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L to R: Olympus Limo Operations Manager Duane Sells and CEO Ted Koutsos with a 2019 MCI Livery Edition J4500s coach
Tampa, Fla.—Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is continuing its growth in the high-end limousine market with the delivery of three all-new Livery Edition MCI J4500s to Olympus Limo.
These high-spec, all-black coaches, built specifically for growing group business in the limousine market, will support Olympus Limo’s 45-vehicle fleet, which includes sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses, and two pre-owned D4505 and J4500 coaches.
“These are our first new coaches,” said CEO Ted Koutsos, who with his wife Katie, started New Port Richey, Fla.-based Olympus with two stretch limousines in 1996. “Now, we’re positioned to offer a higher end level of luxury transport demanded by many of the corporate and destination management companies we serve today, especially on longer 600-mile plus coach trips.”
Koutsos chose MCI’s 2019 Livery Edition coaches for their comfort, amenities, advance technologies, and striking black exterior. The model features curb appeal, best-in-class legroom, baggage capacity, and interior space. The Livery Edition adds black leather diamond stitch seating for 56 passengers in addition to woodgrain flooring, a programable lighting package to personalize the interior in variable hues, a top-of-the-line entertainment system, and power outlets with UBS ports at each seat. The 2019 model is also equipped with an e-fan cooling package and clean-diesel Cummins engine to improve fuel efficiency every mile.
And for added safety, Olympus added MCI’s optional 360-degree camera that provides a bird’s-eye view around the entire coach to assist with parking and small movements.
The all-black exterior prominently features Olympus Limo’s logo. “Black implies a luxury-level industry standard,” said Koutsos. “This is the first-time black coaches of this rank and reliability are available in the areas we serve. Now we have a diverse fleet to cover it all—we can serve every size group and budget including school trips, local charters, and shuttles. And we do it all with exceptional service around the clock.”
Olympus Limo CEO Ted Koutsos (left) with MCI Southeast region V.P. of New Coach Sales Sean Kelchen
Olympus Limo was originally founded to serve Koutsos’ family-owned Spartan Manor banquet facility to transport wedding parties and other customers. Over time, Olympus started adding sedans, SUVs and minibuses to serve a widening clientele including cruise ship transport along Florida’s west coast and trips to Orlando and Miami. Tampa has become a favorite port of departure for a growing number of cruise passengers who want to enhance the cruise experience with a day or two at either the front end or on the back end of any of a variety of Caribbean itineraries.
Olympus’ first coach was a pre-owned MCI 102 DL3 bought in 2008 and today, it is one of the largest providers of luxury transportation on the West Coast of Florida.
“We’ve built trust over time with our customers,” said Koutsos. “We did it with limos first starting as the smallest but then grew to be the largest.” Olympus Limousine employs 11 office staffers and 55 uniformed drivers and today, the coach side of the business now accounts for about 40 percent of revenues and continues to grow.
Koutsos sees the ride-share phenomenon in part good for business. “It has created a marketplace where people are comfortable with paying for transportation services, and we’ve been able to grow by adapting.” Koutsos also believes in sharing equipment with affiliates in need of need extra coaches for larger events. “Our three new livery-edition J4500s put us in a good position to help other higher-end operators when they need us,” he said.
Visit olympuslimo.com for more information.
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Continental Charter’s Van Hool CX45 coach
Faribault, Minn.— ABC Companies announced that motorcoach company Pioneer Trails of Millersburg, Ohio, has taken delivery of a new Van Hool CX45 in late Spring. With locations in both Ohio and West Virginia, the company specializes in providing scheduled line run service to the state of Florida, and also operates three different tour companies which offer scheduled and custom tours to area attractions, shopping, dining, recreation and more.
The new 56-passenger Van Hool CX45 is powered by a Detroit Diesel engine and features a custom paint and graphics package produced by ABC. Onboard, passengers will enjoy an amenity-rich environment featuring comfort seating with leather inserts and piping detail and woodgrain floors throughout. All the digital conveniences including WiFi, a wireless PA system, six video monitors, and 110V outlets are offered at all seats. In addition, cupholders, magazine nets, and enclosed overhead parcel storage give passengers organized stowage for personal items and greater comfort.
Founded over 35 years ago by Dave and Irene Swartzentrubber, the family-owned and operated business is now in its second generation with son, Wendyl at the helm of operations management.
“Pioneer Trails has been a mainstay within the Amish community for generations, and adding the new CX45 to our fleet helps us continue to deliver a first-rate transportation experience to our loyal customers,” said General Manager Wendyl Swartzentrubber.
“The Swartzentrubber family has a previous history in the automotive body business, and that level of detail transfers to their motorcoach operation,” said ABC Companies Senior Account Executive Pete Bachrach. “They run a meticulous fleet and we worked together to integrate unique options that reflect the high standards of their operation.”
ABC Companies works closely with the company to provide after-sale support including parts and warranty support, financial services and mobile technician service as requested by Pioneer Trails.
“Our focus is on helping Pioneer Trails to achieve their goals,” says Bachrach. “Whether that means supporting their growth with premiere Van Hool equipment or helping them support their fleet to a high-performance standard, ABC Companies is excited to continue building a strong relationship with this outstanding company.”
Pioneer Trails’ new Van Hool CX45 motorcoach
In other news, Continental Charters of Houston has taken delivery of its first Van Hool CX45 coach from ABC Companies. The family-owned and operated company is a premium transportation provider, offering tour and charter service for large group travel throughout the state of Texas and to any destination nationwide and Canada.
“ABC is very proud to collaborate with Jose Morales and his team, and we’re committed to supporting Continental’s needs over the lifetime of their Van Hool investment,” said ABC Companies Senior Account Manager Greg Gates.
Gates worked with Continental Owner Morales to create a unique coach that features a pearl-white paint scheme on the coach exterior and chrome side mirrors to maximize curb appeal. Inside, custom Amaya GT luxury seating featuring two-tone leatherette in tan and blue, with extra-tufting creates a plush interior cabin. Modified parcel racks, magazine nets, and cupholders offer convenient stowage for passengers and offer an unobstructed view for passengers toward the front of the coach. Additionally, digital amenities include 110V charging ports at passenger seats, two 23-inch monitors and four 15-inch monitors. A rear-window and woodgrain floors throughout add to the spacious, modern interior styling.
“Continental is well known in the Houston area for providing stellar service while operating well-maintained vehicles,” said Gates. “I have no doubt that adding this first new Van Hool CX45 to the fleet will help Continental to grow to the next level.”
Our Florida Line Run offers individual customers affordable, hassle-free travel
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
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Prevost H3-45 motorcoach branded for Intercar
St. Claire, Qué.—Bus charter service Intercar recently added four new 2019 H3-45 coaches to expand its services, bringing the total number of coaches in its predominantly Prevost fleet to 30. Founded by Georges Gilbert in 1959, Intercar still stands as the second-largest bus and coach carrier in the province of Quebec 60 years later. The company runs school buses, providing student transportation in the greater-Quebec area, and offers motorcoaches for charter services.
Third generation Owner and CEO Hugo Gilbert took Intercar over from his father, Jasmin, in 1996, who put in 20 years at the helm following his father Georges’ retirement. During his tenure, Jasmin had managed the acquisition of the Voyageur routes in 1990 that took in the Saguenay region and the North Coast of the Saint Lawrence River. Today, Intercar employs 400 drivers, technicians, and professional staff to deliver student transportation, coach charters, as well as scheduled service and shuttles, medical and adapted mobility transport, and parcel service.
Gilbert states he has always been drawn to the look of Prevost coaches and appreciates that Prevost was founded and is still headquartered in nearby St. Claire, Quebec. He is especially appreciative of the Prevost electric fan drive system on his new 2019 coaches, which helps save on fuel costs.
“The Allison transmission is also a must,” says Gilbert. “Our drivers absolutely love the powertrain combination of Allison and the D13 Volvo engine. Also, the back-up camera is a new feature we find extremely helpful.”
Intercar plans to utilize the new H3-45 coaches predominately for scheduled charter services into the U.S.
“With mileage adding up quickly, our newest Prevost coaches are going to offer us a definite advantage,” says Gilbert. “We know downtime can be minimized downtime when our drivers are so far away from home due to product reliability and the numerous maintenance and support services Prevost provides.”
Visit prevostcar.com for more information.
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