Contact:  tracy.darchini@daimler.com

Hands-on Workshop Keeps Technicians and Vehicles Up to Speed

High Point, N.C. – Nearly half a million school buses drive 4.3 billion miles each year, all while maintaining a safety record unequalled in the transportation industry. That’s quite a feat, considering school buses constitute the largest transit program in the United States. Because Thomas Built Buses knows what it takes to keep school buses rolling along safely, efficiently and reliably, it offers the Thomas Built Institute to enhance bus technician skills and complement school bus maintenance programs.

“We know how tough it is to keep up with ever-changing technology, EPA standards and safety regulations,” said Mike Stotler, service education manager for Thomas Built Buses. “The annual Thomas Built Institute has become a very popular opportunity for school bus technicians to get hands-on training and a factory-certified curriculum in small classes, all in less than a week’s time.”

Participating technicians select the track they want and receive 28 credit hours of continuing education.

"It’s the best training I’ve been to in 26 years," said Duane Chapman, fleet coordinator for 72 vehicles in the school district of Shawnee Heights, Kan. “Thomas Built Buses’ hands-on training helped me learn faster ways to keep the buses running smoothly.”

The 2013 institute curriculum includes:
2013 Emissions System
Advanced Electrical
A choice of one of the following tracks:
Type C: Multiplex, Service Link and Troubleshooting

or

Type D: Electrical and Fan Drive
Coolant, Maintenance and Cost Savings
Utilizing Websites, Resources and Wire Diagrams
Factory Tours

The 2013 Thomas Built Institute will be held May 7-10 in Greensboro, N.C. A second session will be held in conjunction with the STN Expo in Reno, Nev., July 23-26. To register, visit www.thomasbus.com. Early enrollment is recommended, as registration is limited to 100 participants to ensure small classes and personal attention. The cost is $325 and includes lunch and ground transportation.

About Thomas Built Buses
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at www.ThomasBus.com or at www.facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.

Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, N.C., is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC , the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America 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.