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BUSCON 2012 MCI ofcials discuss overall 2012, 2013 picture Although it did not have any vehicles on the show floor, Motor Coach Industries (MCI) did have a booth at BusCon that stayed busy throughout the course of the show. During a meeting with the media at BusCon, company ofcials, including Jon Yarusso, VP, new coach sales and pre-owned coach, reviewed the success of 2012 and looked forward to 2013 and the company's goal of regaining its position as "undisputed coach leader" in the U.S. To start, MCI's top-selling motorcoach, the J4500, has been redesigned for heightened curb appeal and a more elevated presence, while maintaining the modern look of previous models. The new concept draws on part of the J4500's history. MCI turned to BMW Group Designworks USA, which led the designs of the E4500 and J4500. J4500 changes include high-style high and low beam headlamps, which are now serviceable from outside the coach and are brighter and more durable with full LEDs set in stainless steel to resist corrosion and sealed to reduce wind and air intrusion. On the rear of the coach, LED tail and brake lights are four-inch rounds set in an attractive bezel and placed higher for improved visibility, while remaining easily replaceable. This touch also modernizes the back of the coach. MCI's design team created a smooth, modern rear cap while provid32 < mETRO mAGAZINE JANUARY 2013 ing increased space for branding. The new front and rear bumpers are also significantly more durable. The smooth, wide-ride J4500 comes equipped with safety technologies such as electronic stability control along with upgraded tire-pressure monitoring and fire-suppression systems. Customers can choose from available MCI-tested threepoint belted seats, including a standard three-point driver seat with a noticeable two inches of additional legroom. Additionally, the J4500 coach now features a multiplexing system proven on MCI D-Series coaches for the past two years. Equipped with a Cummins or optional Detroit Diesel engine, the new J4500 promises at least an 8% fuel-economy gain, and in some applications, it's up to double digits, according to the company. MCI also spoke about finalizing its acquisition of Setra's U.S. and Canadian operations, as well as the establishment of a strategic partnership with Daimler Buses. Through the acquisition, MCI obtains responsibility for sales and service support of Setra S 417 and S 407 motorcoaches; the company's pre-owned coach inventory; the distribution of Setra and related genuine Daimler Buses parts; and the operations of Setra's service center in Winter Garden, Fla., which MCI relocated after closing its Orlando, Fla., facility in October. MCI recently integrated all of Setra's parts inventory from Greensboro, N.C. into its own Louisville, Ky., parts distribution center; moving approximately 8,500 SKUs worth an estimated $4 million. Additionally, Daimler assumed a minority ownership position in MCI, forming an engineering, technology and manufacturing alliance as part of the transaction. Finally, MCI officials discussed changes in its Public Sector business in regards to key staf. In July, Patrick Scully joined the company as Public Group VP, sales and marketing. Scully was previously in charge of Daimler's entire North American sales, service and parts operations as chief commercial ofcer. At MCI, Scully will lead the public sector division that serves public transit, military, university, law enforcement and other transportation specialty markets. The company's Public Sector also added Lou Quaglia and Lee Kemper as sales managers for the northeast and southeast, respectively. They join Dan Kemper, who is responsible for midwest and mid-atlantic sales, and Gary Pugsley, who heads western region sales. In addition to the J4500 and Setra lines, MCI also continues to ofer its popular DSeries coaches, available in 45-foot and 40-foot versions, and a Commuter model ofered in clean-diesel, hybrid and CNG. metro-magazine.com