- Details
- Category: Industry News
Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of global bus manufacturer NFI Group (NFI), has announced that MCI battery-electric D45 CRTe, D45 CRTe LE, and J4500e coaches have been approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). All three models have been approved for the highest allowable voucher of $150,000 for each MCI battery-electric coach sold in the State of California.
MCI’s D45 CRTe LE Charge Bus
The approval adds to the existing NFI zero-emission heavy-duty transit buses eligible for vouchers, including New Flyer’s 35-, 40-, and 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE battery-electric and 40 and 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE H2 fuel-cell electric buses. Vouchers for New Flyer’s heavy-duty transit buses range from $120,000 to $300,000 per bus, depending on the model.
The HVIP program was launched in partnership between CARB and CALSTART to help accelerate early market introduction of clean, low-carbon hybrid and electric vehicles, and is accomplishing this by alleviating the higher incremental cost of advanced vehicles with its innovative voucher incentives.
“New Flyer has supported California’s zero-emission adoption for years, and today we expand our mass transit bus offering with HVIP eligible MCI coaches," said New Flyer & MCI President Chris Stoddart. “Building on decades of New Flyer’s electric bus design, engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing expertise, both the MCI J4500e and all-accessible MCI D45 CRTe LE battery-electric coach models can offer sustainable transportation, eliminating emissions while delivering high-capacity commuter transit through and between urban destinations. MCI electric coaches use high-torque electric drive systems for operation at highway speeds, have long-distance range applications, and deliver plug-in battery charging to 100 percent in less than four hours.”
By alleviating some of the upfront acquisition costs of battery-electric coaches, operators in California can transition their existing fleets faster to fully sustainable propulsion, enabling an exciting step toward a clean air future creating more livable communities and is a win for everyone.
MCI electric coaches are powered by American-made XALT batteries and integrate the design, performance, and technology of New Flyer’s zero-emission transit buses, while leveraging New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions to deliver smart charging that supports successful electric coach deployment.
CARB, part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, is the clean air agency committed to building a greener future. Through its administration of the HVIP program, CARB has catalyzed electric adoption in the region, with a projected achievement of reducing greenhouse gases in California by 40 percent by 2030. CARB helped deploy over 4,000 vehicles and low NOx engines from over 7,000 vouchers that have been funded since 2009.
CALSTART is a member-based national nonprofit focused on building a high-tech clean-transportation industry that creates jobs, cuts air pollution and oil imports, and curbs climate change. It works with the public and private sectors to remove barriers to innovation and drive the industry to a clean and prosperous future.
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
[10.20.20]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
On Wednesday, October 14, the Wisconsin Limousine Association (WLA) held a brief conference call to touch base with members and share industry news. Chief among the topics discussed was a grant awarded to the association by the National Limousine Association (NLA).
As part of the NLA’s Association Grant Program, WLA received a $900 rebate check, which the board announced will be used towards 2021 member dues. Thanks to this influx of cash, WLA members can join and renew for the new year at a reduced rate of $25.
In other membership news, WLA President Larry Epstein of Gallant Knight Limousine announced that ground transportation software provider CoachRail has joined the association as a vendor member.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases are seeing a steady rise in Wisconsin, which has led to an increase in cancelled trips and events. Members were waiting to see if Governor Tony Evers would institute a capacity limit in the state’s bars and restaurants. Alas, later in the week it was reported that lobbying group Tavern League of Wisconsin had the order blocked in court.
WLA has scheduled their next meeting for November 11.
Visit wisconsinlimo.org for more information.
[10.20.20]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
The most recent quarterly meeting of the New England Livery Association (NELA) was held virtually on October 8, drawing participation from all over the country and arming attendees with plenty of plug-and-play information for their business. It was a follow-up to the association’s popular COVID and Cabernet, a casual online get-together that featured 11 speakers swapping inspirational, humorous, and touching stories about running a business during a pandemic. The last quarterly meeting was held in June.
Meeting host and NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi offered a brief update on association business before introducing the speakers lined up for the late-afternoon meeting. Szilagyi thanked the National Limousine Association (NLA) and President Robert Alexander for the recent grant of $8,500, the largest amount the association has received from the national organization. Szilagyi says that the money will be used for legislative efforts, including retaining a lobbyist to assist with local issues.
The first speaker of the meeting was Levi Towell of social media firm Curtis Gabriel, who was pulling a little late-night duty from across the pond. The U.K.-based firm, which works with dozens of the transportation companies across the country, sees a bright spot with retail work as corporate travel remains mostly stagnant. As such, Towell challenged participants to get outside their comfort zone with social media and try several platforms—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter—to keep up brand awareness with current customers (many of whom are itching to resume travel) and attract different types of customers. He said that the worst thing a company can do is disappear from social media.
Towell suggested that operators try different campaigns that would give prospective clients a reason to use their service. He used the anecdote of coach versus business class: While both get you from point A to point B in the same vessel, customers get hooked on the level of service that they receive with the upgrade and rarely want to go back—and are willing to pay extra because they can justify the added value. He believes the same is true for luxury chauffeured transportation.
Next to speak was life and business coach Billy Sheehan, known professionally as Billy the Coach, who offered his plain-spoken advice for pandemic-weary operators to “keep your head on while working your ass off.” He encouraged attendees to shift their mindset and to instead focus on the things that they can control, because “what you do tomorrow is completely in your power.” He tells his clients that if they want more, then they have to become more, and not just wait for opportunities to come to them. He also offered his tips for stress management, a critical component of being an effective leader as it can infect the entire team.
Finally, Drew and Arthur Messina of Create-A-Card kept the positive momentum going by echoing Towell’s advice about branding and maintaining a healthy and robust digital presence. Drew, who also serves as a NELA vendor director, offered his tips for “staying relevant by keeping your company relevant” not only via social media, but by participating in virtual calls with clients and joining the various industry webinars, including associations, with fellow operators.
Arthur added to Drew’s comments by emphasizing the differences—and challenges—between digital and face-to-face networking. Our industry is very collaborative and thrives on it, and luckily the technology is available to help all of us bridge that divide until we can safely resume events. Arthur admitted that he lost touch with some industry friends because of the pandemic and the limited in-person interactions, but even virtual face time (preferably with branded backgrounds, with a little setup help from Create-A-Card if you’re unsure how to take advantage of this tool) during these meetings helps to keep your name top of mind and everyone connected.
Szilagyi concluded the meeting by introducing his newest right-hand person, Carly McDonough, who assisted in putting together the Zoom meeting and keeping it on the rails.
The full recording of the meeting is available here (access code: vhu5V^u8).
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[10.14.20]