CALIFORNIA FLEET SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCES THE “2010 FLEET SOLUTIONS WORKSHOP SERIES”
“Created to help truck operators and owners successfully navigate the complicated worlds of regulatory compliance, grant funding, and vehicle financing.”
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA—June 29, 2010—California Fleet Solutions (CFS), a division of Whittier, California-based Velocity Vehicle Group (VVG), today announced a “Summer Roadshow” event series with six educational workshops taking place between July and September in locations throughout California. This series consists of half-day events in key locations along goods movement corridors, each providing regulatory updates, information on funding programs, financing resources, and equipment updates. In addition to short presentations and guest speakers, workshop attendees will also be able to ask questions in both group and one-on-one settings, enjoy a Ride & Drive opportunity, and will receive lunch and all conference materials, including a take-away funding application kit. There is no fee to attend the workshop, but pre-registration is required.
CFS is a true “one-stop” resource and information center for California’s truck and bus fleet operators. “CFS is backed by the exceptional brands and expertise behind Velocity Vehicle Group,” said Jeff Macartney, President of Crossroads Lease & Finance and one of the key organizers behind the CFS endeavor. “We are a local, California-based business here to serve the needs of California truck operators in need of solid information and solutions to run their businesses. The workshop series is our way of bringing expertise directly to the fleets and making the compliance choices clear and the funding application process as simple as possible,” Macartney added.
The workshop series was created as a means to educate fleet operators about the more than $500 million in funding that is available to purchase new clean trucks. On June 24, 2010, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced the release of an additional $200 million in Proposition 1B funds to cut harmful emissions from heavy-duty trucks and other sources in the state’s four busiest trade corridors. Well over half of this funding will be made available to truck and fleet operators for the purchase of new clean trucks and retrofits. ARB also has available a $28 million Voucher Incentive Program to assist small fleet operators to purchase new trucks and after-treatment devices.
“With more than $500 million in ARB grant funds available over the next two years, and millions more in other local, state and federal incentives, California truck and buses owners have never had such an opportunity to secure new clean vehicles in order to comply with California’s Truck & Bus Rule,” noted Macartney. “We are excited to assist our customers to make the most of this opportunity via our planned California Fleet Solutions Summer Roadshow event series.”
The first CFS workshop will be held in the Avalon Room at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 from 8:30am to 12 Noon. The program agenda to designed to provide a concise look at ARB fleet rules, compliance deadlines and enforcement, the Prop 1B and Voucher Incentive Program application processes, and financing programs. The workshop will create opportunities for question and answer exchanges, both in group and one-on-one formats, and will showcase the latest in equipment options from partners under the Velocity Vehicle Group umbrella.
Additional workshops are scheduled for August and September in Stockton, Hayward, Fresno, Riverside, and San Diego/Imperial Counties with dates and specific locations to be announced shortly. For more information or to register, please visit www.cafleetsolutions.com or contact the event hotline at 888.993.0302.
About Velocity Vehicle Group
Velocity Vehicle Group, through its subsidiaries, operates as a commercial vehicle and bus dealer providing new or used trucks, motor homes, alternative fuel trucks, engines, and buses. It also provides accessories, air conditioning equipment, air lines, bearings and seals, brakes, bus parts, electrical parts, engines, fan drives, hoses and fittings, lighting products, mirrors, radio products, safety, seating, snow chain systems, starters and alternators, steering and suspension products, tools, trailer parts, trailers, and wheels and drums. In addition, the company offers truck rental and leasing, maintenance and repair, roadside assistance services, transportation consulting, and financing. Velocity Vehicle Group is based in Whittier, California with locations in Long Beach, Fontana, Ontario, Carson, Hesperia, San Diego, Caruthers, Woodland, and Rancho Cucamonga, California; and Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as warehouses in Sacramento and San Diego, California; and Las Vegas, Nevada. www.velocityvehiclegroup.com.
About California Fleet Solutions
As part of Velocity Vehicle Group, California Fleet Solutions (CFS) is backed by the resources of California’s strongest network of manufacturers, dealers, and parts suppliers. Representing the best brands and the most competitive products in all classes, CFS’ goal is to provide California fleets with equipment and financing options that work within budget and to maximum advantage. CFS supports vehicle leases or purchases with competitive service and maintenance options and provides a comprehensive suite of strategic consulting services, with most of these at no cost to the client. www.cafleetsolutions.com.
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERS 130 COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS
June 24, 2010
THOMAS BUILT BUSES PRESS RELEASE. Alternative fuel vehicles will feature seating with three-point restraints for enhanced safety
High Point, N.C. – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has purchased 130 Saf-T-Liner® HDX compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses from market-leader Thomas Built Buses. Introduced more than 10 years ago, Thomas Built CNG buses exceed California emission standards, among the toughest in the country.
The state of California was the first in the nation to require lap-shoulder belt seating. To meet that requirement, all 130 of the environmentally-friendly buses will be equipped with SafeGuard® seats, a product of IMMI.
“We applaud the LAUSD’s commitment to sound environmental strategies with its selection of school buses that incorporate clean-fuel technology,” said Ken Hedgecock, vice president, sales, marketing and service, Thomas Built Buses, “and we welcome this opportunity to demonstrate our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and enhanced passenger safety.”
The buses were purchased through Carson, CA-based BUSWEST, a Thomas dealer. BUSWEST president Jim Bernacchi noted, “helping LAUSD replace their older school buses with clean burning CNG powered school buses is good for the students, the environment and the economy. Buswest is honored to have the opportunity to supply Thomas Built CNG buses to support LAUSD’s ongoing fleet replacement program.”
The LAUSD transportation services division only accepts bids for buses operating on alternative fuels. The district currently operates the largest CNG school bus fleet in the state, with more than 300 alternative fuel school buses. Thomas Built CNG’s emissions are near zero and have been 2010 compliant since 2007.
About Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
Los Angeles Unified School District is comprised of 8 local districts, consisting of approximately 1,044 K‐12 schools in Los Angeles County. With over 678,000 K‐12 students, LAUSD is the largest unified district in the state of California. More than 141 schools use one of two different year‐round calendars – either three‐track or four‐track – to accommodate heavy enrollment at those sites. LAUSD also includes approximately 208 other schools including adult schools, pre‐schools, early education and regional occupational centers; the added attendance bringing total student population to over 1 million pupils. More information can be found at www.lausd.net.
About BUSWEST
BUSWEST is a division of Velocity Vehicle Group, with sales and service locations throughout California and Hawaii.
Thomas Built Buses
Thomas Built Buses is the leading manufacturer of school buses in North America, with more than one-third of the market. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line in 1936, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America.
Thomas Built Buses, Inc. is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a leading manufacturer of class 4-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.
Contact:
Amy Sills, Daimler Trucks North America LLC
503-745-8535
amy.sills@daimler.com
Maria McCullough, Daimler Trucks North America LLC
803-578-3161
maria.mccullough@daimler.com
Caio Coach Featured in Industry Leading BusRide Magazine
June 11, 2010
The Caio G3400 35-foot and G3600 45-foot motorcoaches are really catching the industry by storm! This month’s issue of BusRide magazine featured the Caio product on the cover and a feature three page article inside. The article highlights the features of the Caio coach, the history of Caio Induscar (the Brazil manufacturing company), highlights of the dealers and touches on the monocoque integration of the Freightliner Customer Chassis.
Mike Mackey, owner of Small World Tours and Cruises of Orlando, FL, comments on his pleasant ownership experience of the Caio and his customers’ satisfaction of the product. Tour Coach, the largest motorcoach operator in Los Angeles, has also place the Caio into service and is experiencing similar positive results.
For more information regarding the Caio Coach please contact Marcus Watts, Coach Sales Manager, at 562-704-0282 or BusWest toll-free at 800-458-9199.
Today, BusWest announced a $1,000 per Bus Parts and Service credit for all customers purchasing new Elkhart Coach buses from the company. The credit will be issued toward the buyer’s account and can be used for anything that the customer may need including: inspections, repairs, bus parts or any other products and services.
“Operating budgets are hit especially hard right now and BusWest sees this promotion as an opportunity to help our customers through this time. It’s our way of rewarding our loyal customers and those stepping up to BusWest for the first time, too” said Brent Phillips, VP of Sales and Marketing.
BusWest provides service and parts for all major brand buses in production today, so the credit can be used by customers for fleet vehicles that BusWest didn’t necessarily sell. “The credit is non-discriminating,” mentioned Jim Bernacchi, President of BusWest, “our customers can buy proprietary or all-makes commercial vehicle parts without question.”
As part of the largest commercial parts distribution company in the west, BusWest offers competitive pricing, free local delivery and 24/7 staffed parts call centers. “Through all of our supply connections and our huge volume, BusWest is able to provide transit agencies and other bus operators access to our large inventory and enhanced parts service” added Randy Baker, Director of Parts for BusWest.
The credit can also be used for non-warranty repairs for buses sold by other dealers or for units not covered under the manufacturers warranty. “With the downturn in the economy we’ve seen an increase in some manufacturers warranty failures and a reduction in coverage. The customer ends up in the crosshairs; we hope that this program offers some real relief, “stated Bernacchi. “Our three commercial body shops are prepared to extend this credit to cover body issues and other problems that customers have experienced.”
The parts and service credit will be issued to the customers’ accounts upon delivery and full payment of each new bus ordered. The credit must be used partially or completely within twelve months of issue. Customers will automatically receive a statement each month indicating any non-zero balance as a reminder. At the company’s option, credit balances may be applied to future bus purchases.
48 Month / 48,000 Mile Warranty on Elkhart Products
June 03, 2010
Effective immediately, all purchasers of Elkhart Coach buses from BusWest will be covered by a manufacturers limited warranty for 48 months or 48,000 whichever occurs first. The industry first program offered by BusWest is a testament to the level of confidence and faith both the dealer and manufacturer have in the Elkhart line. The companies share exposure during the warranty period.
“We’re very proud of our Elkhart Coach product quality and believe we have the lowest warranty costs of any manufacturer in the industry”, Rick Van Landingham General Manager of Elkhart Coach stated. “Our products have performed well in extremely harsh environments without the structural or body failures that have been prevalent with other brands.”
The warranty coverage applies to the body portion of the completed vehicle since neither company may modify the Ford chassis warranty. In conjunction with Ford’s extended powertrain coverage, the program offered by BusWest gives customers a peace of mind for over half of the tested useful life of the vehicle.
“Procurement departments and maintenance managers have tried to enhance the warranty and service by OEM’s and dealers over the years by mandating longer warranties. We believe this is the first time a partnership like ours has voluntarily stepped up to the plate to offer this type of coverage”, Brent Phillips, VP of Sales and Marketing mentioned. “Along with our multiple locations throughout the state and our Ford dealership, BusWest is well positioned to offer real support advantages.”
“Together with the parts and service credit, we know to the product quality Elkhart Coach brings to the market will give our customers some confidence during tough budgetary times”, added Jim Bernacchi, President of BusWest. “Warren Buffet says, ‘price is what you pay, value is what you get’ and we couldn’t agree more. We’re not the lowest price but we strive to provide the best value.”
Since the buses are expected to operate for five years or longer, the extended coverage and lower long-term operating costs of the Elkhart Coach product mean significant cost savings to end-users. This is in addition to the obvious benefits of reduced downtime, customer service improves and fleet efficiency increase.
The Elkhart Coach product is newer to the California market, only because it was ineffectively sold in the past. It might be the best kept secret in the cutaway business in California. BusWest doesn’t expect to sell thousands of buses cookie-cutter style, we hope to find some select customers that have done their homework, made the analysis, understand the value and choose to partner with us to build a long-term relationship. Walmart isn’t necessarily known for much other than large selection and cheap prices, we don’t prescribe to that concept. BusWest has always believed that the customer is best served when we’ve applied our practical knowledge and selected a true manufacturing partner to satisfy the unique demands of our customers. We believe our unified partnership with Elkhart Coach will best serve the customers over the long term.
As one of our customers said after a product demonstration, “Finally a transit quality cutaway bus!” Please call to arrange an in-person demonstration of the Elkhart Coach and see for yourself.
BusWest has completed delivery of five (5) new Minotour school buses to Temecula Valley Unified School District.The district will use these buses to enhance their special needs transportation program.
Jim Boisseranc, Shop Supervisor commented that the delivery schedule, service before and after delivery and the product was top-of-the-line.All buses passed CHP inspection and were immediately put into service.
Free Training Seminars on the Truck & Bus Regulation and the Tractor & Trailer Greenhouse Gas Regulation
February 10, 2010
ARB has posted dates, times, and locations below for a series of public training seminars to discuss the March 31, 2010 reporting requirements for the Truck and Bus regulation and the Tractor and Trailer Greenhouse Gas regulation. The seminars will be offered in the day, in the evening, and also by webcast. The training seminars will provide: Update and overview on the regulations, with information on the early reporting required for owners of agricultural vehicles and two-engine sweepers; How to use the fleet calculator; How to use the ARB on-line reporting system.
LAST TRAINING SEMINAR
3/16/10 Location: 1pm - 3pm Holiday Inn 8000 Parkway Drive La Mesa, CA 91942
The presentation, as well as any additional material, will be available prior to the seminars at the Truck and Bus regulation website: www.arb.ca.gov/dieseltruck and the Tractor and Trailer Greenhouse Gas (GHG) regulation website: www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hdghg/hdghg.htm. The hard copy materials will also be available on the day of the meeting.
For those unable to attend in person, live internet broadcasts (webcasts) will be available for the February 16, March 2 and March 18, 2010 sessions and can be accessed on the date and time of the seminar at www.calepa.gov/broadcast/?BDO=1. An email address will also be available during these sessions to submit questions.
Reporting Forms now available!
February 03, 2010
The Excel spreadsheet reporting form is now available for fleets to enter their vehicle information for the Truck and Bus Regulation and for the Tractor Trailer Greenhouse Gas Regulation.
This spreadsheet allows the user to enter fleet information for the initial 2010 reporting required for the Truck and Bus regulation and the Tractor/Trailer Greenhouse Gas regulation.
There are no fees associated with reporting. The spreadsheet is designed to allow fleets to enter the appropriate information and to upload the data on the internet by using the Truck Regulation, Upload, and Compliance Reporting System (TRUCRS) online portal before the reporting deadlines.
The regulation requires that fleets that qualify for agricultural vehicle provisions and fleets with two engine street sweepers with Tier 0 auxiliary engines to report information about their vehicles by March 31, 2010. The regulation applies only to diesel trucks and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 lbs. Out-of-state trucks and buses that operate in California are also subject to the regulation. The Air Resources Board is making amendments to the regulation that would not require any other fleets to report until January 1, 2011.
Morongo Basin Transit Authority and the CalAct Vehicle Purchasing Cooperative Contract
January 15, 2010
BusWest is pleased to announce they have received an award by Morongo Basin Transit Authority and the CalAct Vehicle Purchasing Cooperative . The competitively awarded contract is compliant with all FTA requirements and allows flexibility in purchasing of paratransit buses. The contract is available for exercise by all agencies and cities. Vehicles awarded range from 8 to 20 passengers with up to 6 wheel-chair positions. Alternatively fueled CNG powered buses are also availablethroughBusWest. BusWest and Elkhart Coach worked diligently with our industry vendors to generate a competitively priced bus without compromising custom features and benefits which are required by the diverse California customer base.
BusWest expects a significant rush of orders in the next 60 days. If you have an immediate need, please contact any one of our sales managers listed below. BusWest will work with you to reserve production slots and assure your bus is built to your exact specification. The goal is to put your agency in line for quick deliveries. Our objective is your objective… "helping you move people".
BusWest is proud to be THE one stop service and warranty shop for paratransit vehicles. In 2009, BusWest added Trans-West Ford making it the 12th Velocity Vehicle Group (VVG) facility in California and Nevada. The shop mirrors the other eleven VVG facilities in sales and capabilities while offering full service and warranty repair on all vehicles sold by BusWest. BusWest provides Ford Motor Company authorized warranty and non-warranty support for the full line of Ford Commercial products. BusWest will even perform warranty on Ford chassis with non-BusWest bodies.
In 2009, BusWest and Elkhart Coach teamed up in the states of Arizona and California to make a strong presence on the West Coast. Elkhart Coach is located in Elkhart, IN and is part of the Forest River family. The bus features a full steel roll cage with vacuum laminated sidewalls and roof. The electrical system features a custom multi-function electronic mother board with built-in diagnostics, incorporating fast idle control, wheelchair interlock and labeled GX/SXL wiring. The fully welded cage is custom engineered per order to meet the exact customer specification.
Status of CARB regulation
December 15, 2009
Passed OAL and entered into California Code of Regulations; Goes live on 1/8/2010
NO DELAY – Board denied requests to stall/delay the implementation of the regulation
Staff directed to investigate possible credits, delay measures FOR SMALLER FLEETS and report back to Board in April 2010
Definition of “small” is not yet defined
Staff telling people to continue on as if no change – because there is no change yet
Delay mechanism would be temporary – required to “catch up” by 2014, resulting in a “balloon payment” in 2013/2014 anyway
Staff directed to draft new PM2.5 Mortality Risk Assessment – Replace Hien Tran-authored document
Reporting Deadline Approaching
Fleets seeking credit for early vehicle retirements, fleets with 2-engine sweepers, fleets that installed DPFs early and fleets with Ag vehicles
Deadline to report is 3/31/2010
Emissions Strategy Planning – ESP
Based on ARB-authored fleet calculator Analyzes three different compliance options within the Truck & Bus Regulation
BACT
BACT Percentage Limits
Fleet Average
Compares financial impact of the three programs on an annual basis
Helps fleet owners understand the complex regulation in an easily presentable fashion
Vehicle Retirement Credits
December 14, 2009
If your fleet has sold or scrapped trucks since 2008, your fleet may qualify for Vehicle Retirement Credits.
These credits will allow you to claim that retired truck as a 2010-compliant vehicle until December 31, 2013.
This credit only applies if your fleet size has been reduced since 2008.
Vehicles that were REPLACED with newer vehicles will not receive this credit; the replacement vehicles’ emissions factors will be used instead. Call today to find out if your fleet could benefit from using Vehicle Retirement Credits.
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has passed the Truck & Bus Regulation. The regulation was approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on December 9, 2009.
OAL submitted it to the California Secretary of State and becomes effective January 8, 2010.
This is CARB’s actual tag line: KNOW THE LAW. AVOID THE FINES.
Date
Enforcement Actions
10-26-09
The Air Resources Board fined waste removal company , $219,500 for emissions violations during
2005 and 2006.
10-23-09
The Air Resources Board fined Montebello-based waste hauler , $500,000 for failing to adequately inspect its fleet and retrofit some of its vehicles with diesel filters as required by State law.
09-21-09
The Air Resources Board fined Southern California waste hauler , also known as , $270,000 for diesel emissions violations.
09-03-09
The Air Resources Board fined , formerly , $300,000 for diesel emissions violations of its school bus fleet that occurred in 2005 and 2006 at locations thoughout California.
05-21-09
The Air Resources Board fined the $162,000 for diesel vehicle emission violations during 2006 and 2007 at its Los Angeles terminals.
05-21-09
The Air Resources Board fined $166,800 for diesel emissions violations that occurred throughout the state in 2007 and 2008.
10-17-08
The Air Resources Board fined a Fresno, Calif.-based farm service comply $114,000 last week for failing to inspect its truck fleet for diesel emission violations in 2006 and 2007 throughout the Valley.
09-26-08
The Air Resources Board fined $305,250 for truck fleet air quality violations that occurred in 2006 and 2007.
09-12-08
In two separate cases, The Air Resources Board fined more than $281,000 for clean-air violations.
04-07-08
The Air Resources Board recently fined , one of 's overland trucking contractors, $280,125 for violating air quality laws during 2006-2007.
PROCUREMENT NEWS
November 03, 2009
Dear Transit industry...
Over the last three years, BusWest has worked with a large number of para‐transit bus operators in
California and delivered well in excess of 1,000 Starcraft type I, II and III buses. BusWest would like
to thank you for your business and your commitment to working with us during the Caltrans State
Contract.
There are currently a number of procurements that BusWest is competing for and we expect to
have viable options for purchasing vehicles by year end. This will allow you the benefits BusWest
achieved from working the California State contract to work for you by providing additional
flexibility and enhanced service. Once these procurements are in place your BusWest representative
will be in contact with you to understand how BusWest can best meet your bus needs.
BusWest expects quite a rush of orders in the next few months that will carry production and
delivery easily through the first half of 2010. If you have an immediate need, please contact any one
of our associates and BusWest will work with you to reserve production slots. This is a no obligation
opportunity to put your agency in line for quick deliveries once all the proper mechanisms and documentation are in place.
MORE NEWS:
BusWest is happy to announce adding a Ford dealership to our family. Trans‐West Ford is located in
Fontana and makes it the twelfth Velocity Vehicle Group (VVG) facility in the states of California and
Nevada. The facility will mirror the other eleven VVG facilities providing parts, service and warranty
for all commercial and transit vehicles. BusWest can now provide Ford Motor authorized warranty
and non‐warranty support on the full line of Ford Commercial products. This makes BusWest unique
in California as a FULL SERVICE dealer for cutaways. BusWest will even perform warranty on Ford
chassis with non‐BusWest bodies.
BusWest and Elkhart Coach have teamed up in the states of Arizona and California to make a strong
presence on the West Coast. Elkhart Coach is located in Elkhart, Indiana and is part of the Forest
River family. This bus features a full steel roll cage with vacuum laminated sidewalls and roof. The
electrical system features a custom multi‐function electronic mother board with built‐in diagnostics,
incorporating fast idle control, wheelchair interlock and labeled GXL/SXL wiring. The fully welded
cage is custom engineered per order to meet the exact customer specification.
New Emissions Specialists staff
November 01, 2009
We are pleased to welcome Charlie Cox & Bob Towle to our Emissions Specialists Team
Charlie Cox is an Emissions Compliance Specialist with Velocity Vehicle Group. Charlie has a great deal of experience designing compliance strategies for clients who are subject to diesel emission regulations from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), as well as local air pollution authorities like the South Coast AQMD. He is a member of CARB's Off-Road Implementation Advisory Group (ORIAG) and currently serves as the first chairman of the ORIAG retrofit subcommittee. He has developed emissions compliance plans for several of the largest construction and trucking companies in the United States representing more than 100,000 vehicles and has contributed to several industry publications on the subject of emissions regulations and retrofit technology.
Charlie's experience in working with grants and funding programs makes his consulting experience highly relevant in the current regulatory climate. He has been invited to speak before local, state and regional-level events conducted by the Associated General Contractors of California, Faster Freight/Cleaner Air, Californa Trucking Association, Great West Truck Show, AQMD, California Bus Association, California Dump Truck Owners Association, Clean Cities Coalition, National Pavement Expo and numerous educational events on the subject of emissions compliance.
Bob Towle has been worked in the diesel filtration market for twenty years and diesel emission reduction for the past seven.
His involvement in the emission technology started in the voluntary markets from the Ports of Long Beach to Oakland along with School Bus fleets. When the first regulations from the California Air Resource Board were mandated to the Solid Waste Collection industry, he worked with the majority of these fleets on a statewide basis.
As regulations developed with municipalities, utilities, off road and LSI, he has continued to worked with some of the largest fleets in the state with compliance strategies and programs. With new regulations addressing PM and NOx, he felt that it was important to offer all aspects needed to be in compliance.
With Velocity Vehicle Group, Bob can assist with sound compliance strategies that offer PM retrofits, EPA 07 Gliders, newer used vehicles, and new vehicles. This “total package approach” is what is needed to meet the new regulations.
VELOCITY VEHICLE GROUP PROVIDES TOTAL SALES, PARTS AND SERVICE SUPPORT ALL THE BRANDS BELOW,
THROUGH OUR VAST RANGE OF DIVISIONS • LA Freightliner • South Bay Truck Center • San Diego Freightliner • Silver State Truck & Trailer • High Desert Truck & Trailer • Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance • BusWest • Fleetlogic • SelecTrucks • TransWest Truck Center
Trans-West Truck Center is now part of V.V.G.
September 03, 2009
We are very pleased to announce the we have added Trans-West Truck Center in Fontana to the Velocity Vehicle Group.
The addition of Ford with their broad line of commercial vehicles will greatly expand the range of products that we can offer our existing customer base. Trans-West has access to almost the full line of Ford products, including trucks from Ranger, F150 and up to F750, vans from the new little Transit van to the E350, cab and chassis products for our bus division and SUVS and Crossovers including the Expedition, Explorer, Escape and the hot new Edge and Flex. Sorry no Mustangs or Tauruses as the “car” products are not covered by this dealership. The company will be owned by a new wholly-owned subsidiary of Los Angeles Truck Centers, Transwest Truck Center, LLC.
This marks the second acquisition this year for VVG after the earlier purchase of Diversified Truck Center’s Autocar business. The company is pleased to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities to grow and position ourselves to increase our leadership position in the commercial vehicle industry.
Please note, in the coming weeks we shall be updating all of V.V.G.s websites to reflect the additional truck sales, parts and service location in Fontana, including a revamped Trans-West website coming soon.
Hybrid Thomas Bus
August 24, 2009
It’s a Hot Hybrid Summer
BusWest tours California with the Thomas Built Buses diesel hybrid school bus for 10 days in July and August.
Paul Linder, Director of Transportation Services for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools said “Thomas Built Buses and BusWest felt our office was a hub for school bus technology and know-how” and was honored to host one of the events. Other stops on the tour included the California Air Resources Board in Sacramento, Morgan Hill Unified School District, Southwest Transportation Agency and Poway Unified School District.
Jim Bernacchi, president of BusWest was pleased with the turnout and the reception. “The hybrid school bus is cutting edge technology and we are excited that Thomas Built Buses has a production model now available to our customers.” Bernacchi added, “We will have more of these Ride and Drive demonstrations in the very near future.”
The Eaton parallel electric hybrid system utilizes both the diesel engine and electric motor to power the vehicle and is designed to increase fuel economy, reduce emissions, and brake wear. It also features a charge sustaining battery system requiring no electric plug in assist. The bus is capable of operating in diesel engine operation only should the hybrid electric system go offline, a necessary safety precaution when transporting children.
During a ride and drive demonstration a school district mechanic mentioned to Darren Salo, a BusWest sales representative that drove the bus on the 10 day tour, “It’s even quieter than the CNG buses we operate, and they are quiet. The CNG engines are in the back. This one’s in the front, and I would say it is still quieter.”
”It is an emission reducer,” said David Nethercut, Thomas Built Buses Manager of Sales Education. “Its fuel economy makes it easier for school districts to reduce operating and maintenance costs. It has a good turning radius, reducing the need for backing up. And for children’s safety, it is durable — constructed by bonding parts with stronger, aerospace adhesives instead of fasteners.”
Hybrid school bus technology is here now. For more information contact your BusWest sales representative today.
California Air Resources Board members asking questions and learning more about the hybrid school bus.
Tucson Contract awarded to Buswest
July 01, 2009
BusWest Awarded Contract with City of Tucson
Carson, California, July 1, 2009 — BusWest, headquartered in Carson, CA, is pleased to announce they received a Purchase Order by the City of Tucson (AZ) for 36 Starcraft Allstar Para-transit buses. This order is exercised off the original contract of 42 units which were delivered early this year. Victoria Cortinas, Principle Contract Officer for The City of Tucson confirmed the order was awarded to BusWest.
Michael Candelaria, BusWest Transit Sales Manger states. “This new order of 36 buses is a mirror image of the first 42 buses. There are custom features on the bus, one of them is a special electronics compartment mounted below the driver modesty panel. The compartment is used to hold the AVL, radio and camera systems and designed to allow quick and easy access to equipment for daily maintenance or if the equipment requires service.” Kevin Faulkner, Director of Project Management for the City of Tucson adds. “This 36 bus order will place a total of 110 Starcraft buses on our yard, our entire fleet. The City Marketing Department developed a new community marketing image for the Transit System. When the buses arrive the decals are installed by BusWest personnel. Not only are the viewing portals outside of the bus important to our patrons but the image we portray to our community is as important to the City.”
The Allstar bus features three wheelchair positions that meet American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. BusWest proposed enhanced flexibility and safety with regard to the wheelchair accommodations with input from key City staff. The Starcraft Allstar has been federally tested for 7 year/200,000 mile service durability.
BusWest has five locations in California and Nevada and sells and services buses by Thomas Built Buses, Starcraft, Caio North America, Tiffany Coach, and DesignLine International. BusWest serves customers in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii. They have mobile services in the Bay Area and throughout Southern California.
BusWest is the passenger transportation equipment division of the Velocity Vehicle Group headquartered in Whittier, California. Velocity Vehicle Group companies include: BusWest, Los Angeles Freightliner, Las Vegas Freightliner, San Diego Freightliner, Crossroads Financial, Performance Truck and Trailer and others. Velocity Vehicle Group also distributes commercial vehicles for Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Autocar, Hino, Isuzu and Mitsubishi.
Introducing Galaxy Coach
June 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BusWest Introduces High-end Galaxy Coach Product Line
Carson, California, June 12, 2009 —BusWest, headquartered in Carson, CA, is pleased to announce its appointment as authorized dealer for Galaxy Coach Enterprises for the entire State of California.Galaxy Coach Enterprises is located in Santa Ana, California and has been manufacturing specialized motor vehicles since 2003.
The high-end Galaxy product offers all the advantages of styling, visibility and drivability of a full size coach for smaller group transportation.The beautiful 35-foot Coachliner is designed from the start for luxury transportation.The Coachliner is manufactured to world class standards with European aerodynamic looks which are aesthetically pleasing.The interior amenities make travel easy and stress free for passengers with great sightseeing capabilities.The Coachliner features industry standard components including Carrier Air Conditioning, Freedman Seats, RCA Floor Rubber, Kenwood Audio and REI Video systems.Abundant under-floor and overhead luggage space puts the Galaxy Coachliner on par with full-size motorcoaches.
Brent Phillips, Vice President of Sales for BusWest comments, “We are excited to partner with Galaxy Coach. BusWest and Galaxy Coach share the same commitment when it comes to delivering a quality, competitively priced coach and above all serving our customer.”
“It is comforting to partner with Galaxy Coach who not just shares our customer commitment but who can quickly manufacture a custom coach to the demanding needs of the marketplace without compromising quality and reliability,” adds James Bernacchi, President of BusWest.“The integration of the Freightliner Custom Chassis has been carefully performed and this through assures our ability to support the customer as an authorized Freightliner service center.”
“As we begin to strategically sign dealers nationwide, we are fortunate to partner with BusWest a company with an excellent reputation for customer service with such a clear vision of the future of the bus industry,” Tim Tang, President of Galaxy Coach stated.“The bus industry is evolving rapidly and BusWest recognizes the fact their customers are continually expecting better value.”
Galaxy Coach will manufacture and warrant the buses ordered by customers through BusWest.BusWest will arrange for delivery, financing and provides factory authorized service and product support.
BusWest the passenger transport equipment division of Velocity Vehicle Group.BusWest has four dedicated bus facilities in California and Nevada and works closely with sister Freightliner locations to ensure the highest level of product service and parts support.Velocity Vehicle Group companies include BusWest, Los Angeles Freightliner, Las Vegas Freightliner, San Diego Freightliner, Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance, Performance Truck and Trailer, Refuse, Parts and Maintenance and others. Velocity Vehicle Group also distributes commercial vehicles for Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Autocar, Hino, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi. Velocity Vehicle Group is a leader in clean fuel technology for commercial vehicles.
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Yuba-Sutter Transit District
March 27, 2009
Yuba-Sutter Transit District Selects BusWest to Supply 10 Para-transit Cutaway Buses
Woodland, CA – April 2, 2009 After an extensive selection process, the Yuba-Sutter Board of Directors have unanimously approved the procurement of ten new ADA compliant, 16-passenger, para-transit buses from BusWest of California for the Starcraft Allstar, built by Forest River Inc.
Due to strict California Air Resources Board emission reduction requirements and a desire to purchase clean diesel buses, Yuba-Sutter Transit was determined to wait for GM to produce a diesel chassis in this gross vehicle weight range that would comply with all the required diesel emission regulations.
Brent Phillips, Vice President of Commercial Bus for BusWest was pleased to announce that although BusWest was not the lowest bidder to respond to Yuba-Sutter Transit’s RFP, several other factors were related to the bid award. “BusWest is grateful that Yuba-Sutter Transit carefully considered all aspects of the Request for Proposal requirements and fairly evaluated each proposal. The net result was the staff recommendation that BusWest offered the best overall value.” Following this purchase, all of Yuba-Sutter Transit’s fifteen paratransit vehicles will be Starcraft Allstars.
BusWest currently holds the California State Contract for the Type I, Type II, and the Type III paratransit buses. In addition to Starcraft, BusWest offers Thomas Built School Buses, Caio North America tour buses, and Design Line International USA transit buses. Buswest serves customers in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii.
BusWest is the passenger transport equipment division of Velocity Vehicle Group which is headquartered in Whittier California.
Velocity Vehicle Group companies include: BusWest, Los Angeles Freightliner, Las Vegas Freightliner, San Diego Freightliner, Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance, Performance Truck and Trailer, Refuse Parts and Maintenance and others. Velocity Vehicle Group also distributes commercial vehicles for Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Autocar, Hino, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi. Velocity Vehicle Group is a leader in clean fuel technology for commercial vehicles.
BusWest Completes Contract with Santa Clarita Transit Authority
February 01, 2009
BusWest, headquartered in Carson, CA, is pleased to announce completion of the delivery of 14 Type II Para-transit buses with CNG conversion kits to the City of Santa Clarita Transit, Santa Clarita, CA. The 14 units were purchased off the Caltrans contract and were converted to CNG as a fuel source.
Mike Candelaria, BusWest Transit Sales Manager, notes. “The City of Santa Clarita Transit is home to Six Flags Amusement Park and is one of the fastest growing transit systems located 35 miles North of Downtown Los Angeles. The Para-transit buses they purchased provide fixed route and ADA services throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. The Agency understands the necessity to help keep the sky line clean. They continue to do their part within their community by running buses that operate off CNG fuel type powered engines.” Adrian Aguilar, Transit Coordinator for the City of Santa Clarita, comments. “Our fleet of buses is moving towards 2010 emission standards. To help comply with this standard we purchased CNG powered vehicles. Caltrans allowed us to purchase 14 buses without having to go out to bid. The big benefit for our organization is we receive the price based on such large bus procurement instead of just our quantity of 14 buses. Based on our market study, the cost for us to procure 14 units would have cost our agencies two buses plus the CNG systems based on the time to procure and the small quantity of buses purchased. In short, BusWest has done an excellent job helping Santa Clarita purchase off the Caltrans contract. The BusWest sales team worked directly with our staff to assure the buses were out of revenue service for the least amount time while they were cycling them through A-1 Electric for the installation of the CNG conversion kits.”
The Allstar bus, manufactured by Starcraft out of Goshen, IN., will features two wheelchair positions that meet American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. BusWest proposed enhanced flexibility and safety with regard to the wheelchair accommodations with input from key Transit staff. The Starcraft Allstar has been federally tested for 7 year/200,000 mile service durability. The BAF technologies CNG conversion system installed after the units delivered.
BusWest has five locations in California and Nevada and sells and services buses by Thomas Built Buses, Starcraft, Caio North America, Tiffany Coach, and DesignLine International. BusWest serves customers in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii. They have mobile services in the Bay Area and throughout Southern California.
BusWest is the passenger transportation equipment division of the Velocity Vehicle Group headquartered in Whittier, California. Velocity Vehicle Group companies include: BusWest, Los Angeles Freightliner, Las Vegas Freightliner, San Diego Freightliner, Crossroads Financial, Performance Truck and Trailer and others. Velocity Vehicle Group also distribute
Southbay Truck Center Service Receives 2008 Best of Carson Award WASHINGTON D.C.
November 14, 2008
— Southbay Truck Center Service has been selected for the 2008 Best of Carson Award in the Repair Shops category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).
The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Local Business Association
Email: PublicRelations@USLBA.net
URL: http://www.USLBA.net
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BusWest Awarded Contract with City of Tucson Carson, California
November 12, 2008
BusWest, headquartered in Carson, CA, is pleased to announce the issuance of a Purchase Order by the City of Tucson (AZ) for the delivery of 42 Starcraft Allstar Paratransit buses. James Gaston, Senior Contract Officer for the City, confirmed that BusWest was selected as the contract provider after thorough review of all competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) submissions.
"We are excited to continue to provide the City of Tucson with additional Starcrafts,” mentioned Michael Candelaria referring to the fact that Tucson has previously purchased buses from BusWest. “We’ve been able to provide the City with satisfactory on-going support thus far, and we are prepared to further improve upon that".
The Allstar buses will feature three wheelchair positions that meet American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. BusWest proposed enhanced flexibility and safety with regard to the wheelchair accommodations with input from key City staff. The Starcraft Allstar has been federally tested for 7 year/200,000 mile service durability.
BusWest has five locations in California and Nevada and sells and services buses by Thomas Built Buses, Starcraft, Caio North America and DesignLine International. BusWest serves customers in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii.
BusWest is the passenger transportation equipment division of Velocity Vehicle Group headquartered in Whittier, California. Velocity Vehicle Group companies include: BusWest, Los Angeles Freightliner, Las Vegas Freightliner, San Diego Freightliner, Crossroads Financial, Performance Truck and Trailer and others. Velocity Vehicle Group also distributes commercial vehicles for Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Autocar, Hino, Isuzu and Mitsubishi.
Rancho Mirage, California, November 3, 2008 —Today, BusWest took delivery of the first Caio Induscar G3400 coach manufactured for North America at the California Bus Assocation Annual Convention held in Rancho Mirage. This unit was delivered to Jim Bernacchi, President of BusWest by Mark Middleton, Director of Caio, NA.
“This vehicle is loaded with features and benefits normally only found on much larger vehicles, and offers unrivaled value for the operators who will purchase these coaches,” said Bernacchi. Bernacchi was pleased to point out the exceptional interior roominess of the coach, the high level of fit and finish of the plush interior, large passenger windows, and the beautiful exterior styling.
“BusWest is fortunate to be a full service dealer for the Caio products and we offer a wide range of services to support the sales of these coaches, including the Freightliner Custom Chassis,” stated Brent Phillips, Vice President of Commercial Sales for BusWest. Through its parent company, Velocity Vehicle Group, BusWest is an authorized Freightliner dealer and warranty center for Cummins and Allison .
“Our highly experienced sales and service personnel will have all the tools at their disposal to make this a successful product introduction for BusWest and our customers,” said Phillips.
The Caio G3400 is a 37 foot high-end mid-sized coach featuring: 38 plush reclining passenger seats with arm and foot rests, a spacious lavatory, completely integrated heating and air-conditioning, AM/FM Stereo Radio/PA with six monitor DVD entertainment system, Alcoa aluminum wheels, Cummins 280 HP engine coupled to an Allison B300 fully automatic transmission and approximately 270 cubic feet of underfloor baggage. The Caio features the best ratio of baggage capacity per passenger.
For an appointment to see this coach please call Marcus Watts at 562-704-0282.
Caio Induscar is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger buses of various configurations and is renowned for exporting its high quality vehicles to many nations all over the globe.
BusWest has four dedicated locations in California and Nevada and sells and services buses by Thomas Built Buses, Starcraft, Caio North America, and DesignLine International USA. BusWest serves customers in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii.
BusWest is the passenger transportation equipment division of Velocity Vehicle Group headquartered in Whittier, California. Velocity Vehicle Group companies include: BusWest, Los Angeles Freightliner, Las Vegas Freightliner, San Diego Freightliner, Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance, Performance Truck and Trailer, Refuse Parts & Maintenance and others. Velocity Vehicle Group also distributes commercial vehicles for Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Autocar, Hino, Isuzu and Mitsubishi. Velocity Vehicle Group is a leader in clean fuel technology for commercial vehicles.
