Motor Coach Industries

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is a multinational bus manufacturer, specializing in production of motorcoaches. Best known for coaches produced for intercity transit and commuter buses, MCI produces coaches for a variety of applications, ranging from tour buses to prison buses.

Motor Coach Industries

Type	Subsidiary
Industry	Transportation
Founded	1933
Headquarters	Des Plaines, Illinois
Products	Buses and Coaches
Number of employees	2,300
Parent	NFI Group
Website	mcicoach.com

This article is about the bus manufacturer. For the defunct telecommunications provider, see MCI Communications.

Currently, MCI is headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. Since 2015, it has been a subsidiary of Canadian bus manufacturer New Flyer (part of the NFI Group).

History

The company was incorporated in 1933 as Fort Garry Motor Body and Paint Works Limited, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada by Harry Zoltok.[1] In 1948, Greyhound Lines of Canada, at that time MCI's major customer, became a majority shareholder when it purchased 65% of the company. MCI was purchased outright by Greyhound Lines in 1958. In 1963 a new plant was opened in Pembina, North Dakota to increase capacity as MCI began to expand into the U.S. market, while Greyhound widened its operations and switched increasingly from GMC to its own in-house products. In 1974 another plant was opened in Roswell, New Mexico under the title Transportation Manufacturing Corporation (TMC).

In December 1986, Greyhound was split, with Greyhound Lines being sold to an investor group, and Greyhound Lines of Canada, MCI and TMC remaining part of The Greyhound Corporation, which was renamed Dial, Inc. in 1991.

In 1987, Greyhound Corporation bought the transit bus manufacturing operations of General Motors Diesel Division (GMC), which was based in Canada. (GM phased out intercity and transit bus construction at the large GMC Coach and Truck plant in Pontiac, Michigan, shifting medium duty school bus chassis production to Janesville, Wisconsin.)

MCI also took over production of GM's RTS model, transferring production to TMC. MCI also purchased the GM bus assembly plant in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, which then produced GM's Canadian transit bus model, the Classic. TMC ceased production of the older MCI vehicles in 1990 to concentrate on manufacturing the RTS, and on the "A-Model" intercity coaches.

In 1993 MCI became an independent corporation, Motor Coach Industries International Inc.

1994 acquisition

In 1994, MCI stocks were purchased by Mexican DINA S.A.,[2][3] which had a long history of bus building and developed their HTQ proprietary technology[4][5][6] (valued in a total of 70 million dollars)[7] that culminated with the creation of the Viaggio Confort Bus Line. Over the course of the next years MCI reproduced its Viaggio 1000 DOT for sale to the U.S and Canada. In late 1999/2000 the G4100, G4500 and F3500 models were released to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Production of the G4500 later moved to Winnipeg, after the G4100 had been discontinued. Poor reliability of the G4500 resulted in very low sales after Greyhound Lines filed a lawsuit against MCI over the various issues involving the bus. Greyhound took delivery of very few Winnipeg-built G4500s; these were later retired and sold. Related to a major contract cancellation[8] by Western Star,[9] DINA S.A. sold a great portion of its previously acquired MCI shares to Joseph Littlejohn & Levy.[10]

In 1994 TMC, including production rights for the RTS, was sold to NovaBus. In 1997 MCI purchased the rights from the bankrupt Flxible to produce the Flxible Metro and all related parts for same. After a period of waning product demand, increased competition and lay-offs in the early 2000s, production at MCI plants in Winnipeg and Pembina increased in 2006, and 130 employees were added.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, MCI consolidated its operations, the Winnipeg site was expanded and modernized. DINA S.A. purchased North American Symix[11] and opened an assembly plant[7] in Buenos Aires, Argentina[12] and the DIMEX[13] and DINAIR companies.[14] A new coach finishing and paint facility and customer delivery centre were constructed on the site. At the same time, a seven-year contract was attained with the IAMAW union local. This agreement contained cost improvements and production operations flexibility to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the manufacturing and assembly operations.

The buses, especially the older MC-8 and workhorse MC-9 models of the 1980s, became the standard for interstate travel for many bus companies. Those particular buses featured metal frames and roof supports, metal panels on the sides and were extremely durable and reliable. Many of the buses, having survived millions of miles of commercial use, have been given a second career serving churches or other organizations, while the MCI/TMC coaches are very popular "conversion shells", used for motorhomes.

Currently, the "J" and "D" models are the leading coaches in the North American intercity coach market.

2008 bankruptcy

Motor Coach Industries Inc. announced on September 15, 2008, the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a restructuring the company said would "help shed hundreds of millions of dollars of debt".[15]

On April 17, 2009, Motor Coach Industries Inc. emerged from its voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization. MCII and its subsidiaries became wholly owned by KPS Capital Partners, LP. KPS Capital Partners, LP is the Manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of private equity limited partnerships with over $2.6 billion of committed capital focused on constructive investing in restructurings, turnarounds, and other special situations.[16][17]

Partnership with Daimler AG

Motor Coach Industries announced on April 25, 2012 that it had reached a deal with German vehicle manufacturer Daimler AG to distribute its Setra brand of motorcoaches for the North American market. The agreement came as Daimler reconfigured its commercial bus operations in North America, also selling off its Orion brand of transit buses to New Flyer Industries.

Under the agreement, Setra would build its S407 and S417 motorcoaches in Germany and ship them to North America, where MCI would sell and service the coaches using its existing dealer network. In exchange, Daimler would purchase a 10% share in Motor Coach Industries.

The relationship between competitors was less than ideal. Daimler complained that MCI focused on its own motorcoaches, and did not allow for sufficient attention to the Setra brand.[18]

The deal came to an end on January 4, 2018, with Daimler signing a new distribution rights agreement with REV Group, a US-based specialty vehicle manufacturer. Sales of new motorcoaches transferred immediately, followed by the service agreement in mid-2018.[19]

2015 acquisition

On November 10, 2015, it was announced that Canadian bus manufacturer New Flyer Industries has an agreement to acquire Motor Coach Industries, Inc. for C$604 million (approximately USD 459 million), and the deal closed in December 2015.[20]

Operating subsidiaries

• Motor Coach Industries, Ltd. – Canadian manufacturing facility, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
• Motor Coach Industries, Inc. – U.S. manufacturing facility, located in Pembina, North Dakota.
• MCI Sales and Service, Inc. – U.S. new and pre-owned coach sales division.
• MCI Service Parts – aftermarket parts sales division of the company, based in Des Plaines, Illinois, with its distribution center located in Louisville, Kentucky, with close access to the international UPS distribution center.
• MCI Financial Services – coach financing division, based in Dallas, Texas.

Models

After the original numbered Courier and MC models, MCI adopted letters for the different series of coaches. Two different schemes have been used:

1985–2001

Width	Series	Option	Axles	Body
96 = 96 inches (2.4 m) 102 = 102 inches (2.6 m)	A B C D E	L = 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) length D and E series only W = wheelchair lift-equipped A and D series only	2 3	none = aluminum SS = stainless steel B, C and D series only
Example: 102-DL3SS

2001–present

Series	Length	Version	Options (D series only)
D E F G J	35 = 35 ft 5.5 in (10.81 m) 40 = 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m) 41 = 41 ft 7 in (12.67 m) 45 = 45 feet 7 inches (13.89 m)	00 = 1st 05 = 2nd	CL = "classic" styling CT = "contemporary" styling (diesel/CNG) CTH = "contemporary" styling (hybrid-electric) ISTV = inmate security transportation vehicle N = 96-inch (2.4 m) narrow body
Example: D4500CT

Current

Motor Coach Industries currently produces three different product lines. All current models are 102 inches (2.59 m) wide, exclusive of mirrors.

Model	Photo	Height	Length	Notes
D40 series D4005 D4000CL D4000CT D4000CTH D4000ISTV	D4000CT	11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)	40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)	Restyled with frameless windows and G series headlights and renamed D4000CT and D4500CT respectively. Models with the original square headlights and framed windows were renamed D4000CL and D4500CL. CT version also available with hybrid electric or CNG powertrain. Rubber front bumper and framed windows are optional on CT version. Rubber front bumper is standard on ISTV units.
D45 series D4505 D4500CL D4500CT D4500CTH D45 CRT LE D45 CRTe LE	D4500CT	11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)	45 ft 5 in (13.84 m)
J35 series J3500		11.73 ft (3.58 m)	35.58 ft (10.84 m)
J45 series J4500 J4500e		11.73 ft (3.58 m)	45.58 ft (13.89 m)	Introduced in 2001. One top-mounted center stop light.

Past

Letter series (post-1985)

Model	Height	Length	Width	Photo	Introduced	Discontinued
	Notes
A series 96A2 96A3 102A2 102A3 102AW3	11 ft (3.35 m)	40 ft (12.19 m)	96 in (2.44 m) or 102 in (2.59 m)		1985	1991
	96-series introduced in 1985; 102-series introduced in 1986. Fluted stainless steel sides. First mass-produced 50-state 102 in (2.59 m)-wide coaches by MCI. Available with 2 or 3 axles (last digit indicated the number of axles). Wheelchair lift-equipped version designated 102AW3.
B series 96B3 102B3	11 ft (3.35 m)	40 ft (12.19 m)	96 in (2.44 m) or 102 in (2.59 m)		1991	1993 (102B3) 1994 (96B3)
	Offered with fluted stainless steel or smooth paintable sides. Equipped with destination sign.
C series 102C3	11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) or 11 ft 9 in (3.58 m)	40 ft (12.19 m)	102 in (2.59 m)		1988	1993
	Last MCI model with a slanted rear cap. Front-end design used for the D series. Optional stainless steel front-end offered from 1992 onward, and continued on the D series.
D series 102D3 102DL3	11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)	40 ft 6 in (12.34 m) or 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m)	102 in (2.59 m)		1993	2001
	45-foot-long 102DL3 introduced in 1992 and the 40-foot-long 102D3 in 1994. The 102D3 came later because it was a shortened version of the 102DL3.[21] Replaced previous 40-foot models 96B3, 102B3, and 102C3.[21] Also offered with stainless steel front-end. Replaced by models D4000 and D4500 respectively in 2001.
D series narrow D4000N	11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)	40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		2002	2004
	Only 12 units of this model were produced: 8 for Pace and 4 for NJ Transit.
E series 102EL3 E4500 E4500LX	11 ft (3.35 m)	45.58 ft (13.89 m)	102 in (2.59 m)		1998	2013
	Also known as the Renaissance. Introduced the curved stepwell. Two side top stop lights. Differs from the current J series in the rear end and front window.
F series F3500	11 ft 1 in (3.38 m)	35 ft 5.5 in (10.81 m)	102 in (2.59 m)		2000	2003
	Two axle coach based on the DINA Avante. Originally designated as model F12 and offered as a conversion shell.
G series G4100 G4500	11 ft 6 in (3.51 m)	41 ft 7 in (12.67 m) or 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m)	102 in (2.59 m)		1998 (G4100) 2000 (G4500)	2001 (G4100) 2005 (G4500)
	Introduced as the 102G3 and 102GL3. Only 25 G4100s were built. Redesigned headlights used on the D series.

MC series (1958–1998)

These models bore the MC-number designation.

Model	Height	Length	Width	Photo	Introduced	Discontinued
	Notes
MC-1 / MCX-1	10 ft (3.05 m)	35 ft (10.67 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1958	1961
	MCX-1 prototype built as Western Canada Greyhound Lines number W1000 in August 1959.
MC-2 / MCX-2	10 ft (3.05 m)	35 ft (10.67 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1960	1961
	MCX-2 prototype built as Pontiac Bus Lines number 6029 in April 1960.
MC-3 / MCX-3	10 ft (3.05 m)	35 ft (10.67 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1961	1963
	MCX-3 prototype built as Thiessen Transportation Ltd. number 24 in December 1961.
MC-4	10 ft (3.05 m)	35 ft (10.67 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1962	1964
MC-5 / MCC-5 / MCX-5	10 ft (3.05 m)	35 ft (10.67 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1963	1965
	MCX-5 prototype built as Central Greyhound Lines 2400 in December 1962. First buses built at MCI's Pembina, ND plant. Canadian-built units designated MCC-5.
MC-5A / MCC-5A	10 ft (3.05 m)	35 ft (10.67 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1964	1970
	Early-production Canadian units (to 1965) designated MCC-5A.
MC-5B	10 ft (3.05 m)	35 ft (10.67 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1971	1977
	Virtually indistinguishable from an MC-5A except for the clearance and marker lights, which are shared with MC-8s.
MC-5C	10 ft (3.05 m)	35 ft (10.67 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1977	1980
	Front end shared with MC-8s with its own unique roofline. Stainless Steel siding updated to match fluting of MC-8s. All exterior lighting shared with MC-8s. Switched from hinged to pantograph-style baggage bay doors. All bumpers and rub rails shared with MC-8s. Only 5-Series available with an automatic transmission option.
MC-6 / MCX-6[22]	12 ft (3.66 m)	40 ft (12.19 m)	102 in (2.59 m)		1969	1970
	Two prototype MC-6Xs produced in 1967, number 4599 built with GM Detroit Diesel 12V71, number 4598 with Mercedes Benz 8. Only 12 ft (3.66 m)-high buses produced by MCI. Wider-than-normal coaches (102"), not approved to operate in all 50 states. Built only for Greyhound. Originally powered by GM 12V71 engines. American units later repowered with GM 8V71 engines.
MC-7	10.83 ft (3.30 m)	40 ft (12.19 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1968	1973
	Also known as the Challenger First 40-foot buses built by MCI. First model built with optional automatic transmission during its last year of production.
MC-8	10.83 ft (3.30 m)	40 ft (12.19 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1973	1978
	Also known as the Crusader. 1978 models have straight narrow side window pillars
MC-9	11 ft (3.35 m)	40 ft (12.19 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1978	1991
	Also known as the Crusader II 1979 models are distinguished with a "cut" on the top front corners of the upper body panel Later MC9s also known as MC9S (Special).
MC-12	11 ft (3.35 m)	40 ft (12.19 m)	96 in (2.44 m)		1991	1998
	Built only for Greyhound. Similar to the MC-9, but with rectangular headlights and taillights. Also has a different roof cap, upper body panels and the enlarged A-series air-conditioning condenser.

Courier series (pre-1960)

Model	Length	Image	Photo	Introduced	Discontinued	Notes
Courier 200B				1948	1950
Courier 200A				1948	1949
Courier 200				1947	1948
Courier 100C				1948	1950
Courier 100B				1948	1949
Courier 100A				1947	1948
Courier 100				1946	1947
Courier 97				1955	1957	Only one built in December as Western Canada Greyhound Lines number W960.
Courier 96				1955	1960
Courier 95D				1953	1960	Diesel.
Courier 95 Courier 95 Skyview				1953	1960
Courier 90 Courier 90 Skyview				1953	1960
Courier 85X				1951	1953
Courier 85A				1951	1952
Courier 85				1950	1952
Courier 50 Courier 50A				1950	1955

Transit (all discontinued)

Main articles: Classic (transit bus) and Rapid Transit Series

Model	Length	Width	Photo	Notes
TC40-102A TC40‑102N Classic	40 ft (12.19 m)	102 in (2.59 m)		Design acquired from General Motors Diesel Division and built by MCI from 1987 to 1993. Design sold to Nova Bus in 1993. Also offered in a commuter configuration (forward facing seats and no centre exit).
TC60-102N Classic (articulated)	60 ft (18.29 m)	102 in (2.59 m)		Articulated bus. Only 9 units built by MCI: 7 for Metro Transit in Halifax, NS and 2 for Réseau de transport de la Capitale in Quebec, PQ.
TMC RTS-06 or -08	30 ft (9.14 m) or 35 ft (10.67 m) or 40 ft (12.19 m)	96 in (2.44 m) or 102 in (2.59 m)		Design acquired from General Motors, and built by MCI (as TMC) from 1987 to 1994. Sold to Nova Bus in 1994 and later sold to Millennium Transit Services in 2002 as the RTS Legend. Also offered with WFD (Wide Front Doors) option.
40TRY				Trolleybus demonstrator built 1942 featured a teardrop rear design (similar to Mack CR3S bus chassis) and was used by Winnipeg Electric Company (now Winnipeg Transit) as bus # 1532 until the late 1960s.[23]
150				Built circa 1939 and based on Yellow Coach Manufacturing Company PDG Silversides and order made by Canadian Greyhound.[23]

See also

•  Companies portal

References

1. History of Motor Coach Industries. Mcicoach.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
2. Company News; Boards Approve Grupo Dina-Motor Coach Merger. The New York Times (May 19, 1994). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
3. HighBeam
4. Industry Today – The World of Manufacturing Archived July 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Usitoday.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
5. Grupo Dina Unveils Its HTQ Series. Theautochannel.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
6. Grupo Dina Unveils Its HTQ Series Launching a New Era in Global Truck Technology | Business Wire. Find Articles (September 24, 1998). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
7. History Archived May 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Dina.com.mx. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
8. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS; Mexican Truck Maker May Lose Order. The New York Times (September 28, 2000). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
9. Union Postpones Strike at Grupo Dina Plant. Theautochannel.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
10. COMPANY NEWS; GRUPO DINA PLANS TO SELL 61% STAKE IN MOTOR COACH UNIT. The New York Times (June 16, 1999). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
11. MARKET-LEADING MOTOR COACH & TRUCK MANUFACTURER EXPANDS SYMIX SOFTWARE ACROSS 11-SITE OPERATION. – Free Online Library. Thefreelibrary.com (October 19, 1998). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
12. Presentó Grupo Dina sus Camiones HTQ en Argentina Archived May 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Truckinginfo.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
13. "Quill Coupons: Get $25 off w/May 2018 Promo Codes". Find Coupon Code, Discount Code and Promo Code. Archived from the original on February 2, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
14. DINA S.A. Maquinas de Compresion de Gases. Compresoresdina.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
15. MacPherson, James. Motor Coach files for bankruptcy protection, Grand Forks Herald, September 15, 2008. Accessed September 17, 2008.
16. Motor Coach Industries Emerges from Chapter 11 Archived February 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Pr-inside.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
17. KPS Capital Partners, LP. Kpsfund.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
18. "MCI to cease distributing Daimler's Setra coaches". www.metro-magazine.com. January 4, 2018. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
19. "MCI To Cease Distributing Daimler's Setra Coaches". mcicoach.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
20. "New Flyer buys Motor Coach Industries for $604M Cdn". www.cbc.ca. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
21. "MCI Models A-J National Bus Trader" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
22. Plachno, Larry (March 1981). "MCI MC-6: The bus that wanted to be Scenicruiser". National Bus Trader. National Bus Trader, Inc.: 12–31.
23. "MCI Celebrates 80 Years of Bus Production - National Bus Trader". busmag.com. Retrieved October 15, 2018.

External links

• Official website