Motor Coach Industries

Motor Coach Industries
Type Private company
Industry Transportation
Founded 1933
Headquarters Schaumburg, Illinois, United States
Products Buses and Coaches
Owner(s) KPS Capital Partners
Employees 2,300
Website Motor Coach Industries

Motor Coach Industries International Inc. (MCII) is an American bus manufacturer based in Schaumburg, Illinois, and is a leading participant in the North American coach bus industry. It has various operating subsidiaries:

Originally founded in 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 2008 the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. After various changes of structure and ownership, the business is now owned by KPS Capital Partners, LP; in September 2010 they completed a controlling investment, through an affiliate, in MCII Holdings Inc., the parent company of MCII.

Contents

History

The company was incorporated in 1933 as Fort Garry Motor Body and Paint Works Limited, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada by Harry Zoltok.[1] In 1948, Greyhound Lines of Canada, at that time MCI's major customer, became a majority shareholder when it purchased 65% of the company. MCI was purchased outright by Greyhound Lines in 1958. In 1962 a new plant was opened in Pembina, North Dakota to increase capacity as Greyhound widened its markets and switched increasingly from GMC to its own in-house products. In 1974 another plant was opened in Roswell, New Mexico under the title Transportation Manufacturing Corporation (TMC).

In December 1986, Greyhound was split, with Greyhound Lines being sold to an investor group, and Greyhound Lines of Canada, MCI and TMC remaining part of The Greyhound Corporation, which was renamed Dial, Inc. in 1991.

In 1987, Greyhound Corporation bought the transit bus manufacturing operations of General Motors Diesel Division (GMC), which was based in Canada. (GM phased out intercity and transit bus construction at the large GMC Coach and Truck plant in Pontiac, Michigan, shifting medium duty school bus chassis production to Janesville, Wisconsin.)

MCI also took over production of GM's RTS model, transferring production to TMC. MCI also purchased the GM bus assembly plant in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, which then produced GM's Canadian transit bus model, the Classic. TMC ceased production of the older MCI vehicles in 1990 to concentrate on manufacturing the RTS, and on the "A-Model" intercity coaches.

In 1993 MCI became an independent corporation, Motor Coach Industries International Inc.

1994 MCI's share sold / Introduction of the Mexican HTQ technology and Luxury Coaches by DINA S.A.

In 1994, MCI stocks where purchased by Mexican DINA S.A.,[2][3] who had a long history of bus building and developed their HTQ proprietary technology[4][5][6] (valued in a total of 70 million dollars)[7] that culminated with the creation of the Viaggio Confort Bus Line. Over the course of the next years MCI reproduced its Viaggio 1000 DOT for sale to the U.S and Canada. In late 1999/2000 the G4100, G4500 and F3500 models were released to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Production of the G4100 and G4500 later moved to Winnipeg and Pembina. Related to a major contract cancellation[8] by Western Star[9] DINA S.A. sold a great portion of its previously acquired MCI shares to Joseph Littlejohn & Levy.[10]

In 1994 TMC, including production rights for the RTS, was sold to NovaBus .

After a period of product demand, increased competition and lay-offs in the early 2000s, production at MCI plants in Winnipeg and Pembina increased in 2006, and 130 employees were added.

During the late 1999s and early 2000s, MCI consolidated its operations, the Winnipeg site was expanded and modernized as well as DINA S.A. purchased North American Symix[11] and opened an assembly plant[12] in Buenos Aires Argentina[13] and the DIMEX[14] and DINAIR companies.[15] A new coach finishing and paint facility and customer delivery centre were constructed on the site. At the same time, a 7-year contract was attained with the IAMAW union local. This agreement contained cost improvements and production operations flexibility to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the manufacturing and assembly operations.

The buses, especially the older MC-8 and workhorse MC-9 models of the 1980s became the standard for interstate travel for many bus companies. Those particular buses featured metal frames and roof supports, metal panels on the sides and were extremely durable and reliable. Many of the buses, having survived millions of miles of commercial use, have been given a second career serving churches or other organizations, while the MCI/TMC coaches are very popular "conversion shells," used for motorhomes.

Currently, the "J" and "D" models are the leading coaches in the North American intercity coach market.

2008 Emergence from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy / Ownership by KPS Capital Partners, LP

Motor Coach Industries Inc. announced on September 15, 2008, the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a restructuring the company said would "help shed hundreds of millions of dollars of debt."[16]

On Friday, April 17, 2009, Motor Coach Industries Inc. emerged from its voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization. MCII and its subsidiaries are now wholly owned by KPS Capital Partners, LP. KPS Capital Partners, LP is the Manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of private equity limited partnerships with over $2.6 billion of committed capital focused on constructive investing in restructurings, turnarounds, and other special situations. KPS invests in companies challenged by the need to effect immediate and significant change. .[17][18]

Models

After the original numbered Courier and MC models, MCI adopted letters for the different series of coaches. Two different schemes have been used:

1985–2000 (Example: 102-DL3SS)

Width Series Option Axles
96 = 96 inches (2.4 m)
102 = 102 inches (2.6 m)		 A
B
C
D
E		 L = 45 ft 7 in (13.89 m) length
  • D and E series only

W = wheelchair lift-equipped

  • A and D series only

SS = stainless steel

  • B, C and D series only
 2
3

2000–present (Example: D4505CL)

Series Length Version Options (D series only)
D
E
F
G
J		 35 = 35 ft 5.5 in (10.81 m)
40 = 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
41 = 41 ft 7 in (12.67 m)
45 = 45 feet 7 inches (13.89 m)		 00 = 1st
05 = 2nd		 CL = "classic" styling
CT = "contemporary" styling (diesel/CNG)
CTH = "contemporary" styling (hybrid-electric)
ISTV = inmate security transportation vehicle
N = 96-inch (2.4 m) narrow body

Current

Motor Coach Industries currently produces three different product lines. All current models are 102 inches (2.59 m) wide, exclusive of mirrors.

Model Photo Height Length Notes
D40 series
D4005
D4000CL
D4000CT
D4000CTH
D4000ISTV
D4505

D4500CT		 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m) 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
  • Introduced as the 102D3 and 102DL3 in 1992 and 1994 respectively.
  • Became known as the D4000 and D4500 respectively in 2001.
  • Restyled with frameless windows and G series headlights and became known as D4000CT and D4500CT respectively.
  • Models with the original square headlights and framed windows became known as the D4000CL and D4500CL.
  • CT version also available with hybrid electric or compressed natural gas powertrain.
  • Rubber front bumper and framed windows are optional on CT version.
  • ISTV units are fitted with rubber front bumper.
D45 series
D4505
D4500CL
D4500CT
D4500CTH		 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m) 45 ft 5 in (13.84 m)
E series
E4500		 11.73 ft (3.58 m) 45.58 ft (13.89 m)
  • Introduced in 1998 as the 102EL3.
  • Became known as E4500 in 2001.
  • Also known as the Renaissance.
  • Two side top stop lights.
J series
J4500		 11.73 ft (3.58 m) 45.58 ft (13.89 m)
  • Introduced in 2001.
  • One top-mounted center stop light.

Past

Letter series (post-1985)

Model Height Length Width Photo Introduced Discontinued Notes
A series
96A2
96A3
102A2
102A3
102AW3		 11 ft (3.35 m) 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
or
102 in (2.59 m)		 1985 1991
  • 96-series introduced in 1985; 102-series introduced in 1986.
  • Fluted stainless steel sides.
  • First mass-produced 50-state 102 in (2.59 m)-wide coaches by MCI.
  • Available with 2 or 3 axles (last digit indicated the number of axles).
  • Wheelchair lift-equipped version designated 102AW3.
B series
96B3
102B3		 11 ft (3.35 m) 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m)
or
102 in (2.59 m)		 1991 1993 (102B3)
1994 (96B3)
  • Offered with fluted stainless steel or smooth paintable sides.
  • Equipped with destination sign and spiral entry steps.
C series
102C3		 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m)
or
11 ft 9 in (3.58 m)		 40 ft (12.19 m) 102 in (2.59 m) 1988 1993
  • Last MCI model with a slanted rear cap.
  • Front-end design used for the D series.
  • Optional stainless steel front-end offered from 1992 onward, and continued on the D series.
D series
102D3
102DL3		 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m) 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
or
45 ft 7 in (13.89 m)		 102 in (2.59 m) 1993
  • Also offered with stainless steel front-end.
  • Replaced by models D4000 and D4500.
D series narrow
D4000N		 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m) 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 2003 2003
  • Only 12 units of this model were produced: 8 for Pace and 4 for NJ Transit.
F series
F3500		 11 ft 1 in (3.38 m) 35 ft 5.5 in (10.81 m) 102 in (2.59 m) 2000 2003
  • Two axle coach based on the DINA Avante.
  • Originally designated as model F12 and offered as a conversion shell.
  • Last 35-foot buses produced by MCI.
G series
G4100
G4500		 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) 41 ft 7 in (12.67 m)
or
45 ft 7 in (13.89 m)		 102 in (2.59 m) 2000 (G4100)
2001 (G4500)		 2000 (G4100)
2005 (G4500)
  • Initially to be designated 102G3 and 102GL3.
  • Only 25 pre-production G4100s built.
  • Redesigned front-end used on the D series.

MC series (1958–1998)

These models bore the MC-number designation.

Model Height Length Width Photo Introduced Discontinued Notes
MC-12 11 ft (3.35 m) 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1991 1998
  • Built only for Greyhound.
  • Similar to the MC-9, but with square headlights.
MC-9 11 ft (3.35 m) 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1978 1990
  • Also known as the Crusader II
MC-8 10.83 ft (3.30 m) 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1973 1978
  • First MCI built with optional automatic transmissions.
  • Also known as the Crusader.
MC-7 10.83 ft (3.30 m) 40 ft (12.19 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1968 1973
  • First 40-foot buses built by MCI.
MC-6 / MCX-6[19] 12 ft (3.66 m) 40 ft (12.19 m) 102 in (2.59 m) 1969 1970
  • Two prototype MC-6Xs produced in 1969.
  • Only 12 ft (3.66 m)-high buses produced by MCI. Wider-than-normal coaches not approved to operate in all 50 states.
  • Built only for Greyhound.
  • Originally powered by GM 12V71 engines. American units later repowered with GM 8V71 engines.
MC-5C 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1977 1980
  • Used MC-8 roof cap.
MC-5B 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1971 1977
MC-5A / MCC-5A 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1964 1970
  • Early-production Canadian units (to 1965) designated MCC-5A.
MC-5 / MCC-5 / MCX-5 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1964 1964
  • MCX-5 prototype built as Central Greyhound Lines 2400 in December 1962.
  • First buses built at MCI's Pembina, ND plant.
  • Canadian-built units designated MCC-5.
MC-4 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1963 1963
MC-3 / MCX-3 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1961 1963
  • MCX-3 prototype built as Thiessen Transportation Ltd. number 24 in December 1961.
MC-2 / MCX-2 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1960 1961
  • MCX-2 prototype built as Pontiac Bus Lines number 6029 in April 1960.
MC-1 / MCX-1 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 96 in (2.44 m) 1958 1961
  • MCX-1 prototype built as Western Canada Greyhound Lines number W1000 in August 1959.

Courier series (pre-1960)

Model Length Image Photo Introduced Discontinued Notes
Courier 200B 1949 1949
Courier 200A 1948 1949
Courier 200 1947 1948
Courier 100C 1949 1949
Courier 100B 1948 1949
Courier 100A 1947 1948
Courier 100 1946 1947
Courier 97 1956 1956 Only one built in December as Western Canada Greyhound Lines number W960.
Courier 96 1955 1960
Courier 95D 1953 1960 Diesel.
Courier 95
Courier 95 Skyview		 1953 1960
Courier 90
Courier 90 Skyview		 1953 1960
Courier 85X 1952 1952
Courier 85A 1951 1952
Courier 85 1950 1952
Courier 50 Courier 50A 1950 1955

Transit (all discontinued)

Model Length Width Photo Notes
TC40-102A TC40‑102N
Classic		 40 ft (12.19 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
TC60-102N
Classic		 60 ft (18.29 m) 102 in (2.59 m)
RTS-06 or −08 30 ft (9.14 m)
or
35 ft (10.67 m)
or
40 ft (12.19 m)		 96 in (2.44 m)
or
102 in (2.59 m)
40TRY
  • Trolleybus. One demonstrator built 1942.
150
  • Built circa 1939.

References

  1. ^ History of Motor Coach Industries. Mcicoach.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  2. ^ Company News; Boards Approve Grupo Dina-Motor Coach Merger – New York Times. Nytimes.com (May 19, 1994). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  3. ^ http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-15682844.html
  4. ^ Industry Today – The World of Manufacturing. Usitoday.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  5. ^ Grupo Dina Unveils Its HTQ Series. Theautochannel.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  6. ^ Grupo Dina Unveils Its HTQ Series Launching a New Era in Global Truck Technology | Business Wire. Find Articles (September 24, 1998). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  7. ^ History. Dina.com.mx. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  8. ^ INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS; Mexican Truck Maker May Lose Order – New York Times. Nytimes.com (September 28, 2000). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  9. ^ Union Postpones Strike at Grupo Dina Plant. Theautochannel.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  10. ^ COMPANY NEWS; GRUPO DINA PLANS TO SELL 61% STAKE IN MOTOR COACH UNIT – New York Times. Nytimes.com (June 16, 1999). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  11. ^ MARKET-LEADING MOTOR COACH & TRUCK MANUFACTURER EXPANDS SYMIX SOFTWARE ACROSS 11-SITE OPERATION. – Free Online Library. Thefreelibrary.com (October 19, 1998). Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  12. ^ History. Dina.com.mx. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  13. ^ Presentó Grupo Dina sus Camiones HTQ en Argentina. Truckinginfo.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  14. ^ http://www.dimexfreight.com/
  15. ^ DINA S.A. Maquinas de Compresion de Gases. Compresoresdina.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  16. ^ MacPherson, James. Motor Coach files for bankruptcy protection, Grand Forks Herald, September 15, 2008. Accessed September 17, 2008.
  17. ^ Motor Coach Industries Emerges from Chapter 11. Pr-inside.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  18. ^ KPS Capital Partners, LP. Kpsfund.com. Retrieved on October 17, 2011.
  19. ^ Plachno, Larry (March 1981). "MCI MC-6: The bus that wanted to be Scenicruiser". National Bus Trader (National Bus Trader, Inc.): 12–31. 

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