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GreenPower Announces Order of 11 BEAST All-Electric School Buses for Western U.S. Markets

By: STN
19 December 2024 at 20:04

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced the company has received three orders for 11 Type D all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission BEAST school buses for school districts in Arizona, California and Oregon.

“As school districts continue to make the change from NOx emitting diesel school buses to a cleaner, healthier means of transporting students, school district transportation departments are pursuing the gold standard of the industry the GreenPower all-electric, purpose-built BEAST and Nano BEAST school buses,” said Paul Start, GreenPower’s Vice President of Sales School Bus Group. “With 2025 fast approaching, the GreenPower school bus order pipeline and production schedule are both at record levels with sales projections for next year set to eclipse the 2024 calendar year.”

The three orders announced today are:
From GreenPower’s exclusive California dealer Model 1 for seven BEASTs for the Los Banos Unified School District in Los Banos, California.
From GreenPower’s exclusive Arizona dealer RWC Group for two BEASTs for the Casa Grande Elementary School District in Casa Grande, Arizona.
From GreenPower’s exclusive Oregon dealer Peterson Trucks for two BEASTs for the Hood River County School District in Hood River, Oregon.

GreenPower’s BEAST is a purpose-built 40-foot Type D all-electric, zero-emission school bus with seating for up to 90 students. Designed from the ground up as an EV, it is a fully integrated structure that features a strong and corrosion resistant aluminum body made from extruded aluminum, manufactured by Constellium, seamlessly mated to a high strength steel Truss (bus) chassis. The complete flat floor design allows for adjustable track seating with no wheel wells in the passenger compartment, and the high floor keeps students out of the impact zone. Combined port charging is standard with Level 2 rates up to 19.2 kW and DC Fast Charging rates up to 85 kW, allowing for full charging in less than three hours.

About GreenPower Motor Company, Inc.
GreenPower designs, builds and distributes a full suite of high-floor and low-floor all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, cargo vans and a cab and chassis. GreenPower employs a clean-sheet design to manufacture all-electric vehicles that are purpose-built to be battery powered with zero emissions while integrating global suppliers for key components. This OEM platform allows GreenPower to meet the specifications of various operators while providing standard parts for ease of maintenance and accessibility for warranty requirements. GreenPower was founded in Vancouver, Canada with primary operational facilities in southern California. Listed on the Toronto exchange since November 2015, GreenPower completed its U.S. IPO and NASDAQ listing in August 2020. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com.

The post GreenPower Announces Order of 11 BEAST All-Electric School Buses for Western U.S. Markets appeared first on School Transportation News.

Durham School Services’ Team Members Spread Generosity and Warmth Across the United States This Holiday Season

By: STN
19 December 2024 at 19:55

LISLE, Ill. – For the holiday season, Durham School Services’ team members have once again demonstrated their continued commitment to giving back to their communities. Team members from across the country participated in various community events such as holiday food drives, fundraisers, clothing and toy drives, school bus donations, providing complimentary transportation, holiday parades, volunteering at food banks, and more.

These community outreach efforts are carried out as part of the Company’s community outreach program, Partners Beyond the Bus, which aims to raise and increase awareness of and recognize the volunteer efforts of our teams and strengthen ties with our customers and community partners.

A few highlights from the holiday season include:

Little Egg Harbor, NJ – Hosted their annual food drive to provide ten families from four different school districts with a delicious and generous variety of food for the upcoming holiday.
Hutchinson, KS – Together with their partner, Salty Cycles, collected over $5,000 in cash and toys in addition to bicycle donations for the Annual Reno County Toy Run.
California, MO – Participated in the community’s Tipton Christmas Parade and won first place with their spectacular and realistic-looking Grinch themed bus.
Grayslake, IL – Donated transportation to the Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, IL to transport over 100 cadets to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4600.
Jacksonville, FL – Hosted a toy drive for community partner and donated six buses for National Wreaths Across America Day to transport volunteers to and from the Jacksonville National Cemetery where volunteers placed wreaths to honor and remember fallen soldiers.
San Bernardino, CA – Donated a school bus to the All-American Boys Chorus to transport the choir to and from their regular and holiday season concerts and field trips.

“I can’t praise our team members enough for their unmatched generosity and commitment to their communities year-round  particularly during the holidays when it can be especially meaningful to so many,” said Tim Wertner, CEO of Student Transportation, National Express. “It is a great honor to work amongst such giving, selfless community heroes who constantly lead by example. As a result of their example, I find myself also learning from their good deeds and actions. Thank you again to all our team members for their dedication to living the Company’s values every day and supporting their communities.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

The post Durham School Services’ Team Members Spread Generosity and Warmth Across the United States This Holiday Season appeared first on School Transportation News.

Lion Electric File Application for Credit Protection Under the CCAA

By: STN
18 December 2024 at 16:53

MONTREAL — The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, announced today that the Company and its subsidiaries have applied to the Superior Court of Quebec (Commercial Division) (the “Court”) for an initial order to seek protection from their creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (“CCAA”). The Company and its subsidiaries also intend to seek recognition of the CCAA proceedings in the United States under Chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code.

In its application for an initial order, the Company seeks the approval of a formal sale and investment solicitation process (“SISP”) in order to provide interested parties with the opportunity to submit proposals with a view to enabling the Company and its senior lenders to determine the highest and best available transaction for the Company and its stakeholders.

The initial order application seeks, among other things, a stay of proceedings in favor of the Company and its subsidiaries, including a stay of creditor claims and exercise of contractual rights, and the authorization of an interim debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing to be provided by the lenders under the Company’s senior revolving credit agreement in order to fund the SISP and the Company’s operations during the restructuring process. Approval is also being sought for the appointment of Deloitte Restructuring Inc. as monitor to oversee the CCAA proceedings and report to the Court. While under CCAA protection, management of the Company will remain responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Company under the oversight of the monitor.

This announcement follows the press release issued by the Company on December 17, 2024 announcing the expiry of the covenant relief period under the Company’s senior revolving credit agreement and maturity of the Company’s loan agreement with Finalta Capital and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Quebec.

Trading in the common shares and other listed securities of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) has been halted. The TSX has also put the Company under delisting review under its expedited review process. It is anticipated that trading in the Company’s listed securities will continue to be halted until completion of the review undertaken by the TSX and the NYSE regarding the suitability of the Company for listing on the TSX and the NYSE.

About Lion Electric

Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, including all electric school buses. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles many of its vehicles’ components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies.

Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life.

The post Lion Electric File Application for Credit Protection Under the CCAA appeared first on School Transportation News.

Wilkes County Schools Leads Way as Georgia’s First District with All-Clean School Buses

By: STN
18 December 2024 at 01:08

MACON, Ga. — Wilkes County Schools (WCS) has marked the historic milestone of becoming the first school district in Georgia to serve all of its 25 daily bus routes exclusively with zero- and ultra-low-emission school buses. WCS’ new fleet of electric and propane-powered buses eliminates regular diesel bus routes, significantly improving air quality for students and the surrounding community, while also significantly reducing operating costs.

Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, delivered 5 electric and 12 propane-powered school buses to Wilkes County Schools. The company’s electric school buses generate zero emissions and can carry approximately 60 students up to 130 miles on a single charge.

WCS can considerably lower its operating expenses by replacing diesel with electric school buses due to reduced fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. School districts have reported paying a mere 19 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses compared to fuel costs of up to 79 cents per mile for their diesel buses.

WCS will also rely on Blue Bird’s industry-leading propane buses for its student transportation needs. Blue Bird’s propane buses for the school district can carry approximately 60 students around 250 miles on a single tank of propane autogas. Propane school buses generate 96% fewer harmful emissions than their diesel counterparts.

In addition, propane-powered school buses help the school district to lower the total cost of ownership of its bus fleets by realizing fuel and maintenance cost savings of up to $3,700 per bus annually compared with diesel buses. WCS presently operates a fleet of 22 Blue Bird propane buses. Thus, the school district could save more than $1.2 million over the 15-year life of its vehicles.

“We are proud to be among the first school districts in the nation to launch a fleet of all electric and propane-powered school buses,” said Michelle Smith, superintendent of Wilkes County Schools. “Blue Bird’s zero- and ultra-low-emission school buses will help us to create a healthier environment for our students and our communities at-large while significantly lowering our operating costs. Together, we have transformed our ambitious vision of clean, sustainable student transportation into a reality.”

“We are delighted to supply Wilkes County Schools with our industry-leading, electric and propane-powered school buses,” said Albert Burleigh, vice president of North America bus sales at Blue Bird Corporation. “Moving forward, students on all 25 daily routes will travel exclusively on zero- and ultra-low-emission buses to and from school. We applaud Wilkes County Schools for putting student and community health first.”

The leading provider of school bus fleet electrification-as-a-service, Highland Electric Fleets, installed five new Tellus charging stations to support the district’s five electric school buses. These chargers allow WCS to utilize overnight and downtime charging, ensuring the buses are always ready to meet transportation needs.

“We’re thrilled to be one of the partners helping Wilkes County Schools transition to a fully clean school bus fleet, bringing lasting air quality to students and cost-saving benefits to the school district,” said Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. “By adding electric school buses and charging infrastructure, WCS is investing in healthier, more resilient communities, while ensuring that students have a safe, reliable ride to school every day.”

WCS received a $2,335,000 grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) highly effective Clean School Bus Rebate Program to purchase its Blue Bird electric and propane-powered school bus fleet. This program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which provides a total of $5 billion over five years for clean school bus transportation nationwide. The EPA has already awarded nearly $3 billion through the landmark bipartisan initiative. The program to date will enable more than 1,300 school districts nationwide to replace old diesel buses with nearly 9,000 electric and ultra-low emission vehicles.

Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company remains the proven clean transportation leader with more than 2,000 electric-powered, zero-emission school buses in operation today.

In addition, Blue Bird is the only school bus manufacturer in the United States to offer propane-powered school buses. Today’s propane engine is 90% cleaner than the most stringent federal emission standard set by the EPA. New and even stricter emission standards will take effect in 2027. Blue Bird’s ultra-low emission, propane-powered school buses exceed those emission standards already today.

Wilkes County Schools purchased its advanced electric and propane-powered vehicles through Blue Bird’s authorized school bus dealer Yancey Bus Sales & Service in Austell, Ga.

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

About Wilkes County Schools

Located in historic Washington, Georgia, Wilkes County Schools serves approximately 1,250 students within a diverse and inclusive rural community. Guided by the vision of “Excellence Without Exception,” the district is dedicated to transformative education, offering robust programs in STEM, fine arts, Career and Technical Education, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment. With a commitment to critical thinking, lifelong learning, and educator development, Wilkes County Schools fosters a safe, innovative learning environment. Grounded in community collaboration and a tradition of continuous improvement, the district prepares students to excel in an ever-evolving, competitive global workforce. For more information, visit www.wilkes.k12.ga.us.

About Highland Electric Fleets

Highland Electric Fleets is the leading provider of electrification-as-a-service for school districts, governments, and fleet operators in North America. Founded in 2019, Highland offers a unique suite of products that make it simple and affordable to upgrade to electric fleets today. Active in 30 states and Canada, Highland is responsible for the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and the largest electric school bus project in the United States to date. To learn more, visit www.highlandfleets.com.

The post Wilkes County Schools Leads Way as Georgia’s First District with All-Clean School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

Durham School Services Donates Bus to Freewill Baptist Church in Kansas for Community Events Transportation

By: STN
17 December 2024 at 20:48

Wellington, Kansas – Durham School Services (DSS), a student transportation leader committed to serving and giving back to its communities, has donated a school bus to Freewill Baptist Church to use for transportation to community events.

Thus far, the church has utilized the donated bus for several local trips to community events, concerts, church services, and even an out-of-state youth retreat to Oklahoma. Most recently, for the holiday season, the church utilized the bus for a Christmas Home Tour and has plans to go Christmas Caroling at local nursing homes around the community to spread holiday spirit and cheer.

“We are so grateful to be able to provide transportation for our church and community! It’s been a huge blessing to our church,” said Pastor Zane Brooks, Freewill Baptist Church. “Having this bus has allowed for a much more comfortable experience for everyone while traveling to community events. Thank you again for Durham’s generosity. Numerous people have benefited from such a kind gift, and we are all very grateful!”

“As a partner of the Wellington community, we are glad to have had this opportunity to fulfill a transportation void in the community with this bus donation to the Freewill Baptist Church,” said Heather Helpingstine, General Manager, Durham School Services. “When community outreach opportunities present themselves, I am extremely proud to say that our team is always more than willing to step up and give back. This bus donation is an example of that fact. We are happy to be able to offer a helping hand to another partner in the community with whom we respect greatly and does so much for the Wellington community.”

Church members riding the donated Durham bus during their Women’s Christmas House Tour event.
Church members riding the donated Durham bus during their Women’s Christmas House Tour event.
From left to right: Pastor Zane Brooks with DSS General Manager Heather Helpingstine and DSS Driver/Church Member Mark Saunders, who delivered the donated bus to the church.

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

The post Durham School Services Donates Bus to Freewill Baptist Church in Kansas for Community Events Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

Lion Electric Announces Expiry of Covenant Relief Period and Defaults Under Certain Conditions of Senior Debt Instruments

By: STN
17 December 2024 at 17:25

MONTREAL — The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, announced today the expiry of the previously announced covenant relief period under its senior revolving credit agreement entered into with a syndicate of lenders represented by National Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and including Bank of Montreal and Federation des Caisses Desjardins du Québec (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), as well as the maturity of the Company’s loan agreement entered into with Finalta Capital Fund, L.P., as lender and administrative agent, and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Quebec (through one of its subsidiaries), as lender (the “Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement”).

The company had previously announced on Dec. 1, 2024 amendments to the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement in order to extend the covenant relief period and the maturity date of the Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement to Dec. 16, 2024, which provided the company with additional time to continue to actively evaluate potential alternatives relating to a restructuring of its obligations, a sale of the business or certain of its assets, strategic investments and/or any other alternatives. As no such alternatives have materialized and no further amendments, concessions or waivers have been obtained, the expiry of the covenant relief period and re-introduction of the financial covenants previously applicable under the Revolving Credit Agreement as well as the maturity of the Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement on Dec. 16, 2024 result in the company being in default pursuant to the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement, the Finalta CDPQ Loan Agreement and other debt instruments providing for cross-default or cross acceleration provisions, and in the company’s lenders having the ability to exercise their rights and request immediate repayment of amounts borrowed by the company.

As a result of the foregoing, the company is currently in discussions with its senior lenders to obtain additional funds pursuant to a new debtor-in-possession credit facility and expects to seek creditor protection under the companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act in order to restructure its business and financial affairs and pursue a formal sales and investment solicitation process in respect of the company’s business or assets.

Trading in the common shares and other listed securities of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) has been halted and it is anticipated that the trading thereof will continue to be halted until a review is undertaken by the TSX and the NYSE regarding the suitability of the Company for listing on the TSX and the NYSE.

About Lion Electric

Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, including all electric school buses. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles many of its vehicles’ components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies.

Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life.

The post Lion Electric Announces Expiry of Covenant Relief Period and Defaults Under Certain Conditions of Senior Debt Instruments appeared first on School Transportation News.

Marketplace Leader Sandra Dainora Petersen Joins HopSkipDrive as Senior Vice President of Product

By: STN
16 December 2024 at 17:57

LOS ANGELES, Calif., HopSkipDrive a technology company solving complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for safety, equity, and care, today announced the addition of Sandra Dainora Petersen as Senior Vice President of Product. A seasoned product executive with extensive marketplace experience, Petersen will oversee HopSkipDrive’s Product and User Experience teams, and spearhead the company’s product strategy and development as it continues to raise the bar and set new industry standards in student transportation technology.

The senior hire comes as HopSkipDrive continues its substantial momentum, with ride volume soaring 300% in the last academic year and its RouteWise AI™ solution optimizing student transportation operations and helping save districts up to 20% of their annual operating budget on average. She joins the Product & Technology team under Chief Product & Technology Officer Corey McMahon’s leadership, alongside Jacob Green, VP of Engineering, and the recent addition of Lacey Plache as VP of Data Science & Analytics. Petersen brings deep expertise in scaling technology platforms and driving growth, most recently serving as Chief Product Officer at Sittercity where she oversaw the development of cutting-edge B2B solutions that transformed how organizations leverage care services and led the company’s trust and safety teams.

“Sandra’s exceptional ability to harness technology in solving complex operational challenges, combined with her proven track record of building delightful user experiences, makes her the perfect leader to drive our product innovation forward,” said Joanna McFarland, Co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive. “Her experience scaling marketplaces and her deep understanding of the care economy aligns perfectly with our mission of creating opportunity for all through mobility.”

Previously, as Senior Director of Product at Grubhub, Petersen played a pivotal role in expanding the delivery vertical to 200+ regions. She brings significant expertise in building high-performing teams that foster collaboration and accountability, with an unwavering focus on creating seamless customer experiences that drive growth. Petersen began her career serving in product management and operations roles at Harpo Productions, The Oprah Winfrey Network, Chicago Tribune Interactive, Discover Financial Services, and A&E Television Networks.

“The opportunity to join HopSkipDrive at this transformative moment is incredibly exciting,” said Petersen. “As both a product leader and a parent of a fourth-grader myself, I deeply understand the critical role that reliable, safe transportation plays in expanding educational opportunities. I’m energized to work alongside the talented HopSkipDrive team as we continue to develop innovative solutions that help schools, students, and families thrive.”

About HopSkipDrive:
HopSkipDrive is a technology company that solves complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for safety, equity, and care. HopSkipDrive’s marketplace arranges care-centered transportation, supplementing other transportation options by connecting kids, older adults, or anyone needing extra support to highly vetted caregivers on wheels, such as grandparents, babysitters, and nurses. HopSkipDrive also builds software and offers advisory services that solve the biggest transportation challenges facing schools and school districts around the country, including budget cuts, bus driver shortages, and reaching climate goals. HopSkipDrive partners with school districts, government agencies, and nonprofits including supporting more than 10,000 schools across 13 states. More than 3.3 million rides over 61 million miles have been completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.

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InterMotive Announces Leadership Transition

By: STN
11 December 2024 at 22:34

AUBURN, Calif. – InterMotive Vehicle Controls announced today a significant leadership change. Owners Greg and Linda Schafer have decided to step down from their President and CEO positions, passing the baton to current Senior Vice President Carl Wacker, who will assume the role of President effective January 1, 2025.

The Schafers founded InterMotive 28 years ago, guiding the company through substantial growth and success. Their decision to step down from their day-to-day roles marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter both in InterMotive’s history and their own. The Schafers will be devoting attention to their family foundation and housing project geared toward people with intellectual disabilities, Lighthouse Living Foundation.

“Our goal is to build a 40-unit apartment community for adults with developmental disabilities in Reno, Nevada,” says Linda Schafer. “There’s a great need for communities like this across the country and currently there is nothing like it in the greater Reno area.”

Greg Schafer reminisces about InterMotive’s humble beginnings. “We started the company in our garage. I’m so proud of how it has evolved. Both Linda and I have full confidence in Carl and believe he is the right person to lead InterMotive into the future.”

Carl Wacker brings a wealth of automotive experience and a proven track record of success to his new role. Only a year at InterMotive and Wacker has demonstrated his skills in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing operational efficiency. His vision for the future aligns well with InterMotive’s values and long-term goals.

“I am deeply honored to take the wheel as President of InterMotive,” says Wacker. “Building on the strong foundation laid by Greg and Linda, we will continue to innovate, grow and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

As part of the transition, Greg Schafer will adopt the CEO position and remain involved for support and guidance as Wacker takes on his new role. Both Greg and Linda will remain on InterMotive’s Board of Directors.

InterMotive Enterprises: is the parent company of InterMotive Vehicle Controls and LGS Group. InterMotive provides commercial safety and performance optimization products. Our plug and play electronic control systems leverage a vehicle’s own data networks to enhance its functions in new ways. We specialize in custom solutions for work truck, transit and paratransit, law enforcement, ambulance, fire truck, school bus, RV and personal-use mobility industries. To learn more, call 800-969-6080 or visit www.intermotive.net.

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Durham School Services Showcases State-of-the-Art School Buses & Safety Technology for Mayor Simison of Meridian, Idaho

By: STN
11 December 2024 at 22:17

MERIDIAN, Idaho – Durham School Services recently welcomed Mayor Simison of Meridian to its new facility and introduced its advanced fleet of buses.

During his visit, Mayor Simison was given a tour of Durham’s brand-new facility by General Manager Samuel Ray while Safety Training Supervisor Terry Marinos proudly showcased a bus from Durham’s new 200+ bus fleet. The mayor was also given an in-depth overview of the safety technology and other features aboard all of Durham’s buses. This includes DriveCam (driver safety monitoring system), Zonar (pre and post trip inspection reporting), CCTV, LED lights, and more.

“This visit from Mayor Simison was an exciting experience. In addition to showcasing our facility and buses, it gave us the special opportunity to display the incredible safety technology we use to transport the students of Meridian safely, every day. It also allowed us to highlight the phenomenal hard work our team put into ensuring a successful school start-up for the school district,” said Samuel Ray, General Manager, Durham School Services. “Moreover, we were able to reaffirm our Company’s values and commitment to always providing safe and reliable service. I’d like to thank Mayor Simison for his visit and sincerity in learning about our bus operations. It was an honor.”

Durham School Services currently serves the West Ada School District, the largest district in the state of Idaho. This new five-year partnership was announced in February and consists of 200 routes. In early November, the Durham and West Ada team were recognized at the district’s board meeting for a “smooth and effective” school start-up.

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

The post Durham School Services Showcases State-of-the-Art School Buses & Safety Technology for Mayor Simison of Meridian, Idaho appeared first on School Transportation News.

GreenPower Announces New Dealer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware with an Initial Order of 11 EVs

By: STN
9 December 2024 at 22:13

HAINESPORT, N.J., – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, today announced the appointment of Wolfington Body Company as its exclusive school bus dealer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware and as a dealer for its Class 4 commercial line of EV trucks and vans in the same three states. As part of the appointment, Wolfington has purchased a Type A Nano BEAST Access school bus, a Type D BEAST school bus, an EV Star Passenger Van and an EV Star Stakebed Truck as demo units for the region. GreenPower delivered the EV Stars Passenger Van and EV Star Stakebed Truck to Wolfington on December 2, 2024.

During a press conference today at Wolfington’s Hainesport, New Jersey facility, Wolfington also announced it has received an order for seven GreenPower Type A Nano BEAST all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school buses for a local school district in New Jersey.

“Wolfington Body Company is a fifth-generation family-owned business that has been serving the transportation industry since 1876,” said GreenPower President Brendan Riley. “In addition to selling school buses and commercial vehicles, Wolfington is equipped with complete mechanical services and body shops to handle a vehicle’s entire lifecycle. Their parts department supplies thousands of parts with same-day delivery available in most areas. We are thrilled to welcome this superior dealer to the GreenPower network.”

“Wolfington history dates back to the horse and buggy days when the company built its first carriage, a buggy with such durability that it held up under the heavy use of doctors traveling their rounds,” said Richard Wolfington, Jr., Vice President of Wolfington Body Company. “Over the years Wolfington’s business has adopted to changing technology and the move to electric vehicles is a natural progression for our company. We are pleased to partner with a premiere purpose-built electric vehicle OEM like GreenPower to bring these school bus and commercial vehicle options to our customers in the three-state region.”

Joining Wolfington and GreenPower at the announcement were state Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Hainesport Mayor Leila Gilmore, both of whom praised the new partnership and its benefits. “This type of news is exactly what I’m working toward in Trenton. Hainesport will benefit from this economically and each of us will breathe cleaner air,” Katz said. “School buses are an ideal use of EV technology and to know that the children at Burlington County Special Services School District will be among the first to benefit from this partnership is exceptional.”

“Me and my Green Team could not be happier to see Wolfington expanding right here in our community with EV technology that is healthier for school kids and beneficial to the environment and climate change,” Gilmore added. “This will bring more jobs and economic activity to Hainesport while at the same time helping reach our goals of sustainability.”

About GreenPower Motor Company, Inc.
GreenPower designs, builds and distributes a full suite of high-floor and low-floor all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, cargo vans and a cab and chassis. GreenPower employs a clean-sheet design to manufacture all-electric vehicles that are purpose-built to be battery powered with zero emissions while integrating global suppliers for key components. This OEM platform allows GreenPower to meet the specifications of various operators while providing standard parts for ease of maintenance and accessibility for warranty requirements. GreenPower was founded in Vancouver, Canada with primary operational facilities in southern California. Listed on the Toronto exchange since November 2015, GreenPower completed its U.S. IPO and NASDAQ listing in August 2020. For further information go to www.greenpowermotor.com.

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WS-24-LPJ Kangaroo Jack: A New Standard in Heavy-Duty Lifting

By: STN
5 December 2024 at 20:48

SHARONVILLE, Ohio., – ARI-HETRA, a leader in heavy-duty vehicle maintenance equipment, is thrilled to announce the launch of the WS-24-LPJ Kangaroo Jack, a versatile and durable hydraulic jack designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s industrial professionals.

Built to Perform in Any Environment:
The Kangaroo Jack features an adjustable lifting bracket, offering flexible positioning for a wide range of applications, from forklifts to construction vehicles and beyond. Its compact, portable design ensures ease of movement and storage, while its durable construction guarantees long-lasting performance even in demanding environments.

Unmatched Lifting Capacity:
12,000 lbs. at the lift bracket.
22,000 lbs. on top of the piston.
“The Kangaroo Jack is designed to elevate efficiency and safety in maintenance operations,” said Bill Gibson, VP Business Development of ARI-HETRA. “Its versatility and durability make it an indispensable tool for professionals across industries.”

Elevate Your Operations
The WS-24-LPJ Kangaroo Jack is now available for purchase. For more information, visit: ari-hetra.com/product/ws-24-lpj-kangaroo-jack or contact our sales team at 800-562-3250.

About ARI-hetra:
ARI-HETRA is the premier provider of innovative workshop solutions for heavy-duty vehicles and equipment and has been since 1988 (over 35 years). With a focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency, ARI-HETRA‘s wide range of lifts, wheel service equipment, and exhaust extraction systems are designed to meet the needs of any heavy-duty workshop.

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Lion Electric Reaches Definitive Agreement in Respect of the Sale of Innovation Center Located in Mirabel, Quebec

By: STN
5 December 2024 at 23:35

MONTREAL — The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement with Aéroport de Montreal to sell its innovation center facility located in Mirabel, Québec, for a purchase price of C$50,000,000, subject to customary purchase price adjustments and closing conditions.

All of the net proceeds from the transaction are intended to be used towards the partial repayment of the Company’s senior secured non-convertible debentures issued in July 2023, holders of which currently benefit from a first ranking hypothec over the immovable/real rights related to the innovation center facility. As a result, while the transaction is expected to reduce the Company’s long-term indebtedness, it will not impact the Company’s short term liquidity and cash position.

Closing of the transaction is expected to occur before the end of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

About Lion Electric

Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, including all electric school buses. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles many of its vehicles’ components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies.

Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life.

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Continental Sells Zonar to GPS Trackit

By: STN
3 December 2024 at 20:23

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-Continental today announced the sale of Zonar, a leading smart fleet management provider, to GPS Trackit, an industry pioneer in cloud-based, IoT fleet solutions and GPS tracking. Details of the transaction, including financial terms, are not being disclosed.

The deal follows Continental’s Group Sector Automotive strategy, announced last year, centered around focusing on its core strengths and streamlining its business operations.

“The decision to sell Zonar is part of our broader automotive strategy to sharpen our focus and enhance our fundamental strengths,” said Philipp von Hirschheydt, Member of the Executive Board and Head of Automotive. “As the market continues to evolve, our focus on value creation is the cornerstone of our strategic efforts. Continental is committed to leveraging innovation and operational excellence to strengthen its position in the marketplace by further investing in its core competencies to prioritize its growth.”

Zonar, founded in 2001, is headquartered in Seattle, Washington with more than 300 employees. It has pioneered smart mobility solutions throughout vocational, pupil, mass transit, and commercial trucking industries. The Zonar mission is to enhance the safety, performance, and success of its customers with actionable, innovative, and AI-enabled insights.

“We are thrilled to welcome Zonar to the GPS Trackit family. This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our mission to deliver innovative, customer-focused fleet management solutions,” said Charles Kriete, CEO, GPS Trackit. “By combining our strengths, such as our best-in-class video platform, with Zonar’s advanced technologies and industry expertise, we are poised to create unparalleled value for our customers and further disrupt the market as two industry leaders in overall customer satisfaction. We look forward to building on the Zonar legacy of excellence and driving transformative growth together.”

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion, and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

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EverDriven Launches Giving Tuesday Initiative Earmarking $1 per Mile Driven on December 3 to Benefit Special Olympics Colorado

By: STN
3 December 2024 at 19:04

DENVER, Colo. -EverDriven, the leading Alternative Student Transportation provider dedicated to serving students with disabilities and special needs, is rolling out a Giving Tuesday initiative to support Special Olympics Colorado, earmarking $1 for every mile driven in Colorado on December 3. With EverDriven traveling an average of approximately 12,000 miles daily in Colorado, the initiative is expected to generate approximately $12,000 in donations, directly benefiting programs that empower individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Building on its commitment to drive positive change in its local community, EverDriven is also dedicating 720 hours of employee volunteer service to Special Olympics Colorado programs, with every regional team member contributing eight hours of their time. Combining charitable contributions with hands-on involvement, EverDriven regularly demonstrates its passion for going the extra mile for the students and families it serves, particularly those with special needs.

“This support from EverDriven ensures our athletes can continue to thrive on and off the field,” said Megan Scremin, CEO of Special Olympics Colorado. “These donations and helping hands will go a long way in helping us create meaningful experiences for Coloradans with intellectual disabilities and strengthen inclusion in communities across Colorado.”

Special Olympics Colorado is dedicated to fostering inclusion, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities through sports and health initiatives. By tying donations to miles driven and encouraging hands-on involvement from employees, EverDriven is helping to advance these goals while also spotlighting the importance of transportation on equity.

“Transportation is more than just moving people from one place to another,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “This Giving Tuesday initiative reflects our commitment to using transportation and technology as a force for good. We’re honored to partner with Special Olympics Colorado and support the incredible work they do in our Colorado community.”

To learn more about EverDriven and the technology solutions it provides to districts, students, parents, and school staff, visit EverDriven. To support, visit Special Olympics Colorado.

About EverDriven:
With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 28,000 students served last year alone, EverDriven has established itself as a nationwide leader in safety and technology-enabled Alternative Student Transportation. Leveraging proprietary routing technology and customized transportation services, the company has been instrumental in addressing driver shortages, helping reduce chronic absenteeism, accommodating varying bell times, and serving unique student needs related to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, special needs, ESSA, hard to serve trips, and out of district placements. For more information, visit EverDriven.

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North America Central School Bus Announces Leadership Transition

By: STN
3 December 2024 at 00:28

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — North America Central School Bus (NACSB) is pleased to announce an important leadership transition. After more than 30 years of dedicated service in the student transportation industry, our esteemed President and CEO, Steve Hemmerlein, has decided to retire. Steve’s remarkable career includes significant contributions throughout the student transportation industry. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping NACSB into the organization it is today. Steve will be greatly missed by all.

As we bid farewell to Steve, we are excited to announce that Jason Walker, who recently joined NACSB as Chief Operating Officer, will be stepping into the role of President and CEO. Jason brings 28 years of experience in transportation logistics, including 22 years at UPS. Most recently, he served as COO of United Road Services. A passionate advocate for developing talent and fostering innovation, Jason is committed to continuing NACSB’s tradition of safety and excellence.

Founded in 2004, North America Central School Bus is one of the largest student transportation providers in North America, operating over 5,700 school buses and employing over 6,200 dedicated staff members. We are confident that under Jason’s leadership, NACSB will continue to deliver the highest level of service, reliability, and care for the communities we serve.

About North America Central School Bus (NACSB)

NACSB’s mission is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transportation services that support the educational journey of students. They strive to foster a culture of safety, innovation, and excellence in all operations.

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Beacon Mobility Announces Acquisition of Transaction Associates, Transaction Corporate Shuttles

By: STN
2 December 2024 at 00:46

WOBURN, Mass. — Today, Beacon Mobility announced TransAction Associates and Corporate Shuttles, a Woburn-based transportation industry leader for the public and private sectors, as the newest member of the Beacon Mobility family. TransAction Associates and Corporate Shuttles have been serving communities, businesses, and institutions across the Commonwealth for nearly 35 years with a focus on consulting, planning, and managing commuter programs and providing high-quality transportation services. With this acquisition, Beacon Mobility now serves its transportation customers through 27 companies in 25 states nationwide, including six companies in Massachusetts.

“TransAction Associates and Corporate Shuttles have been faithfully serving Massachusetts communities for over three decades and we are pleased to welcome them to our growing family of transportation companies,” said David A. Duke, Chief Development Officer for Beacon Mobility. “This organization not only provides a host of important services to the public and private sectors, but also has a dynamic and talented consulting team with expertise in data analytics and transportation efficiencies. We look forward to working with their teams during the transition as we strive to deliver comprehensive and essential transportation services to the Commonwealth and New England.”

“Since 1990, thanks to our incredible employees, we have delivered safe, reliable, and innovative transportation options to a variety of public and private sector clients,” said Cindy Frené, President and Founder of TransAction Associates and Corporate Shuttles. “We are proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to the new opportunities that will be realized as part of the Beacon Mobility family.”

“TransAction’s talented team is ready to support and strengthen transportation initiatives across different sectors,” said Michele Brooks of TransAction Associates and Corporate Shuttles. “As we continue to grow our operations and portfolio, we are thrilled to join the Beacon Mobility team and look forward to our future partnership.”

Founded in 1990, TransAction Associates and Corporate Shuttles operate out of their facility in Woburn and offers a range of shuttle services and transportation programs. TransAction currently provides shuttle services for a variety of clients, that include municipalities, hospitals, developers, universities, and employers. The managed services and consulting options can collect and analyze data, research and evaluate options for clients, and make recommendations on implementation.

The TransAction Associates and Corporate Shuttles team is comprised of nearly 130 highly skilled employees and operates a fleet of more than 100 vehicles ranging from vans to shuttle buses and includes accessible services.

About TransAction Associates and Corporate Shuttles

TransAction has been an industry leader and a trusted name in transportation for nearly 35 years. TransAction Associates focuses on consulting, transportation planning, and managing commuter programs. The TransAction Corporate Shuttles division officially spun off in 1995 to provide reasonably priced, high-quality transportation services with an emphasis on safety. Working with TransAction means clients get an experienced leadership team committed to delivering a standard of excellence on every project from planning to marketing to operations. To learn more, visit: https://www.transactiontransportation.com

About Beacon Mobility

Beacon Mobility is a growing family of transportation companies committed to serving the diverse needs of their customers. Now operating 27 local brands in 25 states, their experienced, compassionate, and dedicated team takes pride in their ability to create customized, mobility-based solutions that empower people to get where they need to go. To learn more, visit: https://gobeacon.com/

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Micro Bird To Manufacture Small and Midsize Buses in Plattsburgh, NY

By: STN
26 November 2024 at 22:15

DRUMMONDVILLE, Canada- Micro Bird, a joint venture between Blue Bird Corporation and Girardin, will be expanding its manufacturing operations in Plattsburgh, NY. The company has confirmed the purchase of the Nova Bus facility on Banker Road, where it plans to build both electric and non-electric versions of its current bus products. Nova Bus is set to cease operations in Plattsburgh next year. This investment is part of a growth strategy to double production capacity and better meet the sustained and growing demand for its products, which are known for their superior quality, durability and value. This will also provide a considerable growth opportunity for the Blue Bird brand and its well established and reputable North American dealer network.

Eric Boulé, Micro Bird’s President and CEO, said, “We are very excited to begin this new chapter by expanding our operations in Plattsburgh, and by creating high quality job opportunities for our future colleagues. This investment confirms Micro Bird’s position as a leading manufacturer in the North American bus industry. We are also grateful for the strong cooperation and support from the Nova Bus leadership team and representatives from the state of New York, Clinton County, and the Town of Plattsburgh. “

Micro Bird ‘s investment in capital expenditure and training will create more than 350
full-time jobs over the next several years. This project is supported by the Empire State Development with nearly $10 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2.5 million capital grant from the North Country Regional Economic
Development Council.

“When Nova Bus announced they would cease operations at their Plattsburgh facility, I
immediately contacted company leadership and strongly advocated for solutions that
would capitalize on the current workforce and existing supply chain,” Governor Hochul
said. “Today, I am proud to welcome Micro Bird which we recruited to the North
Country where they can take advantage of our top talent, a thriving transportation
cluster and the major investments we have made across the region. New York’s
manufacturing sector is in the midst of a major renaissance and is a major driver of our
economy I look forward to a long and successful future for Micro Bird in New York
State.”

Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “This Thanksgiving we have a little extra to
be grateful for in Plattsburgh thanks to Micro Bird’s fantastic investment to take over the former Nova Bus manufacturing facility. I called Nova Bus’s top leadership to urge them to do the right thing and find a new owner in the transportation lane to take over this plant, and I’m thrilled that Micro Bird is stepping up to start manufacturing operations keeping hundreds of good-paying jobs here in Clinton County. This will keep the North Country economy’s wheels in motion and provide good-paying job opportunities for hundreds in the Plattsburgh area. America’s buses will continue to be stamped ‘Made in Upstate NY’ courtesy of the world-class Plattsburgh workforce. I am grateful for Governor Hochul for her partnership and leadership in helping drive this deal to ensure Upstate NY remains a leader in transportation manufacturing.”

Nova Bus President Mr. Paul Le Houillier said, “From our earliest discussions with
Micro Bird, it was clear that they were the right partner with a similar manufacturing
profile who would benefit from Nova Bus’s skilled employees and the cluster of
suppliers in the Plattsburgh area. Choosing Micro Bird quickly became a win-win
choice. We are thrilled to have concluded an agreement with a company that will carry
forward the manufacturing footprint in the region for years to come and who will benefit from the same unwavering support we have received from both the Plattsburgh
community and the New York State.”

Micro Bird will progressively be hiring the skilled and experienced employees currently
working at Nova Bus Plattsburgh, building on the culture of excellence put in place by
Nova Bus. A close collaboration with Nova Bus has been established to ensure a
seamless transition. Site preparation will begin in January, including hiring of
employees. Start of production is scheduled for the Summer of 2025.

About Micro Bird
A joint venture between Girardin and Blue Bird, Micro Bird specializes in the design,
assembly and distribution of school and commercial buses, as well as electric motors,
through its subsidiary Ecotuned Technologies. Headquartered in Drummondville, the
company employs over 600 people. Manufacturing over 3,000 buses per year from its
Drummondville plant, Micro Bird is the largest bus manufacturer in Canada and an
established and respected leader across North America.

A joint venture company owned by Blue Bird and the Girardin that focuses on designing, assembling, and distributing commercial and school minibuses as well as electric powertrain solutions through its subsidiary Ecotuned Technologies. With more than 600 employees, the company’s headquarters are located in Drummondville, Québec. Micro Bird is an established leader in the school bus industry and Canada’s largest manufacturer of buses, producing over 3,000 buses annually from its Drummondville facility

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NYSE to Commence Delisting Proceedings with Respect to the Warrants of Lion Electric

By: STN
20 November 2024 at 18:12

MONTREAL, Canada- The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, announced today that the staff of NYSE Regulation of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) has determined to commence proceedings to delist the Company’s warrants with an expiration date of May 6, 2026 ticker symbol LEV.WS to purchase common shares of the Company from the NYSE. Trading in the warrants was suspended immediately. Trading in the Company’s common shares ticker symbol LEV and another series of warrants with an expiration date of December 15, 2027 ticker symbol LEV.WS.A will continue on the NYSE.

NYSE Regulation has determined that the warrants are no longer suitable for listing based on “abnormally low selling price” levels, pursuant to Section 802.01D of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

The Company is considering whether it will require a review of this determination by a Committee of the Board of Directors of the NYSE. The NYSE will apply to the Securities and Exchange Commission to delist the warrants upon completion of all applicable procedures, including any appeal by the Company of the NYSE Regulation staff’s decision.

About Lion Electric:
Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles. The Company creates, designs and manufactures all-electric class 5 to class 8 commercial urban trucks and all-electric school buses. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles many of its vehicles’ components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies.

Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life. Lion shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LEV.

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Durham School Services Donates Buses to the All-American Boys Chorus for Transportation to Concerts & Activities

By: STN
19 November 2024 at 20:01

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Durham School Services, a student transportation leader dedicated to giving back to their communities, has donated three buses to the All-American Boys Chorus to transport the choir and their equipment to concerts, field trips, and other activities. The buses will be delivered in the coming weeks just in time for the holiday concert season.

These buses were donated as part of Durham’s community outreach program, Partners Beyond the Bus. The program aims to become a partner of the community beyond its main role of transporting students to and from school safely, reliably, and on time. Our San Bernardino team has served the community for over a decade and looks forward to continuing to support the community.

“Surprising as it may sound, having a bus has been a core element of the All-American Boys Chorus’ identity for decades,” said Aaron Cassaro, CEO, All-American Boys Chorus. “Traveling together on a bus is an incredible experience that allows for bonding and building camaraderie, as well as simple efficiency. This incredibly generous bus donation will allow us to keep that tradition alive, as we use these vehicles to transport members to concert performances throughout southern California, as well as to our summer camp, Leadership Summit, and several other events throughout the year. Everyone here at the All-American Boys Chorus could not be more grateful to Durham School Services for helping to keep this dream alive and thriving!”

“The All-American Boys Chorus is an admirable organization that nurtures character, confidence, and talent through music while also helping each child develop and find their individuality and voice. This is why it is a great feeling to know that these three donated buses will have a hand in creating unforgettable bonds, new memories, and experiences for the members of the chorus while they travel together to their concerts and events,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Student Transportation Division in North America, National Express. “The dedication of our teams to uplift and positively impact the communities in which they serve is unmatched. I am proud and lucky to be part of a team and Company that values and prioritizes giving back to their communities.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

About All American Boys Chorus: The All-American Boys Chorus, America’s quintessential professional boys chorus, has delighted audiences worldwide for over fifty years. Based in Santa Ana, California, the Chorus is comprised of over 100 boys ages 8–15 drawn from throughout Southern California. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Wesley Martin, a veteran of Hungary’s renowned Kodaly Institute, the Chorus provides boys with comprehensive musical training and unsurpassed performance and touring opportunities.

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Forest River, Inc. Mourns the Passing of Founder Pete Liegl, Celebrating His Visionary Leadership and Philanthropy

By: STN
19 November 2024 at 19:03

ELKHART, Ind. – It is with deep sadness that Forest River, Inc. announces the passing of its founder, Peter J. Liegl. Pete not only was a visionary leader who transformed the RV industry, but one of Indiana’s proudest citizens and most generous philanthropists. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Lisa L. Rees, son-in-law Logan Rees, and grandchildren Adrienne (6) and Ryan (3) and brother-in-law Gary Chamberlin.

Pete is best known as the founder of Forest River, Inc., and the man who in 2005 sold Forest River to famed investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. But his legendary role in building the RV industry into a multibillion-dollar enterprise began from humble beginnings. Sales and management positions brought him valuable experience in production, operations, and customer service. He worked his way to the role of president at Midas Motorhomes and then on to Shasta, a Coachmen-owned company, before deciding to venture out on his own when he co-founded Cobra Industries. Cobra Industries went public and Pete was “fired.” This led him to build his first RV by hand in a barn. Driven to succeed, Liegl brought his first units to Louisville and sold them outside under a lamp post which was the beginning of “Where the forest meets the river.”

In 1996, Liegl established Forest River, Inc. in Elkhart, Indiana, with the vision of bringing the power of nature to as many Americans as possible. His goal was to create a company that could meet a wide range of consumer needs, and he did just that. Forest River grew rapidly under his leadership, expanding its product range to include not only RVs but also buses, cargo trailers, and marine products. He believed in providing the best product at the best price. His strategic acquisitions and commitment to innovation helped Forest River to become one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America.

His management philosophy emphasized empowering employees, fostering a culture of accountability, and always focusing on the needs of the consumer. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” he said recently. “But we’re very serious about what we do.”

In 2024, despite announcing a succession plan for the company, Pete Liegl remained at the helm of what he called “the quiet company,” working every day including Saturdays and Sundays while presiding over a slate of internal innovations and investments that will provide the foundation for growth and excellence for years to come.

Pete, to anyone that knew him for more than a minute, found meaning and inspiration from his namesake, the Apostle Peter. Peter’s story inspired transformation, and Pete’s journey inspired many, while highlighting themes of redemption, leadership, and unwavering commitment to one’s beliefs.

Pete was very proud of his roots in Elkhart, and privately made generous philanthropic contributions, supporting causes in education, healthcare, conservation and local communities. In the end, it is his determined strength of character, booming laugh and a twinkle in the eye that will leave a lasting impact on those who knew him best.

About Forest River, Inc.
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, and commercial vehicles including buses, vans, and trucks. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company.

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