When Cost Counts, Thomas Buses Use 18 Percent Less Fuel

High Point, N.C. – School districts across the country are strapped for cash and every dollar – and every gallon of fuel – matter right now. With tough new air quality standards just around the corner in 2010, Cummins recently conducted mile per gallon tests on two competitive school buses to establish a baseline using 2007 emission engines. The result: a Cummins-powered Thomas Built bus drove away with an average of 18 percent more miles per gallon than a competitive product.

The school buses used in the test, both 2007 models, were a Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner® C2 and an IC CE series. Tests were designed to measure vehicle miles per gallon, in order to compare directly competitive products available in the market.

In four out of four test segments, results showed the Cummins-powered Thomas C2 achieving an impressive average of 18 percent better fuel economy overall. The Thomas C2’s overall average mileage for the four test segments was 9.2 miles per gallon; competitor product’s overall average was 7.6 miles per gallon.

Standard Type III SAE test methodology was followed in each of the test segments. Two segments were conducted on a 77.5 mile interstate and controlled access route to simulate transferring students to an activity in an adjacent school system. Two were performed on a closed test track to simulate student pick-up and drop off. The closed test track was designed to mirror traffic conditions and vehicle spacing, and to test segment engine run time.

SAE J1526 Type III test methodology was used to determine fuel economy differences. Weigh tanks were used in each test segment, and engine run times were closely monitored.

To meet the near zero EPA 2010 emissions standards, Cummins will use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to maximize fuel efficiency and engine performance. Additional Cummins testing shows an estimated 5 to 9 percent fuel economy advantage with SCR technology compared to an in-cylinder only solution.

Complete test results, including detailed bus specifications, test segments and test segment route notes are available at www.thomasbus.com/fueleconomy and www.everytime.cummins.com.

Thomas Built Buses is the leading manufacturer of school buses in North America, with more than one-third of the market. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line in 1936, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America.

With manufacturing facilities based in High Point, N.C., Thomas Built Buses, Inc. is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer on the continent and a leading manufacturer of class 4-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.