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ABC Companies President and Chief Commercial Officer Roman Cornell
Faribault, Minn. — ABC Companies and Van Hool have unveiled a custom clean-air solution to improve interior cabin air-quality on a prototype Van Hool TDX high-capacity, double-deck coach. Thanks to a new custom-built HEPA filtration system developed through a collaboration between the two companies, Northern California commuters can experience filtered clean air on the 45’ motorcoach.
“Our advanced Van Hool TDX model meets and exceeds EPA 16, GHG 17 emission standards for commercial vehicles, so integrating new technology that can further enhance the passenger environment is exciting for our team,” stated ABC Companies President and Chief Commercial Officer Roman Cornell. “Involving customers in the process from inception, including the design phase, is critical to developing successful and innovative new offerings that meet their needs and strengthen our relationships. While indoor air quality is important for the operation of any business, bringing HEPA filtration technology to a mobile environment is the next step for passenger comfort,” he added.
On both sides of the Atlantic, ABC and Van Hool pooled their expertise and resources to source and build a customized system that utilizes cutting-edge HEPA filtration technology. Together with the Van Hool engineering team, the ABC technical department worked closely to specify and fabricate a working prototype to be utilized within their NorCal-based customers’ employee-shuttle fleet operation.
“Confined space and weight limitations were key challenges to product development, mandating a compact design that ultimately located the new HEPA system under-floor in a small portion of the baggage bay area, without compromising existing passenger cabin dimensions,” said Brian Nelson, engineering manager at ABC’s Winter Garden, Fla., facility.
The HEPA filtration unit is equipped with a HEPA filter, two pre-filters and two evaporator blowers that draw outside air through the filters which is then transferred to the TDX lower deck A/C unit where it is circulated throughout the interior of the coach. The new system is designed to offer a significant reduction in particle counts down to the smallest concentration with results being achieved within 20 minutes of operation. Conclusive testing revealed dramatically decreased dust in the interior cabin.
“The new HEPA filtration system is designed to provide numerous benefits in terms of both air quality and equipment performance,” noted Nelson, “specifically in static or heavily congested road conditions where traffic emissions from older vehicles are prevalent and can permeate the passenger cabin”, he says.
In terms of maintenance and equipment performance, Van Hool Engineering Bus and Coach HVAC Specialist Tom Van Lokeren said that HEPA filtration technology can contribute to optimal equipment performance, by helping to maintain a cleaner coil, so that other components like fans, and filters can operate at nominal conditions as designed and potentially extend the service life of HVAC components.
“ABC and Van Hool are focused on transforming great ideas into innovative solutions”, said ABC Companies CEO Dane Cornell. “We are excited to be at the forefront of shaping commercial applications that can lead to substantive change for our customers and our industry”.
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
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Reston Limousine President and CEO Kristina Bouweiri
Charles Town, W.V. — Potomac Bancshares announced the appointment of Kristina Bouweiri to its Board of Directors effective March 12, 2019.
Bouweiri is the president and CEO of Reston Limousine, a Washington metro area's chauffeured transportation provider headquartered in Loudoun County, Virginia. A long-time resident of Leesburg, Va., Bouweiri is an active member of several community boards and organizations, including the DC Chamber of Commerce, Washington DC Economic Partnership, Northern Virginia Community College, Inova Loudoun Hospital Foundation, and Enterprising Women magazine, among others.
Also named to the Potomac Bancshares Board was Mitesh Kothari, MD, a partner of Capital Women's Care, one of the largest medical practices for female health services in Hagerstown and Washington County, Md.
"The Board of Directors are delighted to announce the addition of these accomplished leaders to our Board. Both Ms. Bouweiri and Dr. Kothari are successful entrepreneurs who have grown their respective businesses to premier levels in the markets they serve," said Dr. Keith Berkeley, chairman. "Their guidance, expertise, and community relationship will be instrumental in helping us meet our full potential in Loudoun County, Va., and Washington County, Md."
Visit restonlimo.com for more information.
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Premiere Transportation CEO David Brown (left) and Ned Johnson of Grech Motors with Premiere’s new EG40
Albany, N.Y. — Premiere Transportation took delivery of a brand new Grech EG40 luxury coach bus. The EG40 adds to Premiere’s growing line of large coach buses with a focus on luxury and convenience.
As Premiere grows in markets such as sports and athletic transportation, having a vehicle with sufficient luggage space is crucial. The EG40 offers full pass-through under-floor storage, accompanied by luxurious Grech seating and ambient lighting, which changes colors to create a party atmosphere or be set to a clean white and blue for a more corporate, business atmosphere.
The interior of Premiere’s new Grech EG40
In the Albany market, Premiere’s vehicles must be designed for multi-purpose trips: One day the bus could be driving state officials to the N.Y. Capital and the next day it could be out on a wedding run. Keeping this in mind, Premiere has built in features such as two tables in the front with USB plugs and charging ports providing for a great work space. When it’s time to have a little fun, you can drop down the HD video monitors and watch a movie during any long road trip.
“We are excited to be bringing a vehicle like this into our fleet, every driver has been asking to get behind the wheel. We were able to create a buzz about the vehicle early on, which led to us booking rides before it was even in our garage,” says Premiere President and CEO David Brown.
Visit ridepremiere.com for more information.
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