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
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryTransportation
Founded1933
HeadquartersDes Plaines, Illinois
ProductsBuses and Coaches
Number of employees
2,300
ParentNFI Group
Websitemcicoach.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
WidthSeriesOptionAxlesBody
96 = 96 inches (2.4 m)
102 = 102 inches (2.6 m)		 A W = wheelchair lift-equipped 2
3		 none = aluminum
B — none = aluminum
SS = stainless steel
C
D L = 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) length
W = wheelchair lift-equipped
E L = 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) length none = aluminum
Example: 102-DL3SS
2001–present
SeriesLengthVersionOptions (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)
CTH = "contemporary" styling (hybrid-electric) (only D4500CTH)
CT CNG = "contemporary" styling (CNG)
ISTV = inmate security transportation vehicle
N = 96-inch (2.4 m) narrow body
CRT LE = redesigned D series
e or CRTe LE = electric (only D45 CRTe LE and J4500e)
Example: D4500CTH

Current

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

Series Models Length Photo Notes
D
    • D4005
    • D4000CL
    • D4000CT
    • D4000CTH
    • D4000ISTV
 40 feet
  • Restyled with frameless windows and G series headlights, designated "CT" (contemporary) styling: D4000CT and D4500CT respectively.
  • Models with the original square headlights and framed windows were designated "CL" (classic): D4000CL and D4500CL.
  • CT version also available with hybrid electric ("CTH") or CNG ("CT CNG") powertrain.
  • Rubber front bumper and framed windows are optional on CT version.
  • Rubber front bumper is standard on ISTV units.
  • D45 CRT LE
    • D45 CRTe LE
  • Introduced in 2020
  • Part of NextGen D-Series
  • D4505
    • D4500CL
    • D4500CT
    • D4500CTH
 45 feet
  • Restyled with frameless windows and G series headlights, designated "CT" (contemporary) styling: D4000CT and D4500CT respectively.
  • Models with the original square headlights and framed windows were designated "CL" (classic): D4000CL and D4500CL.
  • CT version also available with hybrid electric ("CTH") or CNG ("CT CNG") powertrain.
  • Rubber front bumper and framed windows are optional on CT version.
  • Rubber front bumper is standard on ISTV units.
  • D45 CRT LE
    • D45 CRTe LE
    • D4520 (Touring Coach)
  • Introduced in 2017 (D45 CRT(e) LE) or 2020 (D4520)
  • Part of NextGen D-Series
J
    • J3500
 35 feet
    • J4500
    • J4500e
 45 feet
  • Introduced in 2001.
  • One top-mounted center stop light.

Letter series (post-1985)
Series Models Length Width Photo Introduced Discontinued Notes
A
    • 96A2
    • 96A3
 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1985 1991
  • 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.
    • 102A2
    • 102A3
    • 102AW3
 102 in (2.59 m) 1986
B 96B3 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1991 1994
  • Offered with fluted stainless steel or smooth paintable sides.
  • Equipped with destination sign.
102B3 102 in (2.59 m) 1993
C 102C3 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 102D3 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m) 102 in (2.59 m) 1994 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.
102DL3 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) 1992 2001
D4000N 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
    • 102EL3
    • E4500
    • E4500LX
 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 F3500 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 G4100 41 ft 7 in (12.67 m) 102 in (2.59 m) 1998 2001
  • Introduced as the 102G3 and 102GL3.
  • Only 25 G4100s were built.
  • Redesigned headlights used on the D series.
G4500 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) 2000 2005

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)
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

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.
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