Week-long educational event designed to enhance school district maintenance programs

High Point, N.C. – School may be out for the millions of children who ride Thomas Built buses but, for those who perform the regularly scheduled maintenance to keep those vehicles in peak condition, it is the perfect time to learn. Staying current is no small task since today’s fleet technicians must be able to inspect, maintain, diagnose and repair bus and chassis systems on school buses from three months to 20 years-old.

“New technologies and new technicians make education a continual need in most districts, and this summer we are pleased to introduce the Thomas Built Institute to help our customers meet their employees’ training needs” said Ken Hedgecock, vice president of sales, marketing and service for Thomas Built Buses. “Thomas Built Buses is committed to delivering the excellent support and service our customers need to succeed in today’s budget-challenged climate.”

This July, Thomas Built Buses will welcome bus technicians from the U.S. and Canada to its headquarters in High Point, NC, for five days of classes and hands-on activities. Curriculum will include:

•    Factory tours to observe how the Saf-T-Liner®C2, HDX, EF, and Minotour® are manufactured

•    Cummins engine software, emissions systems and 2010 technology

•    Electrical system diagnostics for the body and chassis

•    Maintenance practices and inspections

•    Hydraulic systems

•    Web applications: TBB Portal, Access Freightliner

The program begins at 1:00 pm Monday, July 20, and concludes at noon Friday, July 24, 2009. Curriculum includes eight classes and two plant tours. Registration is limited to ensure small class sizes and personalized attention. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion for 36 credit hours of continuing education.

Cost for the one-week session is $250 per person, which includes lunch and, when booked at the host hotel, ground transportation each day. To register for the Thomas Built Institute maintenance program, visit www.thomasbus.com.

About Thomas Built Buses

Thomas Built Buses (www.thomasbus.com) 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 focused on delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America.

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.