MILWAUKEE, Aug. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Champion, the industry's only bus manufacturer that is Ford QVM certified to build low-floor models on the E-Series cutaway chassis, will present yet another new innovative bus model during September's BusCon 2016 in Indianapolis. Champion will unveil the first-ever medium-duty, low-floor transit bus to be built on the cutaway Ford F-550 chassis at Booth #727. The REV Group bus brand will showcase the all-new LF Transport® alongside three other REV brands, which will also reveal other industry-first innovations during the Sept. 19-21 Indianapolis expo.
Featuring the Ford F-550's increased GVWR and Champion's innovative low-floor designs, this new LF Transport model raises the bar in cutaway low-floor capacity with configurations ranging up to 27 passengers. Typically, most low-floor cutaway paratransit buses are limited to 18 passengers in a kneeling model and 23 in a non-kneeling design. By maximizing capacity, the LF Transport F-550 allows more commuters to be transported during the life of the vehicle, creating a better return on investment for transit agencies.
Even more impressive, Champion was able to achieve this industry-first Ford F-550 design in a low-floor model without introducing drop boxes and wheel ends or altering the OEM driveline, engine mounts or transmission angles. By maintaining the integrity of the driveline, the LF Transport upholds Ford's rigorous QVM standards, allowing the OEM warranties to be honored at local Ford service centers. The LF Transport is available in a gas, diesel or 91G hardened-engine package, all while retaining the OEM engine warranties.
The LF Transport innovative cutaway low-floor design allows Champion to offer two of the industry's most premier kneeling systems on the new LF Transport F550 — the premier-tier FlexBus® electronic "smart" air-ride suspension system and the Squat®- kneeling technology, an industry-first kneeling hydraulic suspension system introduced this year. The top-of-the-line FlexBus system will be featured on the LF Transport displayed during BusCon, and prospects can see the bus' proprietary single-slope Equalizer Ramp® in action.
The new LF Transport also features the first-ever transit front cap with large panoramic forward observation windows for enhanced aesthetics and passenger views. Usually, this feature is only found on luxury buses, but Champion was able to integrate this design while still adhering to FMVSS 220 rollover testing standards.
Much of Champion's structural integrity starts with its 1.5" 16-gauge, tubular cage. This galvanized steel frame is built using advanced software, precise jigs, four-sided welding and an anti-corrosion coating to deliver a durable design that passes rigorous testing at the Federal Transit Authority's Altoona, Penn., testing facilities.
At BusCon, REV Group will also display its all-new World Trans brand, an economic addition to the company bus portfolio, featuring seven other manufacturers. Two World Trans bus models will be on display, including the E-Series that will make its debut at BusCon. REV's luxury bus brands will showcase the redesigned Krystal KLX40, revamped from the inside out, and the Federal Spirit, featuring a redesigned front cap with front-viewing window.
In addition to REV Bus Group's newest products, three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves will stop by the 4,250 sq. ft. booth for a visit, and the display will feature the REV-branded No. 3 Chevrolet driven during this year's Phoenix Grand Prix. REV Group is a platinum sponsor of BusCon.
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group, Inc., is a +2 billion manufacturer of industry-leading motor vehicle brands. Products include ambulances, fire trucks, shuttle buses, transit buses, yard trucks, street sweepers, luxury motorhomes and wheelchair accessible vehicles. REV owns 26 brands, employs more than 6,000 people in 16 different manufacturing facilities in the U.S., and produces more than 20,000 specialty vehicles annually. REV Group recently moved its corporate headquarters from Orlando, Fla., to Milwaukee, Wisc. For more information, about REV, visit revgroup.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Renato Sa, REV Group, Inc.
E Renato.Sa@revgroup.com T 786-279-7023
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SOURCE REV Group, Inc.