PORTLAND, Ore. – (November 1, 2010) – IC Bus today unveiled its fully integrated Type A school bus, the IC Bus™ AE Series to customers, dealers and the media at an event at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore.

As a key differentiator from other Type A school buses, the fully integrated IC Bus AE Series features a proprietary design which allows for bumper-to-bumper coverage and ensures customers have a single point of contact with only one network, IC Bus. This one-stop-shop approach provides everything bus operators need throughout the lifecycle of the bus, including financing, parts, service and warranties.

“With the introduction of our new AE Series Type A school bus, we are now able to provide school bus operators and contractors with a complete portfolio of integrated buses that will meet the diverse needs of school districts across the country,” said John McKinney, president, IC Bus. “With the one-stop-shop approach and comprehensive level of support offered from IC Bus, school bus operators won’t have to settle for less.”

Rugged, Durable, Dependable
The AE Series is in a class by itself when it comes to durability, designed and built to have a longer lifecycle than similar products in the industry. This integrated Type A school bus shares a platform with the IC Bus AC Series commercial bus, which was introduced earlier this fall. The AE Series is built to last, featuring frame rails rated to 80,000 PSI, challenging any other manufacturer in the industry, and16-gauge steel side sheets for added body strength. It also brings unmatched serviceability with its full-tilt hood, allowing for unobstructed access to the engine compartment.

Powered by the MaxxForce® 7 V8
The AE Series bus is powered by the lightweight, rugged, yet powerful 220 horsepower 6.4-liter MaxxForce® 7, which delivers outstanding fuel economy and low overall cost of ownership. It combines a 28,000-psi (1,900-bar) high-pressure common-rail fuel system, dual sequential turbocharger system and a high strength compacted graphite iron (CGI) block. The MaxxForce 7 is matched with an Allison 1000 Series transmission for optimum power output.

The MaxxForce 7 is built with MaxxForce Advanced EGR emissions technology, the only no-hassle emissions technology available in the school bus industry. With MaxxForce Advanced EGR, bus operators won’t have the worry or inconvenience of finding or filling liquid urea.
“The MaxxForce 7 V-8 will be a perfect fit for school bus operators as it provides an efficient and reliable platform with the durability and reliability of a commercial truck,” McKinney added.

Bus Innovations, Integrated Manufacturing, Industry Leadership
For nearly 100 years, Navistar has been a leader in the school bus industry and helped transform the industry in the 1990s by introducing a comprehensive, integrated product. IC Bus sets itself apart from the competition as a fully integrated school bus provider, combining industry-leading chassis, body and engine expertise in its products. IC Bus goes beyond the bus by backing its integrated products with one of the most extensive, experienced dealer networks in the industry—bus experts that have built a reputation for the unparalleled customer support.