FORT VALLEY, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leading independent designer
and manufacturer of school buses, announced today that it has begun
shipping its all-new, gasoline-powered Type C buses to customers and
over 400 of these buses will be sold prior to its fiscal year end in
September. The Company was able to achieve this important milestone due
to outstanding support from its partnership with Ford Motor Company and
Roush CleanTech.
Deliveries in fiscal year 2016 are approximately 300 units below the
Company’s original volume goal, as was previously noted during the
Company’s third quarter earnings conference call. The lower number of
deliveries was largely the result of later-than-planned engine
certification and delivery timing, which was after the critical school
start window of August through mid-September.
“Both Blue Bird and our customers are very excited about our all-new,
gasoline-powered Type C school bus," said Phil Horlock, president and
CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. "This bus has the lowest acquisition price
compared with other fuel types, while requiring simpler maintenance and
providing outstanding cold weather performance. The proven and modern
320 HP 6.8 liter V10 engine delivers outstanding performance and is
another great example of our goal to provide innovative, affordable and
differentiated products that customers want and value.”
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school
buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and
approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity
and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic
American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal
competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering,
manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only
manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for
school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader
for school bus innovation, safety, product
quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In
addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel
applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered
school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in
Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a
manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and
after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution
center located in Delaware, Ohio.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160923005698/en/
Blue Bird Corporation
Mark Benfield, 478-822-2315
Investor
Relations & New Business Development
[email protected]
Source: Blue Bird Corporation