9, July 23, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20, and will cover such topics as engines, bus electrical and bus maintenance. IC Bus is also offering an Advanced IC Bus University that will focus on advanced diagnostics.

IC Bus boosts efficiency at Tulsa plant

The manufacturer has been building school buses in the former B-24 bomber plant for 10 years now. Plant Manager Greg Hutchison, an auto industry veteran who came to the facility in September, tells SBF about changes that have increased quality and volume while keeping staffing levels consistent.

Achieving inventory efficiency

Adjusting your parts inventory to fulfill the needs of your technicians and to address the repairs that occur most will help bus maintenance and parts ordering in your shop run smoothly.

Navistar names new marketing exec

Kathy Seegebrecht will serve the company as vice president, marketing, for the global bus division. Seegebrecht, who previously served as vice president, marketing, for Navistar’s parts group, replaces David Hillman.

Calif. agency adds $10K to vouchers for hybrid buses

Thomas Built’s Saf-T-Liner C2e hybrid school bus and IC Bus’ CE Series bus with a hybrid-electric system are eligible for the funding as part of the California Air Resources Board's Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project. Joe Calavita, air pollution specialist for the agency, tells SBF that previously, most buses were eligible for $20,000 each, and now pupil transporters can get $30,000, plus $5,000 for the first bus purchased.