DRUMMONDVILLE, QC, July 15,
2024 /CNW/ - Girardin, a third-generation family
company specialized in school bus transportation that has been a
fixture in Quebec for over 65
years, is announcing a true revolution in this industry. The
company unveiled its next generation of electric minibuses at the
STN Expo - Green Bus Summit in Reno,
Nevada. With a significantly improved range reaching up to
300 km per charge, the daily range now exceeds 600 km. The
investment in this new electric minibus clearly fits with the
government's vision of accelerating the electrification of
transportation in Quebec by
contributing significantly to the collective effort.
This innovation, developed in Quebec and well adapted to the province's
operating environment, comes at the right time and will meet all
needs of Quebec school bus
transporters. Delivery and production are expected to begin in the
winter of 2025. Girardin has made large investments in Quebec and will continue to do so to support
the province's aspirations for decarbonization.
"We applaud the vision and determination of the Quebec government, which with its
decarbonization objectives, encouraged us to innovate, develop, and
manufacture in Drummondville a
fully electric minibus that meets the needs and requirements of
transporters and school districts. Furthermore, we are proud that
our minibus will be exported throughout North America, highlighting Quebec's expertise, and contribute positively
to the province's economy," mentioned Éric Boulé, President of
Micro Bird et Ecotuned Technologies.
"This product is the result of major investments in research
and development as well as innovative solutions to deliver an
electric school bus that is perfectly in line with market wants and
needs. We are proud of our teams and the work they have
accomplished, and we are even more thrilled about the idea of
participating even more in the shift to the electrification
initiative that the Quebec
government has started and is supporting," added Steve
Girardin, of the Girardin Group.
With over 600 employees in Quebec, the Drummondville facilities will oversee the
design and manufacturing of these new buses for the whole North
American market. Notably, the US government is leading the way in
providing significant financial assistance to school bus
transporters so they may electrify their school bus fleets.
Essential support that sends the right signal that the future is
electric and that we must continue our current path to accelerate
the movement. With this announcement, Girardin confirms its
position as an established leader in the school bus transportation
sector.
About Micro Bird
A joint venture company owned by Blue Bird and the Girardin that
focuses on designing, assembling, and distributing commercial and
school minibuses as well as electric powertrain solutions through
its subsidiary Ecotuned Technologies. With more than 600 employees,
the company's headquarters are located in Drummondville, Québec. Micro Bird is an
established leader in the school bus industry and Canada's largest manufacturer of buses,
producing over 3,000 buses annually from its Drummondville facility.
About the Girardin Group
Girardin is a third-generation Quebec family business specializing in school
bus transportation for over 65 years and having its head office in
Drummondville for almost 60 years.
Girardin, a reputable partner and authorized distributor of Blue
Bird school buses, also produces Micro Bird minibuses at its
Drummondville facility. It
provides the widest selection of electric school buses together
with individualized charging infrastructure assistance. Girardin is
a manufacturer, distributor, and operator of school buses and
electric school buses. The company 40 operating divisions employ
close to 3,000 employees, mostly located in the province of
Quebec.
SOURCE Girardin Group