Blue Bird Unveils Propane-Powered School Bus

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Blue Bird Corporation unveiled the Propane Powered Vision School Bus at the National Association of Pupil Transportation Conference and Trade Show in Kansas City , Missouri on November 7, 2006. The vehicle is Blue Bird's latest innovation in providing their customers with maximum performance and economic flexibility to meet the challenges of 2007 EPA school bus engine emission requirements. The dedicated propane bus is also an important component of the Blue Bird Corporation Alternative Fuels strategy. This is the first dedicated propane powered school bus to be offered by a major manufacturer in the United States since 2002.

Blue Bird's Vision is a Conventional Type C School Bus that has a 47-77 passenger capacity with wheelbases ranging from 189 to 273 inches. The Company selected CleanFUEL USA 's certified Liquid Propane Injection System (LPI) to power the bus. The LPI system replaces the gasoline injectors in the GM 8.1L Vortec engine with propane injectors, delivering the propane to the cylinders in a liquid form. This results in more complete combustion, lower emissions, and improved fuel economy and performance. "Integrating the 8.1L LPI system from CleanFUEL USA with a product engineered and manufactured by Blue Bird is a recipe for success," stated President and Founder of CleanFUEL USA , Curtis Donaldson. "Propane Motor Fuel has significant environmental and economic advantages over diesel and gasoline fuels and will offer school districts an attractive option."

The addition of propane as a fuel source in Blue Bird's product line creates an appealing array of propulsion options for school bus customers. "Blue Bird recognizes that we have a diverse base of customers whose wants and needs are constantly changing and evolving," said Jim Moberg, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Blue Bird Corporation. "Blue Bird is committed to meeting these needs through developments such as the propane powered Vision featuring CleanFUEL USA 's LPI system. We are excited that our customers can now choose from not only compressed natural gas and diesel as school bus propulsion options but also propane."