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NFI Group, a leading independent bus and motorcoach manufacturer, recently announced a companywide transformational initiative called “NFI Forward” to rationalize its business units and facilities.
“While we have been working to streamline our businesses to enhance competitiveness by leveraging scale, expertise, and capability, the drastic and unanticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to revisit our unique business definitions,” NFI President & CEO Paul Soubry. “The first major activity of NFI Forward is the immediate combination of New Flyer and MCI into one business, and to ensure a smooth transition [former MCI President] Ian Smart has been appointed Executive Vice President, Business Transformation of NFI to lead the effort.”
NFI President & CEO Paul Soubry
New Flyer and MCI have legacies of product excellence dating back to the 1930s. The combined entity will retain both market-leading brands and will operate under the leadership of New Flyer President Chris Stoddart.
“Leveraging North America’s largest team of experts in bus and coach technology and design, manufacturing, and support, we are keen to continue executing on our innovation agenda,” said Chris Stoddart. “I look forward to working with Ian to ensure a seamless combination of our businesses, and to enhancing the competitiveness of all New Flyer and MCI product and service offerings.”
“We know the past several months have been extremely hard on all of our customers, and our primary focus was to continue providing exceptional customer care as they responded to the pandemic,” said Smart. “The dramatic drop off of the motorcoach market, as well as the challenges resulting from COVID-19, presented an opportunity to integrate MCI into New Flyer, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective combined business. Unfortunately, it also means the elimination of certain executive roles, and I want to recognize and thank those affected for all that they contributed to MCI and to our customers for so many years.”
The combined entity will continue offering all models of New Flyer transit buses and MCI motorcoaches, which is among the industry’s widest range of models and propulsion systems. MCI public market sales will be combined under New Flyer Vice President of Sales & Marketing Jennifer McNeill, while MCI private market sales will be led by Vice President, Private Sector Sales & Marketing Brent Maitland. Pat Ziska will continue to lead private new coach sales team, while Steve Batho will continue to lead MCI technical customer support and service centers.
“At NFI, we exist to move people, and our dedication to customers remains unwavering,” said Soubry. “We will overcome the incredible impact from this pandemic and will keep communities moving safely as we continue to lead the migration to smarter vehicles and develop more environmentally responsible platforms.”
Visit mcicoach.com or newflyer.com for more information.
[07.29.20]
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Executive Vice President Jeff Bellagamba (left) and Vice President of Operations Shady Azer
Concorde Worldwide of Freehold, N.J., has announced they have entered into a joint venture with Dependable Limousine, a family-owned operation based in Monmouth County. Dependable and Concorde Worldwide have more than 50 years of combined ownership and experience in the chauffeured ground transportation industry.
Founded in 1984 by President & CEO Robert Bellagamba with just one stretch limousine, today Concorde’s fleet includes many luxurious vehicles and has grown to be among the most respected New Jersey ground transportation companies.
“Concorde and Dependable share the same industry knowledge and values, which will strengthen our operations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. We will continue to provide the same exemplary service you have been accustomed too,” says Concorde Vice President of Operations Shady Azer.
As COVID-19 continues to be on the forefront of public concern, Dependable Limousine/Concorde Worldwide remains committed to the safety of its clients.
“Our team is diligent in keeping our clients, chauffeurs, and staff healthy and safe. As always, we will continue to enhance your travel experience while keeping you our number 1 priority. We are following local health and public safety regulations along with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the National Limousine Association,” says Azer.
As Concorde enters its venture with Dependable, the company says they are continuing to look for more opportunities to expand their business.
Visit concordeworldwide.com for more information.
[07.29.20]
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- Category: Industry News
CD President/Publisher Chris Weiss
Like all of you, Chauffeur Driven (CD) and the National Limousine Association (NLA) have been monitoring the state of the economy and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on every facet of our industry. After thoughtful consideration about the health and safety of our attendees—with direct input from operators and vendors—it became clear that we needed to cancel the 2020 CD/NLA Show scheduled for October 14-17 in Orlando.
NLA President Robert Alexander
To get a sense about how operators felt about the show, a number of weeks ago, we sent a survey asking directly about the interest in attending. We had a solid response of nearly 900 people—all past show-goers—and although many in our industry are very eager to get together with their friends and peers, it was still too early to make a call. Keeping everyone’s safety in mind is the priority, although the recent increase in COVID cases and the lingering slowdown in business travel were factors that contributed to the decision.
However, while now is not the time for an in-person conference (it’s not forever!), technology has made it easier than ever to maintain the community that our industry has built, and to inspire, educate, and engage so we can evolve stronger together, whatever it looks like on the other side of this. In the coming weeks, we will release the details of an exciting virtual event that we are planning.
“We know how much the industry enjoys coming to our events, and what it means to their businesses, but we felt it was the right move for everyone involved to cancel the event. Even though we won’t be able to get together face to face, we are planning a world-class and well-rounded virtual event that will be the next best thing,” says CD President & Publisher Chris Weiss.
“While we were looking forward to seeing our members and friends in October, the safety and health of everyone in our industry must come first. I assure you that the NLA will continue to offer support, education, and resources as we navigate our way on the road to recovery,” says NLA President Robert Alexander.
Stay tuned for more announcements on CD’s and NLA’s social media, e-news, and online at chauffeurdriven.com and limo.org.
[07.28.20]