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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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Nancy Vargas of DH2 Chauffeured Transportation (third from left) was among the Queen's Centers for Progress honorees June 25, where the nonprofit named her Businesswoman of the Year
Queens, N.Y.— Nancy Vargas of DH2 Chauffeured Transportation received the Businesswoman of the Year award from Queen's Centers for Progress during the nonprofit’s June 25 gala.
The organization got its start in the ’50s as United Cerebral Palsy of Queens; though its name may have changed, it remains a resource that aims to support individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities—and is a frequent beneficiary of Vargas’ hands-on volunteer and fundraising efforts.
Vargas is a familiar face to her local, industrywide, and far-flung families, whether she and her husband Mike are lending their time and efforts to Puerto Rico’s hurricane-battered regions that are still reeling from a brutal 2017 hurricane season, sharing her wisdom with fellow operators through educational sessions and association leadership roles, or simply giving back to her community through church outreach programs or on her own time.
Nancy and Mike Vargas at the award gala
She attributes being raised as a first-generation American in an immigrant household as helping her develop a strong work ethic that would help her take care of those who didn’t have the advantages and family support that her own upbringing benefited from.
"I was raised to respect my elders and demand respect for myself. I also came from a family that would expect me to speak up for someone with a lesser voice. My role as a CEO has called upon all of these tendencies, especially in my industry," Vargas says.
And she has surrounded herself, both personally and professionally, with like-minded people—as she is always among the first to admit that teamwork makes the dream work.
"I invest in my employees because they are part of the DH2 brand and they manage the user experience with each and every reservation. That's how we cultivate a positive DH2 Experience for our clients,” Vargas explains. “I think what sets me apart is that I really enjoy making connections. It moves me to be able to give back."
Visit dh2limo.com for more information.
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