First Order for Saf-T-Liner HDX School Buses

Thomas Built Buses, the school bus manufacturer for Daimler Trucks North America, announced today it has received the first order for its Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses. The contract, signed with the Montgomery County, Maryland, calls for the delivery of 59 buses with SCR technology.

The SCR technology, better known as BlueTec, allows for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, as well as for increased engine performance.

The goal of using this technology was to make the buses compliant with the EPA 2010 standard. The system is also used by Detroit Diesel for the DD13, DD15, and DD16 heavy-duty diesel engines

“Montgomery County Public Schools is the first customer to order SCR-equipped Thomas Built HDXs. We know that the district’s confidence in Thomas Built Buses is built on years of experience with our vehicles and is a reflection of the outstanding relationship and service American Bus Sales offers its customers,” John O’Leary, Thomas Built Buses CEO said.

The Saf-T-Liner HDX can seat 90 people. According to Daimler, the rear engine allows for optimal weight distribution in the bus, regardless of whether or not passengers are on board.

“We enjoy a long and very cooperative relationship with American Bus Sales and Thomas Built Buses. In the past, we’ve made suggestions for improvements and the new equipment reflects those changes. Thomas Built Buses is very responsive to its customers,” Todd Watkins, Montgomery County Public Schools’ director of transportation concluded.

Deliveries of the buses will be completed in summer 2010.