Detroit Custom Chassis Announces Contract to Supply F450 Lo-FloorTM Transit Bus Chassis for Toronto Transit Commission Mobility Fleet
1/16/2009
DETROIT, MI – Detroit Custom Chassis LLC, a Detroit based provider of custom chassis modification services (DCC) and subsidiary of Detroit Chassis LLC, has entered into a long term exclusive contract with Dallas Smith Corporation of Greencastle, Indiana (DSC) to manufacture and convert Ford F450 / F550 Super Duty Trucks into proprietary low floor transit shuttle buses and commercial chassis, and to assemble low floor commercial trailers for North American markets.
The Lo-FloorTM F450 conversions will be shipped to StarTrans (Supreme) of Goshen, Indiana for installation of the bus body and seating and delivered to American Bus Products for pre-delivery and preparation prior to final delivery to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Production of 109 TTC buses will start in March 2009 and run through mid-2010. Additional orders for 2009 delivery have been received for the Wiki Wiki Shuttle at Honolulu International Airport. DCC expects that approximately 15 new jobs will be created at full production.
These state-of-the-art Lo FloorTM Transit Shuttle Buses incorporate the patented Axleless® Rear Suspension designed, engineered and manufactured by Dallas Smith Corporation to permit an unimpeded flat floor from front to back with a 4” step up height for ready curb access without need of a hydraulic ramp.
DCC also converts the base F450 / 550 chassis cab vehicle from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive utilizing a proprietary DSC transfer case. The Axleless® Lo-FloorTM buses meet or exceed the United States DOT and Canada’s Transport Canada vehicle certifications.
About Detroit Custom Chassis
Detroit Custom Chassis LLC, is a provider of RV and commercial truck chassis modification services and is a sister company of Detroit Chassis LLC, manufacturer of the Best-in-Class Ford F53 Super Duty Class A Motor Home Chassis. Both Detroit Chassis LLC and Detroit Custom Chassis are subsidiaries of Spectra LLC, a concept to customer provider of niche vehicle manufacturing solutions owned by Michael and Carlton Guthrie. Magnys LLC, a provider of process and manufacturing engineering services and computer simulation and modeling services, is also a subsidiary of Spectra LLC. For more information on Detroit Custom Chassis, call 313-743-2357.
About Dallas Smith Corporation
Dallas Smith Corporation has driven automotive innovation for more than 50 years. The company’s latest contributions – Z-Frame™ and Axleless® suspensions – enable low floor systems on vehicles in Class II through Class VII. Dallas Smith founded the company in 1954. The company remains family-owned and operated. For more information on Dallas Smith Corporation, visit the company online at www.dallassmithcorp.com or call the office at 765-653-1715.
Linda Ratliff
Contact: Linda Ratliff, 313-571-2100 x 506, lratliff@detroitchassis.com