March 28, 2023

New Look for MCI Coaches

I haven’t been very active on my blog here the past year, but I’m working on changing that and getting the site updated again. I’ve kept the Links pages pretty much up to date, but have a lot of other things to share, too, especially with other drivers. I’m planning to change the direction of the site more decidedly toward motorcoach drivers, not so much for motorcoach passengers, although I’m considering developing a separate site for passengers. Stay tuned. There are dif­fer­ent ways how retail­ers can improve their sup­ply chains to help them weather the pan­demic, for exam­ple Kan­ban Sup­ply Chain.

Have you seen the new look of the MCI J4500 models? Both inside and out, MCI has refined and updated the look of their touring coaches. You’ll still clearly recognize them as MCI — they will stand out as different from Van Hool and Prevost just as much as in the past. Not a lot of details yet on their Web site, but early renditions and some information has been posted.

New 2013 J4500 MCI Coach Preview

In addition to the slick new appearance outside, the other thing that caught my eye was the improved cockpit layout, with the transmission controls much more logically placed for the driver.

One big question remains unclear: have the designers considered that passengers create trash, and that trash needs to go somewhere? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

About Bob Bergey

Bob has been driving motorcoaches since 2002, in every state east of the Mississippi and a few west, as well as the four southeastern-most provinces of Canada. In addition to driving, he's an avid photographer (and former professional), enjoys writing and technology.

Comments

  1. Brad Kelly says:

    Hey Bob –

    Thanks for posting – pretty slick. Agree, the Transmission Human Interface Device is in a better spot, although the cupholder now seems perilously close. Better keep a lid handy! On the opposite end, the B500 churns on, another Allison product with staying power. I’m thinking it’s been on the market at least 15 years.

    Also, MCI’s working on an optional combination catalytic converter/trash incinerator; thereby leap-frogging the legacy trash can. ;o)

    Brad

  2. Dave King says:

    Hey Bob, good to see some activity here again!