Caterpillar, Blue Bird unveil first school bus powered by ACERT
Jul 28, 2003 12:00 PM
Caterpillar Inc. and Blue Bird Corporation, North America's leading manufacturer of school buses, today showcased Blue Bird's first school bus with Caterpillar's breakthrough ACERT(TM) technology. Caterpillar is currently the only engine manufacturer to offer both medium- and heavy-duty truck and bus engines that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2004 emission standards. The 2004 EPA standards require more stringent testing to demonstrate lower emissions over longer periods of engine operation. Blue Bird unveiled its new "Vision" school bus -- powered by ACERT technology -- today at an event co-hosted by Blue Bird President & CEO Jeffry Bust and Caterpillar Inc. Chairman Glen Barton in Fort Valley, Ga. Caterpillar signed a long-term engine supply agreement with Blue Bird late last year to provide the majority of engines used in Blue Bird's school bus production. The agreement will position Caterpillar as the largest supplier of school bus engines in North America. "We examined several options and determined that Caterpillar's ACERT technology will offer Blue Bird customers reliable engines that meet long-term emissions standards," General Manager of School Bus Products Richard Maddox said. "We are also impressed with Caterpillar's financial strength and extensive dealer organization. We are very excited about this new relationship between our companies, our dealers and our mutual customers."
