“For customers who want versatility and a better overall option to today’s small bus choices, the BE200 delivers integrated quality and design,” said Michael Cancelliere, vice president, Bus Vehicle Center, International Truck and Engine Corporation. “It establishes a new standard for small buses with its integrated components, distinctive performance and purposeful design.”

Using technologies common with the new IC Corporation CE model school bus, the BE200 can be configured to seat 14 to 30 passengers, and will address many unmet needs of the school bus market. School districts are limited in their options with cut-away buses, which are bus bodies mounted to a van chassis. These types of buses often can be impractical due to capacity limitations and durability issues since cut-away buses don’t handle the wear and tear as well as a full-size, purpose-built bus. Plus, the cut-away design is inflexible and can restrict driver access to passengers. This is especially critical in Special Needs applications where flexibility in seating configuration options are important. The standard 78-inch high headroom and easy driver access also make a significantly better working environment when securing wheelchairs.

The cost to service and maintain these vehicles can be problematic because different manufacturers build the chassis and body. Additionally, the fully tilting three-piece hood provides much greater access to under-hood service items compared to van-based competitors. The BE200 is designed and built by one single manufacturer, so it features one point of contact for all customer needs.

Many of the components used in the BE200 are the same durable components used in other IC Corporation buses. This commonality of parts is an advantage for BE200 customers. With proven performance in current IC Corporation bus models, the quality, reliability and durability of the components is unquestionable.

“The bus design includes a full-size interior and features such as multiplexed wiring and advanced electronics,” said Cancelliere. “The IC Corporation BE200 is a cut above any other small bus available on the market today. This new bus also brings our industry leading support to the small bus market.”