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Motor Coach Industries
Type Private
Founded 1932
Headquarters Schaumburg, Illinois
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Industry Transportation
bus manufacturing
Products Buses and Coaches
Employees 2,300
Website Motor Coach Industries

Motor Coach Industries International Inc. (MCI) is a Schaumburg, Illinois-based bus manufacturer founded in 1932 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

History[]

The company was incorporated in 1932 as Fort Garry Motor Body and Paint Works Limited, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In 1948 Greyhound Lines of Canada, at that time MCI's major customer, became a majority shareholder. 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 General Motors Diesel Division 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 bus manufacturing operations of General Motors (GMC). 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 that 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. In 1994 MCI merged with DINA S.A. of Mexico], and over the course of the next couple of years developed the Viaggio 1000 DOT for production and 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 under the new MCI Mexico structure. Production of the G4100 and G4500 later moved to Winnipeg and Pembina.

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

In June 1999, DINA S.A. sold its holding in MCI to JLL Partners, a private equity firm.

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

During the early 2000s, MCI consolidated its operations. A facility in Mexico was closed and the Winnipeg site was expanded and modernized. A new coach finishing and paint facility and customer delivery center 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.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy[]

Motor Coach Industries Inc. announced on September 15. 2008, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a restructuring the company says will help shed hundreds of millions of dollars of debt.[1]

On Friday, April 17, 2009, Motor Coach Industries Inc. emerged from its voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization. Investment funds managed by Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC have now become the majority shareholders of Motor Coach Industries Inc.[2]

Models[]

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

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 series only
2
3

2000–present

Series Length Version Option
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
CT = commuter/transit (diesel)
CTH = commuter/transit (hybrid-electric)
ISTV = inmate secure transport system
N = 96-inch (2.4 m) narrow body
  • D series only

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
D4000CT
D4000CTH
D4000ISTV
Megabus 58538 Toronto
D4505
MCI D4500 commuter coach demonstration bus 59654
D4500CT
11 ft 5 in (3.48 m) 40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
  • Introduced in 1992 as the 102D3 and 102DL3.
  • Units built before 2006 were equipped with square headlights and rubber bumpers.
  • Units built before 2008 were equipped with framed windows.
  • Current front inherited (with some modifications) from the G series.
  • CT version also available powered by compressed natural gas.
  • CT units built before 2009 were equipped with square headlights (optional in 2007 and 2008).
  • Rubber front bumper and framed windows are optional on CT version.
  • ISTV units are fitted with rubber front bumper.
D45 series
D4505
D4500CT
D4500CTH
11 ft 5 in (3.48 m) 45 ft 5 in (13.84 m)
E series
E4500
Megabus usa 11.73 ft (3.58 m) 45.58 ft (13.89 m)
  • Introduced in 1998 as the 102EL3.
  • Also known as the Renaissance.
  • Two side top stop lights.
J series
J4500
Pine Hill Trailways 72932 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)
Bee-Line MCI 934 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) Atlantic Express MCI 102C3 151 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) NJT MCI D4000N 7805 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) Golden Touch MCI F3500 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) Greyhound Lnes MCI G4500 7061 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) 2003-08-25 Greyhound bus 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) KKBus FC666 Front 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 10 ft (3.05 m) 35 ft (10.67 m) 102 in (2.59 m) MCI MC 6 MH 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 wih 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) MTA Bus MCI Classic 7868
TC60-102N
Classic
60 ft (18.29 m) 102 in (2.59 m) Metro Transit 708
  • Articulated bus.
  • Only 9 units built by MCI: 7 for Metro Transit in Halifax, NS and 2 for Réseau de transport de la Capitale in Quebec, PQ.
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)
Los Angeles metro-bus number 1312
MTA Bus TMC RTS 7167
40TRY
  • Trolleybus. One demonstrator built 1942.
150
  • Built circa 1939.

References[]

  1. MacPherson, James. Motor Coach files for bankruptcy protection, Grand Forks Herald, September 15, 2008. Accessed September 17, 008].
  2. http://www.pr-inside.com/motor-coach-industries-emerges-from-chapter-r1193491.htm

External links[]

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