Collins Bus Corporation Announces NexBus Propane Bus in Full Production

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Bus Corporation announced today it has completed the certification process for its new NexBus Propane school bus and has begun full production.  Collins Bus Corporation is the first Type-A bus builder to produce dedicated propane powered buses which will be available under the Collins, Mid Bus, and Corbeil brands.  Demonstrator vehicles will be at state and regional shows this summer where customers will be able to see the latest in alternative fuel options for their small bus fleet needs.  

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Kent Tyler, President of Collins Bus Corporation, said, "As the largest producer of Type-A buses in North America, we're extremely proud of the work our Alternative Fuels Team has done to develop, test, and produce the first dedicated propane powered Type-A bus in the school bus market.  Going forward, our commitment is to continue to lead the industry with alternative fuel options that will meet the needs of our diverse customer base."

The NexBus Propane school bus, built at Collins' facility in South Hutchinson, Kansas has met or exceeded all FMVSS certifications for school transportation, including the highest standards for fuel system integrity.  Additionally, the bus engine, developed in partnership with CleanFUEL USA, has obtained certification from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).  

Propane is the most widely used alternative fuel and provides fuel cost savings on an operating mile basis compared to gasoline and diesel.  From an environmental perspective, propane produces 20 percent fewer green house gases, and has lower overall emissions, a big plus for schools concerned about pollution from buses idling in student loading zones.  Lower carbon build-up and less oil contamination reduces maintenance costs, further reducing expenses for school districts and bus operators.  The Collins NexBus Propane bus, built on a dual rear wheel GM chassis, exhibits excellent cold weather starting, has an estimated range in excess of 300 miles, and is available in capacities up to 32 passengers.

About Collins Bus Corporation

Collins Bus Corporation, a subsidiary of Collins Industries, Inc., markets three brands of Type-A buses throughout North America (Collins, Mid Bus, and Corbeil).  They market advanced technology solutions such as Propane and Hybrid-Electric alternatives under the NexBus brand.  They have the largest distribution network of any Type-A bus company with over 70 dealers in the United States and Canada.  Collins Industries, Inc. is also a leading manufacturer of ambulances (including medical attack vehicles, rescue vehicles and fire emergency vehicles), the nation's second largest manufacturer of terminal trucks, and a leader in the road construction and industrial sweeper markets. For more information please visit www.collinsbuscorp.com.

About CleanFUEL USA

Founded in 1993, CleanFUEL USA is a recognized leader in certified and approved alternative fuel dispensing equipment for propane and E85.  CleanFUEL USA is also a leader in the advancement of liquid propane injection systems for light to medium duty fleet vehicles using Icom's patented JTG technology and system.  The company distributes OEM and aftermarket engine fuel systems, fleet management network services, and associated technical support, training and fuel contract services. CleanFUEL USA is a registered trademark of CleanFUEL Holdings, Inc.  Headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, CleanFUEL USA has sales, engineering, and operations facilities in Michigan, California, Kansas and Florida as well as international offices in New Delhi, India and Buenos Aires, Argentina.  For more information please visit www.cleanfuelusa.com.

SOURCE Collins Bus Corporation