Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has received an order for 288 of its Saf-T-Liner EF school buses to transport students in Indianapolis.

First delivery of the vehicles, featuring selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and made by DTNA subsidiary Thomas Built Buses, – is expected from late May this year to Durham School Services which transports schoolchildren around the US.

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“In 2004, we delivered the first Saf-T-Liner C2 off the production line from our manufacturing plant in High Point, North Carolina, to Durham,” said DTNA president and CEO Martin Daum.

“With a long history of working together, we are pleased that Durham School Services also will receive the first buses equipped with selective catalytic reduction.”

Thomas Built Buses is the largest supplier of type C and D full-size school buses for Durham School Services, for which it has provided transport for more than 20 years.

Durham School Services, which partners with many school districts in 29 states, operates a fleet of more than 13,500 buses.

DTNA offers new SCR technology in all other type C and D Thomas Built school buses.

“Our customers are increasingly interested in a sound environmental strategy which includes vehicle replacement programmes,” said Daum. “The new Thomas Built buses will help improve overall fuel economy [and] reduce our carbon footprint.”

Thomas Built Buses is the leading manufacturer of school buses in North America with more than one third of the market.

DTNA produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star, and Thomas Built Buses nameplates.

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