Blue Bird Corporation reports developments in school bus manufacturing, clean-power bus deployments, operating results and corporate governance. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and sells school buses, including electric, propane, natural gas and conventional models, and also sells replacement bus parts and extended warranties.
Recurring news for Blue Bird includes school district fleet deliveries, Type C electric buses, Blue Bird Vision propane buses, charging-infrastructure partnerships, product safety features, quarterly and annual earnings releases, leadership and engineering appointments, acquisition integration, equity and governance matters, and capital-structure updates tied to its public-company reporting.
Blue Bird Corporation has launched a new Class 5-6 electric vehicle (EV) chassis at the 2022 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo. This initiative marks the company's entry into the commercial vehicle market, expanding its zero-emission transportation offerings. The modular chassis supports battery configurations from 70kWh to 225kWh, allowing a range of up to 175 miles. With safety features like hill hold and electric creep, Blue Bird aims to enhance driver experience. Production is expected to begin in late 2023 in Fort Valley, Ga., significantly broadening their market presence.
Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) supports the U.S. EPA's 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, which allocates $500 million to replace diesel school buses with low and zero-emission alternatives. This initiative, part of a broader Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with $5 billion for clean transport over five years, aims to enhance student and community health by reducing air pollution. Blue Bird, a leader in this sector, emphasizes the program's importance for underserved communities and its potential for cost savings, with electric buses running at 14 cents per mile compared to 49 cents for diesel.
Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) will release its fiscal 2022 Q2 financial results on May 12, 2022. An audio webcast with executives Matthew Stevenson (CEO) and Razvan Radulescu (CFO) will take place at 4:30PM ET, discussing financial outcomes. Interested attendees can access the presentation on the Investor Relations website. A replay will be available shortly after the call. Blue Bird has established itself as a leader in electric and cleaner-emission school buses, operating over 20,000 alternative fuel buses.
Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) has received an order from Orange Unified School District in California for eight electric school buses, which will double the district's electric bus fleet. The purchase aligns with OUSD's commitment to sustainable transportation and is expected to significantly reduce fuel costs—potentially saving over $120,000 annually. The new buses, capable of carrying 84 passengers for up to 120 miles, will be delivered in Q4 2022. This order is part of California's initiative to promote low-emission vehicles.
Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) will unveil a new flexible, electric Class 6 vehicle platform at the 2022 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, California, from May 9-12, 2022. The company, with over 20,000 low-emission buses in operation, aims to expand its clean transportation solutions. CEO Matthew Stevenson will lead a press conference on May 10 from 1:25 PM to 1:45 PM (PDT) at Booth 1417. This launch marks Blue Bird's continued commitment to zero-emission technology and sustainable transportation.
Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) has appointed Jim Nelles as Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain Management, effective immediately. Nelles brings over 20 years of international supply chain experience, previously advising Fortune 500 companies and holding key roles in various organizations. His expertise will focus on optimizing Blue Bird's supply chain amidst ongoing challenges such as semiconductor shortages and inflation. CEO Matthew Stevenson believes that Nelles is essential in building a robust supplier network to ensure stable production and high-quality service for Blue Bird's customers and dealers.
Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) has secured its largest order for electric school buses, with Modesto City Schools in California purchasing 30 zero-emission buses. This order allows the district to convert nearly half of its diesel fleet, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community health. With anticipated fuel savings of over $250,000 per year, the buses will support cleaner energy and sustainability initiatives. Blue Bird's electric buses can carry 84 passengers and travel up to 120 miles on a single charge.
Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) has appointed Britton Smith as Senior Vice President of Electrification and Chief Strategy Officer. His role begins immediately, focusing on enhancing the company's position in electric-powered school buses and expanding its EV ecosystem. Smith brings over 20 years of leadership experience, recently serving at KPMG. He succeeds Trevor Rudderham, who retires after over 40 years in the industry, and will assist in a smooth transition until the end of May.
Fairfax School District in Vermont has introduced two electric-powered school buses from Blue Bird to its fleet this school year. Funded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, this pilot program aims to evaluate electric bus performance in Vermont's climate. The Blue Bird buses are equipped with the Cummins PowerDrive EV system and utilize charging solutions from Nuvve Holdings. The initiative could save up to $36,000 in fuel costs annually per bus while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD) reported fiscal Q1 2022 net sales of $129.2 million and a GAAP net loss of $4.1 million, a $2.5 million increase from the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $3.6 million, down $2.2 million year-over-year. Despite these challenges, the company has a record backlog of over 4,800 units, valued at approximately $500 million. Blue Bird anticipates a gradual recovery in production levels and margins in the latter half of 2022, benefitting from recent price hikes and new suppliers easing supply constraints.