New Flyer Collaborates with EMP on Launch of New Thermal Cooling System
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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada − June 13, 2008
(TSX:NFI.UN) New Flyer Industries Inc. (“New Flyer”), the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit vehicles in Canada and the United States, has entered into an arrangement with Engineered Machined Products Inc. (EMP) of Escanaba, MI to supply next generation thermal cooling systems on municipal transit buses.
EMP has been developing its electrified cooling system since 2006 when both companies were pursuing innovations to significantly improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and enhance passenger safety. “New Flyer is a market leader among OEM’s in the municipal transit industry and we’re pleased to be associated with them,” said Jeff Bannister, vice president of EMP’s advanced products group. He added, “Extensive pilot tests were conducted under the harshest of conditions. With over 1.5 million miles of field testing on over one-hundred transit buses across fifteen municipal transit properties in North America, the mini-Hybrid continues to deliver as expected."
Paul Smith, New Flyer’s executive vice president of sales and marketing said, “New Flyer is pleased to have the opportunity to launch EMP’s mini-Hybrid, an innovative advanced thermal cooling system. Our market demands that we continue to utilize the most environmentally friendly technologies available to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Through pilot testing and collaboration, EMP has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver."
This modular, fully customizable kit replaces the conventional cooling system on diesel-powered and natural gas engines. The mini-Hybrid is certified on Cummins 2007 diesel engines and is in process of certification on 2007 CNG engines. Instead of a radiator, charge air cooler and standard hydraulic fan, the “mini-Hybrid” uses an array of powerful, reversible and highly durable fans monitored by a sophisticated electronic control module. EMP’s “Power 450” brushless alternator powers the mini-Hybrid thermal system.
The mini-Hybrid enables optimized operating temperatures, longer maintenance intervals and reduces hydraulic oil, thereby improving passenger safety and reducing thermal events. According to Mark Bader, EMP’s director of new products, “Municipal transit buses equipped with the mini-Hybrid system get better mileage and generate lower emission levels.”
David Hyink of Valley Metro, transit property in Mesa Arizona said, “This product has been field tested under the most extreme conditions. It enables significantly more power to the wheels, with better fuel economy and less maintenance of traditional hydraulic cooling systems.”
According to Sandra Draggoo, CEO and executive director of Capital Area Transit Authority in Lansing, Michigan, “The result of installing the mini-Hybrid system has produced fuel economy improvement between 3 to 14% among the various engines involved; we are excited to see the full economy gains made."
About EMP
EMP is an engineering and manufacturing leader in advanced thermal and oil management technologies. Based in Escanaba Michigan, EMP products are used globally by major diesel engine OEM’s and hydraulics manufacturers. For more information, visit EMP at Booth #7433 at APTA – 2008 in San Diego or contact Ralph Bedogne at 906.789.7497. EMP’s website is www.emp-corp.com .
About New Flyer
New Flyer is the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States and Canada. The Company’s three facilities -- in Winnipeg, MB, St. Cloud, MN and Crookston, MN -- are all ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified. With a skilled workforce of over 2,200 employees, New Flyer is a technology leader, offering the broadest product line in the industry, including drive systems powered by clean diesel, LNG, CNG, hydrogen fuel cell and electric trolley as well as energy-efficient gasoline-electric and diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. All products are supported with an industry-leading, comprehensive parts and service network. New Flyer’s Income Deposit Securities are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI.UN. Further information is available on Company’s web site at www.newflyer.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of New Flyer and New Flyer Industries Canada ULC (“NFI ULC”) 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 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, New Flyer and NFI ULC disclaim 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.
For further information, please contact:
New Flyer Industries Inc.
Glenn Asham
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: 204-224-1251
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