Blue Bird, Ford and ROUSH CleanTech Unveil Next Generation Propane-Powered Vision Bus at School Transportation Event
Type C school bus premiers propane autogas innovation to school transportation professionals
LIVONIA, MICH. (July 26, 2011) — ROUSHCleanTech and Blue Bird Corporation provided a peek into the future of alternative fueled school bus transportation as they unveiled the Blue Bird Next Generation Propane-Powered Vision school bus at the School Transportation News (STN) Expo at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev. today.
Built on a Blue Bird chassis and powered by a Ford 6.8-liter V-10 engine with the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system, the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision offers 362 horsepower, 457 pounds of torque, and fuel savings with cost reductions of 30 to 40 percent on average compared to diesel counterparts. The bus meets stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification requirements.Developed in part with funding from the Propane Education & Research Council, this Type C school bus provides best-in-class serviceability, extensive optional equipment choices, and seating for up to 77 passengers.
This is the second ROUSH CleanTech collaboration with Blue Bird, which launched a Type A school bus offering fueled by propane autogas in September 2010, in partnership with Blue Bird and Micro Bird by Girardin. The Micro Bird G5, with seating for 25, also incorporates the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system proven to reduce harmful emissions into the air.
“Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Vision has been the industry leader in alternative fuel offerings since its introduction in 2007. We are committed to providing state-of-the-art, reliable and efficient green solutions that our customers want and value,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “In partnership with established industry leaders, Ford and ROUSH CleanTech, the introduction of Blue Bird’s Next Generation Propane-Powered Vision will reinforce our leadership position by providing increased benefits and value to our customers.”
Operating on domestically produced, clean-burning propane autogas, the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision will help school transportation professionals take a step toward reducing America’s carbon footprint and dependence on foreign oil. Propane autogas emits 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, up to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions than gasoline. Since propane autogas burns cleaner in engines than gasoline or diesel, the result is a potential for longer engine life and reduced maintenance costs for school transportation professionals. Additionally, with thousands of refueling stations across the country, propane autogas is readily available.
“ROUSH CleanTech is excited to partner with Blue Bird to roll out this new propane autogas technology,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech.
“Hands down, propane autogas is the right choice for school districts. Propane autogas is safe, economical and the leading alternative fuel in the United States.”
In addition to Horlock and Mouw, George Weber, president and CEO of Ford Component Sales for Ford Motor Company, spoke about the new school bus during the unveiling. More than 500 school transportation professionals attended the event. For more information on STN Expo visit http://stnonline.com/expo.
About ROUSH CleanTech: Based in Michigan, ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium-duty Ford vehicles, including the F-150, F-250 and F-350 pickup truck series; the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab truck series; the E-150, E-250 and E-350 van and wagon series; the E-350 and E-450 cutaway van series; and the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Customers can reduce operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas offerings can be found online at www.roushcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.
About Blue Bird: Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,200 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of Dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation web site at www.blue-bird.com.
