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Technology, Integration and School Bus Advancement
Presented by:Kirk Lacko
Senior Product Marketing Manager, Blue Bird Corporation
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Technological Advancements
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Product Planning / Advanced Engineering
Over 200 years of combined experience in advanced engineering
Development of Product Cycle Plan Investigate technologies from adjacent industries for
applicability to school buses Ideation on new features and technologies for school
buses Bring new concepts to implementation readiness Observe, explore and propose responses to industry
and competitor trends
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School Bus Technology Evolves
Blue Bird is embracing technological advancement
Automotive and Trucking technologies continue to influence the school bus marketplace Telematics; GPS, Navigation, Engine Diagnostics, Student
Tracking Integrated systems = less mechanical Light-weight materials Greater Alternative Fuel adoption Camera’s and sensors inside/outside
of the bus Active safety technology Passive safety technology
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Voice of Customer Research
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Owner Feedback
Integrating owner feedback into future product development
Propane Owner’s Survey
Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)
New Product / Product Enhancement Surveys
Business Case Studies
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Case Studies Omaha Public Schools -- One Year of Propane Autogas:
Alternative Fuel Buses Drive Down Costs A case study that reviews the fuel cost and maintenance cost
savings that a major fleet experienced after one year of using Blue Bird’s propane autogas school buses• Savings of almost 50 percent per gallon on fuel costs were experienced
when compared to diesel• 42.6 million fewer pounds of carbon dioxide emitted over the lifetime of
the fleet• 96 percent of the fleet is operating on propane autogas
New York School District Lowers Operating Costs, Reduces Emissions with Propane Autogas School Buses A case study that reviews the fuel cost and maintenance cost
savings that Washingtonville Central School District experienced with just 20 percent of their fleet being propane autogas• Annual fuel savings of about $21,000 per year for the autogas fleet• 30 percent less spent on routine maintenance expenses per year for the
autogas fleet• About 120,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per bus eliminated from
Washingtonville’s carbon footprint, during the lifetime of the vehicle
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Supplier Reviews and Partnerships
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Technology and Features
Aligning technology with brand leaders will drive growth
Safety and Durability Vision/Camera Surveillance GPS Reporting/Tracking Bus Maintenance Alerts Ridership Tracking Driver Distraction ControlsEfficiency/TCO Alternative Energy Solutions Engine Diagnostics Route Optimization Ergonomics Driver Time & AttendanceDiverse Markets “Special Needs” Features International Standards
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Enhancing Supplier Relations
• Total Cost Ownership (TCO)
• Quality and reliability
• Product innovation
• Supplier optimization
• Lead-time reduction and Forecast accuracy
• Design & material reviews, logistics, SKU management
• Supplier development, warranty management, PPAP process, supplier audits
• Early supplier involvement, NDA’s, Supply Agreements
• Category strategies, supplier assessments, preferred supplier listing
• Forecasting, inventory management programs
Areas of Focus Supplier Enablers
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Blue Bird BusesDesigned with Kids in Mind
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Practicality, Functionality and Safety
Child safety is paramount
Safety Driven Real Life Application Enhanced Student Ridership Riding the Bus to School is Fun
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Purpose-Built with Children’s Safety in Mind Purpose-Built Chassis
Made just for school bus application
Chassis protection Best-In-Class Driver’s View
Exceptional mirror systems 6.5’ Headroom
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Ease of Operation Increased ease of operation with our new Blue Bird E-Z
Windows™ Children can easily operate Blue Bird E-Z Windows™ due
to new interlocking technology which allows for smoother operation
New latches are ergonomic and emergency door is easier to operate
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Student Tracking Improve Student Rider Safety and Security
Maximize Bus Utilization
Provide Better Customer Service
Automate Reimbursement Reporting
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Blue Bird Connect™
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Blue Bird Connect™
Factory installed GPS and NO UPFRONT COSTS!
GPS Powered by Synovia Solutions Embedded OEM solution Factory option or retrofit OEM buses are pre-wired Integrated engine diagnostics Turn-key all-inclusive package No upfront costs Simple monthly service fee
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Blue Bird Connect™ is Fully Equipped
Inspection Checklist|real-time updates
Yellow Distance|calculationRedFlasher|
On/OffChild Check| function check & check completed
GPS Unit|in a hiddenlocation
External Antenna|best Verizonconnectivity
Driver PanicButton|alert & location stamp
Door|open or close
Video Camera|function check
Student|up-to-date manifest
Driver|Real-time, location, date & time stampfor clock in & out
Driver|Confirm run/route thatis being serviced
Driver|monitor harshbraking and acceleration
Key Performance Indicators|Speed, idle, on-time performance, etc.
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New Product Technology and Enhancements
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New Blue Bird E-Z Windows™
Blue Bird E-Z Windows™ Feature Superior Leak Resistance and Ease of Service
Smooth Operation Interlocking Construction Leak-Resistant Seals Ergonomic Latches
Blue Bird E-Z Windows™ are an innovation in windows!
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New Blue Bird Air Conditioning
Installed at Blue Bird, not an “aftermarket” solution
Driver A/C Dash Evaporator is standard System is not an “aftermarket” installation No seat and body plan limitations on special needs
buses System does not intrude into seating area Common design in Vision and All American bus models No custom parts for ease of service
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New Luggage Box Redesign
Sturdy and waterproof
Full Perimeter Bulb Seal New Latches Door Reinforcement
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New Bendix Air Disc Brakes
Active safety technology from the industry leader
Blue Bird is pleased to offer the new Bendix Air Disc Brake option
Shorter Stops Significantly shorter stops in
demanding applications that even than even the best drum brake designs
Better Braking Feel Improved side to side brake
consistency Quick pad changes
Quick change pads- 15 minutes per brake (with wheels off)
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Audio Enhancements New generation Source Unit - “Mechless Radio”
New standard radio offering on all Blue Bird Buses Combo of radio and MP3 player Public Announcement (PA) system optional Lower warranty costs without mechanical CD Player
Wire Molding Profile Neater (tidy) appearance throughout the ceiling Easier to service dome lights, radio speakers, including
wiring Reduces interference of some optional components to the
dome lights and speakers, such as air conditioning systems and book racks
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Product Enhancements from Micro Bird
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Micro Bird Features
The G5 delivers; Quality, Safety, and Comfort all under theyellow paint
Ranking 10 Top Features
1 32” entrance door with standard electric control
2 Completely sealed floor with sound deadening
3 8” rear buffer zone
4 Double leaf lift doors with custom hinges
5 Superior body construction using mechanical fasteners
6 Side impact barriers with 3/16 one piece angle iron at the seat level
7 GM and Ford approved mounting blocks with no maintenance required
8 Powder coated wheel hubs
9 Completely R6 insulated including roof bows
10 Altoona tested
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Micro Bird: Superior Riding Comfort
Double acting isolators the full length of the chassis: no maintenance required
R6 rated fiber glass covering all side, rear, front and roof panels Roof bows one piece hat section terminate at floor with insulated,
mechanical fasteners
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Micro Bird: Enhanced Features
32 inch door opening. One piece glass window, sealed bearing standard, electric mechanism standard
Our GM chassis features a 551 square inch driver view; the largest in the industry
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Technology, Integration and School Bus Advancement
Thank You