CHICAGO (September 16, 2008) IC Bus, North America's largest combined school bus and commercial bus manufacturer, will launch a new luxury commercial bus during the BusCon Expo at Navy Pier in Chicago. The HC Platinum Series is the industry's first wholly integrated 102" wide premium mid-size conventional coach. In addition to elegant styling, the HC Platinum Series offers an impressive list of standard luxury features including plush, roomy seats, individual reading lights and climate control, DVD system and spacious luggage storage.

Available with the industry's only factory-installed diesel electric hybrid option, the HC Platinum Series can help operators reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. The hybrid system couples a diesel engine with an electric motor/generator, also incorporating a transmission. The system recovers kinetic energy during regenerative braking, charging the batteries while the bus is slowing down. This provides additional power for acceleration, making the hybrid bus ideal for routes with frequent starts and stops.

"Hybrid buses provide two distinct advantages," said John McKinney, vice president and general manager of IC Bus. "With its reduced fuel use and emissions, the hybrid is environmentally friendly. Secondly, a significant increase in fuel efficiency can dramatically improve the bottom line for many businesses." 

IC Bus launched its line of hybrid commercial buses in the summer of 2006. The IC Bus line is the mid-size bus industry’s only line of integrated buses – meaning that the chassis and body are built to work together for enhanced performance and durability. The buses are targeted for use by various vocations, including small to mid-size transit agencies, municipalities and other shuttle applications such as hotels, universities and tour companies.

To date, IC Bus has sold several hybrid commercial buses including deliveries to the City of Chicago’s Airport System for transportation of high end politicians and dignitaries; and to Denali National Park in Alaska for use in the Park’s shuttle service.

IC Bus HC and HC Platinum Series Hybrids deliver cleaner, more fuel-efficient transportation without sacrificing performance or durability:

• Engine and hybrid drive combination can improve fuel economy up to 60 percent
• Since the HEV system uses regenerative braking, brake pads are used less often with resulting benefits for both tires and brakes
• Hybrid drive power provides an electronic boost for hills or when rapid acceleration is needed
• Environmental benefits of diesel-electric hybrid technology can result in up to an 85 percent reduction in particulate matter, up to a 35 percent reduction in NOx emissions and up to 24 percent reduction in CO2

“IC Bus is committed to improving fuel efficiency across all its bus models,” said McKinney. “Each IC Bus is built to meet the needs of the customer providing superior performance, outstanding durability, remarkable fuel economy and a national network of dealers for service and support.”

About IC Bus, LLC
IC Bus, LLC is a wholly owned affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). The nation’s largest integrated manufacturer of school buses, IC is a leader in passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. The company is also a producer of commercial buses. All IC buses are sold, serviced and supported through a renowned dealer network that offers an integrated customer program encompassing parts, training and service.