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| Should Gillig introduce a next generation product? (276311) | |
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Should Gillig introduce a next generation product? |
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Posted by Pink Jazz on Mon May 20 12:38:13 2013 I was wondering, does anyone think Gillig may soon come out with a next generation low floor bus to directly compete with the New Flyer Xcelsior? The Low Floor/BRT as it is now is a heavier bus than the Xcelsior, and perhaps Gillig should give its loyal customers a next generation product that would be more comparable.In addition to reducing the weight of the bus, here are some options Gillig should consider in a next generation product: • Extend the windows downward on the low floor section of the bus for shorter riders can see out of them. • Except on CNG models, move the HVAC system to the roof and add a rear window option. • Offer an articulated variant. • Offer skylight rooftop emergency exits. What does anyone here think? |
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Re: Should Gillig introduce a next generation product? |
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Posted by RailBus63 on Mon May 20 16:29:31 2013, in response to Should Gillig introduce a next generation product?, posted by Pink Jazz on Mon May 20 12:38:13 2013. A few key points:- What do their customers want? Is a lighter-weight bus a 'must have' in the future? - Would any new bus that Gillig would develop be built at the same cost or lower than the current Low Floor model? - How competitive would it be against the Xcelsior? Would it open the door to selling to the major TA's? - Would they be at risk of being undercut on the low end of the market by El Dorado or others? The transit bus market is ultra-competitive right now. Gillig has developed a steady buisness selling an economical bus to small and medium-sized customers - any changes in the product line would have to be weighed against potential new business that could be gained and existing business that could be lost. |
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| (276326) | |
Re: Should Gillig introduce a next generation product? |
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Posted by Pink Jazz on Mon May 20 21:56:38 2013, in response to Re: Should Gillig introduce a next generation product?, posted by RailBus63 on Mon May 20 16:29:31 2013. Gillig doesn't have to discontinue their existing product line. The Low Floor and BRT are both offered in tandem, and any next generation model can also be offered alongside the Low Floor and BRT. |
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| (276330) | |
Re: Should Gillig introduce a next generation product? |
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Posted by RailBus63 on Mon May 20 22:40:35 2013, in response to Re: Should Gillig introduce a next generation product?, posted by Pink Jazz on Mon May 20 21:56:38 2013. It costs more money to produce two different models due to extra tooling, different parts, extra training required, etc. That is why most bus manufacturers standardize on a single model when possible. |
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