FORT VALLEY, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, announced today that it has begun shipping its all-new, gasoline-powered Type C buses to customers and over 400 of these buses will be sold prior to its fiscal year end in September. The Company was able to achieve this important milestone due to outstanding support from its partnership with Ford Motor Company and Roush CleanTech.
Deliveries in fiscal year 2016 are approximately 300 units below the Company’s original volume goal, as was previously noted during the Company’s third quarter earnings conference call. The lower number of deliveries was largely the result of later-than-planned engine certification and delivery timing, which was after the critical school start window of August through mid-September.
“Both Blue Bird and our customers are very excited about our all-new, gasoline-powered Type C school bus," said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. "This bus has the lowest acquisition price compared with other fuel types, while requiring simpler maintenance and providing outstanding cold weather performance. The proven and modern 320 HP 6.8 liter V10 engine delivers outstanding performance and is another great example of our goal to provide innovative, affordable and differentiated products that customers want and value.”
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio.
