Continuing Engine Problems for Ford

[HGreen]

From "School Bus Fleet" Newsletter



Ford diesel chassis put on hold

February 21, 2007

DETROIT — Citing a contractual dispute with one of its engine suppliers, Ford Motor Co. stopped taking orders on Feb. 7 for its 2007 model year E-350 and E-450 chassis with 6. 0-liter diesel engines. These chassis are used as platforms for Type A school buses, as well as ambulances, shuttle buses and parcel delivery trucks.



Jerry Renauer, an account specialist in Ford’s Commercial Truck division, said between 4,000 and 5,000 cutaway school buses are built on the E-350 and E-450 chassis each year. About 90 percent of those chassis are equipped with diesel engines; the other 10 percent are gasoline-engine chassis.



Renauer said all of the major school bus manufacturers were notified of the hold, which will continue indefinitely. “Even if they agreed [to an engine contract] today, there would still be some disruption down the road,” he said, explaining that the disputed engine is only one part of the supply chain that will be affected.

 

[amsoilman]

From "School Bus Fleet" Newsletter



Ford diesel chassis put on hold

February 21, 2007

DETROIT — Citing a contractual dispute with one of its engine suppliers, Ford Motor Co. stopped taking orders on Feb. 7 for its 2007 model year E-350 and E-450 chassis with 6. 0-liter diesel engines. These chassis are used as platforms for Type A school buses, as well as ambulances, shuttle buses and parcel delivery trucks.



Jerry Renauer, an account specialist in Ford’s Commercial Truck division, said between 4,000 and 5,000 cutaway school buses are built on the E-350 and E-450 chassis each year. About 90 percent of those chassis are equipped with diesel engines; the other 10 percent are gasoline-engine chassis.



Renauer said all of the major school bus manufacturers were notified of the hold, which will continue indefinitely. “Even if they agreed [to an engine contract] today, there would still be some disruption down the road,” he said, explaining that the disputed engine is only one part of the supply chain that will be affected.

Our School Bus fleet of over 200 buses don't use the "A" platforms, so ALL of our buses are Cummins powered.



Wayne

 

[Greenleaf]

I have "most all" Cummins. There was a time I could not order the Bluebird All American w/Cummins. Had to buy some w/CAT C7 which are working very well. I will now be ordering more birds w/the Cummins 6. 7



I don't have any small transport buses. All full sized C and D models here.