ARBOC secures first major order for up to forty Spirit of Equess medium-duty transit buses for Ozark Regional Transit

MIDDLEBURY, IN, Sept. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC ("ARBOC"), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. ("NFI"), the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, today announced that Ozark Regional Transit ("ORT") in Arkansas has awarded ARBOC with an order for up to 40 Spirit of Equess ^® ("Equess") low-floor, medium-duty transit buses. This award includes eight 29-foot buses and four 34-foot buses, plus options for an additional 28 buses. The buses will be procured through ARBOC's US dealer, Creative Bus Sales ("CBS").

"ARBOC is proud to provide fully accessible, low-floor buses to Northwest Arkansas and, we look forward to working with CBS and ORT as they improve mobility in this region," said Don Roberts, President, ARBOC.  "We are proudly dedicated to leading the progression of equal access for everyone throughout North America. This award is our first order for the new Equess medium-duty bus model."

The low-floor Equess vehicles have "kneeling" capabilities, making the boarding process more efficient, while enhancing Ozark Regional Transit's 100 percent ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant fleet. The order will replace buses destroyed in a fire on January 9, 2017, and will supplement existing ARBOC low-floor cutaway buses in the ORT fleet.

Roberts went on to say "ARBOC has been innovating accessible transit for North Americans since 2008. Nearly 70% of North American's low-floor body-on-chassis buses ("cutaways") are manufactured by ARBOC and with the launch of the Equess the future looks bright. Designed in America, sourced in America, and built in America."

"The Equess fits the characteristics of streets in the communities we serve," said Joel Gardner, Executive Director of Ozark Regional Transit. "Keys to providing fixed route services in some areas are based on the overall length, width and turning radius of the vehicles. The Equess meets those needs very well. ARBOC has proven itself to be an excellent provider of transit vehicles and, in this case, can provide us with the delivery timeline we needed."

"Creative Bus Sales is proud to support Ozark Regional Transit in upgrading its fleet," said Brent Roy, Regional Sales Manager, Creative Bus Sales. "We are thrilled to again provide ARBOC low-floor buses that meet ORT's objective to provide accessible transit to all, while navigating safely and efficiently in the Ozark region."

Ozark Regional Transit serves the two county area of northwest Arkansas, including the cities of Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, and Rogers. ORT supports over 300,000 trips annually with 12 fixed routes throughout the region, and intends to increase the number of fixed routes in future.

About NFI

With nearly 6,000 team members, operating from 31 facilities across Canada and the United States, NFI is North America's largest bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions under several brands: New Flyer^® (heavy-duty transit buses), ARBOC^® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), MCI^® (motor coaches), and NFI Parts™ (parts, support, and service). NFI buses incorporate the widest range of drive systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell). For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, NFI posted revenues of US $2.4 billion. NFI common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com.

About ARBOC

ARBOC is North America's low-floor, body-on-chassis ("cutaway") bus leader serving transit, paratransit, and shuttle applications. With more than 3,000 buses in service, ARBOC leads the low-floor cutaway bus market providing unsurpassed passenger accessibility and comfort over traditional high-floor cutaway vehicles. ARBOC also offers a medium-duty bus for transit and shuttle applications.  Further information is available at www.arbocsv.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services, customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses, the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.      

SOURCE New Flyer of America Inc.

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