New Flyer of America Inc., the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, opened its 36-acre Vehicle Innovation Center in Anniston Oct. 12.
The five-building campus is now home to North America’s first innovation lab dedicated to the advancement of bus and coach technology focused on sustainable mass transit. The grand opening followed the conclusion of the American Public Transportation Association’s tri-annual EXPO in Atlanta.
New Flyer of America is the U.S. subsidiary of Canada-based New Flyer Industries Inc. of Winnipeg.
The VIC mission includes research, development and evolution of electric, autonomous and telematics technologies. The company already has 50 years of experience with zero-emission bus manufacturing.
NFI Group invested $4.1 million to create the VIC and expects to invest an additional $5 million in developing its electric-bus manufacturing program. Its Anniston facility is undergoing a $25 million expansion.
Text by Dave Helms
