MCI will have 35' J model

CrabbyMilton · January 13, 2017, 06:30:17 AM

I just read on their website that MCI is working on a 3 foot version of the J4500. This certainly makes sense being that there seems to be a growing demand so smaller coaches that are built from the ground up as a bus and not a motorhome or school bus chassis.
The J4500 is a long proven platform and I'll bet it'll be better than the DINA based F3500. DINA had mixed reviews when they entered the US market back in the late 90's into the early '00's then faded away.
Sometimes it pays for a company to build something in house rather than partner with an outside company or even rival in some cases. We'll see how this goes and I hope it works out well for them.

CrabbyMilton · January 13, 2017, 06:45:50 AM

35 FOOT. My cat may like the 3 foot version. SHEESH.

luvrbus · January 13, 2017, 06:49:53 AM

I read that a few months back where they were going to make the 35ft to compete with the Turkish made Temsa that is flooding the market here,Volvo is supposed to be marketing a 35 ft also next year in the US

Dave5Cs · January 13, 2017, 10:10:54 AM

Then wouldn't it be a J3500.......

CrabbyMilton · January 13, 2017, 10:28:34 AM

Probably but nothing is official until it's official. Otherwise their lawyers will come after you.

RJ · January 13, 2017, 02:01:09 PM

I realize that Prevost is now owned by Volvo, so following up on Cliff's comment, the question becomes which brand will they use?

An H3-35 would be awesome, an XLII-35 simply a repeat of what they built in the early '90s but 102" wide.

Regardless, as a shell, they're out of my price range!

FWIW & HTH. . .

belfert · January 14, 2017, 07:34:41 PM

Quote from: CrabbyMilton on January 13, 2017, 06:30:17 AM
I just read on their website that MCI is working on a 3 foot version of the J4500. This certainly makes sense being that there seems to be a growing demand so smaller coaches that are built from the ground up as a bus and not a motorhome or school bus chassis.
The J4500 is a long proven platform and I'll bet it'll be better than the DINA based F3500. DINA had mixed reviews when they entered the US market back in the late 90's into the early '00's then faded away.
Sometimes it pays for a company to build something in house rather than partner with an outside company or even rival in some cases. We'll see how this goes and I hope it works out well for them.

DINA bought MCI in 1995. MCI then brought the DINA Viaggio 1000 to the American market as a 1995 model. My understanding is the DINA sold for about $100,000 less than an MCI.

DINA sold most of MCI in 1999 or 2000. I believe this is the reason MCI quit selling DINA buses. DINA seemingly went out of business in the early 2000s.

luvrbus · January 15, 2017, 06:21:28 AM

Quote from: belfert on January 14, 2017, 07:34:41 PM
DINA bought MCI in 1995. MCI then brought the DINA Viaggio 1000 to the American market as a 1995 model. My understanding is the DINA sold for about $100,000 less than an MCI.

DINA sold most of MCI in 1999 or 2000. I believe this is the reason MCI quit selling DINA buses. DINA seemingly went out of business in the early 2000s.

Dina still build buses I see new Dina buses on tour here in Az all the time neat looking buses too.Dina only had a 6% stake in MCI if the bus magazines are correct

buswarrior · January 15, 2017, 08:24:42 AM

Good news for the drop box fans?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Geoff · January 15, 2017, 09:03:20 AM

By the time these 35'er's are affordable for bus but converters I will be 85 years old, which is the male life expectancy in the US.

--Geoff

Tom Y · January 16, 2017, 05:15:54 AM

Drop box fan? Is there such a person? Did the newer MCI 35 footers run a drop box?

luvrbus · January 16, 2017, 06:42:34 AM

Quote from: Tom Y on January 16, 2017, 05:15:54 AM
Drop box fan? Is there such a person? Did the newer MCI 35 footers run a drop box?

I haven't saw one on the newer 35 ft Turkish made buses,some Eagle owners installing the 60 series with the 4060 Allison are using the 4060 with the drop box made on the transmission to use a 4:30 or 4:56 rear gear it's a neat setup IMO

Tom Y · January 16, 2017, 05:55:24 PM

How does this drop box on trans help? Would like to see one.

TomC · January 17, 2017, 08:26:52 AM

There are many 35ft Chinese buses made. Luckily, they are using Freightliner motorhome chassis with rear Cummins engines. While they are not as stout as US made buses, if you're looking for a 35ft'r, then maybe will be some on the used market. Good Luck, TomC

CrabbyMilton · January 17, 2017, 10:35:45 AM

That's true Tom. But I think MCI is targeting operators that want a true over the road bus but don't need 40 or 45 feet. The types you site work well for perhaps church groups, rental car/hotel shuttle, or some transit. In other words, something the bridges the gap between a over the road and a skoolie.
FREIGHTLINER appears to build a decent chassis but if the rest of the bus is crap, it's all but academic.