AmTran
Encyclopedia
American Transportation Corporation (better known as AmTran) was a builder of school bus
es in the United States
. Founded in 1980, the company traces its roots back to Ward Body Works
, which was established in 1933. AmTran was acquired by Navistar International
in 1994-1995, a move that would begin a series of alignment between school bus body manufacturers and chassis suppliers. In 2000, the company was rebranded as International Truck and Bus. (Some models were still labeled AmTran.) In 2002, the name was changed again to IC Corporation, and today is known as IC Bus.
was instrumental in forming a group (MBH, Inc.) that purchased the assets of Ward Industries. MBH was an acronym for the first letters of the last names of each of the 4 investors: Thomas E "Mack" McLarty, J.W. "Buddy" Benafield and two Kansas City brothers, R.L. "Dick" Harmon and Robert Harmon. McLarty and Benafield each held ⅓ ownership; the Harmon brothers together held the remaining ⅓ ownership.
In 1981, American Transportation Corporation started to do business as AmTran Corporation (a shortened version of American Transportation). Rather than be forced to build a new brand identity in the highly competitive school bus market, the Ward name was retained throughout the 1980s due to its established brand identity. AmTran's non-school bus products (commercial bus derivatives of school buses) bore the AmTran brand name from 1981. In 1983, the Harmon brothers, two Kansas City-based school bus contractors, purchased a controlling interest of AmTran. The Ward family held no stake in AmTran, but they went on to own a school bus dealership in Conway, Arkansas
into the 2000s.
Product-wise, AmTran did not change many things from the Ward product lineup. Early in the 1980s, AmTran ended production of its Type B product to introduce the Ward Patriot. Although technically a Type C, the Patriot combined design elements of Type B, C, and D buses. It was available in both the same passenger capacities as its Type B predecessor as well as the full-size Volunteer conventional. Although it was not a success, the Patriot heavily influenced the later Thomas Vista
.
In 1987, the structure of the body design was changed to add an extra rubrail right below the window line. Much of the structure is still used in today's IC Bus product lineup.
Less than a year after the Navistar purchase, the Ward brand name was phased out as part of a new marketing scheme; the last Wards were built in 1992 and the AmTran brand was phased in late in the 1992 model year. The Navistar purchase led to some changes in the product lineup. The Patriot was not continued as an AmTran, although another factor leading to its discontinuation was General Motors' departure from full-size school bus chassis production after 1991; the Patriot (as well as the first Thomas Vistas) had been built on a GM chassis. Navistar ownership also changed the look of the Volunteer conventional; once available on chassis from several manufacturers, post-1991 Volunteers were built nearly exclusively on International chassis (from 1992-1998, Ford was a rarely ordered option). When Freightliner started production of school bus chassis in 1997, AmTran was not available with a Freightliner chassis option; Freightliner had just purchased chief competitor Thomas Built Buses
.
that would employ as many as 1200 people. Production of Type C buses would move to Tulsa, but the Conway facility would continue production of the Type D models.
In 2000, AmTran introduced the IC, a fully integrated conventional school bus. The first models were badged "AmTran", although within a short time, the buses were badged "International" with the company taking on the identity "International Truck and Bus" from late 2000 to 2001 model years. These buses had small "American Transportation Corporation" lettering on the left-rear. After the 2002 model year, Navistar phased out AmTran and International Truck and Bus in favor of IC Corporation.
Successor IC Bus ended full-scale bus production in Conway in 2010.
During this period of time, Ward produced a product line of both full-size and small school buses. Among them, the Volunteer conventional proved the most popular. The Patriot was introduced as a replacement for Ward's previous Type B product line. Although designed with a similar engine compartment and driving position as a Type B, the Patriot was considered a Type C due to its size and capacity. AmTran had little success with transit-style buses; the Ward President was a design dating to the early 1970s. In 1990, the Ward President was replaced by the Ward Senator, which had a more driver-friendly chassis design. However, the Senator was released against low-cost transit-style school buses like the Wayne Lifestar
and the Blue Bird TC/2000
.
; the Ford B-Series was offered as an option, but was discontinued after 1998 when Ford ended production of school bus chassis. The Genesis (branded as Genesis by AmTran) was otherwise the 2-year old Ward Senator with minor cosmetic upgrades. Beginning in 1995, they were branded as the AmTran Genesis. The slow-selling Vanguard was dropped at the end of 1996 in an effort to concentrate on full-size buses.
Product Lineup
AmTran products continue to be supported by IC Corporation's network of dealers across America, which are mostly International Truck and Engine Corporation dealers.
1997
1999
2000
School bus
A school bus is a type of bus designed and manufactured for student transport: carrying children and teenagers to and from school and school events...
es in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 1980, the company traces its roots back to Ward Body Works
Ward Body Works
Ward Body Works was a manufacturer specializing in school buses based in Conway, Arkansas. Ward filed for bankruptcy in 1980, and its successor, AmTran continued the use of the Ward brand on its school buses until 1992.-History:D. H...
, which was established in 1933. AmTran was acquired by Navistar International
Navistar International
Navistar International Corporation is a United States-based holding company that owns the manufacturer of International brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus school and commercial buses, Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label...
in 1994-1995, a move that would begin a series of alignment between school bus body manufacturers and chassis suppliers. In 2000, the company was rebranded as International Truck and Bus. (Some models were still labeled AmTran.) In 2002, the name was changed again to IC Corporation, and today is known as IC Bus.
History
During the late 1970s, the school bus manufacturing industry was in relative turmoil. A key factor that had driven school bus sales for the past two decades was no longer in place; by 1982, all of the baby boomers would have completed their elementary and secondary education. At the time, Ward was among "the Big Six" full-line school bus manufacturers (Blue Bird, Carpenter, Superior, Thomas, and Wayne). The declining economy of the late 1970s also cut into the profitability of all school bus manufacturers; of the Big Six, Superior and Ward were the hardest hit. Ward survived by providing low cost buses and had a seemingly better system between its management and workers.AmTran: New Player, Established Brand (1980-1990)
In July 1980, Ward Industries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; at the time, the family-owned company had $21.5 million in debt. Arkansas Governor Bill ClintonBill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
was instrumental in forming a group (MBH, Inc.) that purchased the assets of Ward Industries. MBH was an acronym for the first letters of the last names of each of the 4 investors: Thomas E "Mack" McLarty, J.W. "Buddy" Benafield and two Kansas City brothers, R.L. "Dick" Harmon and Robert Harmon. McLarty and Benafield each held ⅓ ownership; the Harmon brothers together held the remaining ⅓ ownership.
In 1981, American Transportation Corporation started to do business as AmTran Corporation (a shortened version of American Transportation). Rather than be forced to build a new brand identity in the highly competitive school bus market, the Ward name was retained throughout the 1980s due to its established brand identity. AmTran's non-school bus products (commercial bus derivatives of school buses) bore the AmTran brand name from 1981. In 1983, the Harmon brothers, two Kansas City-based school bus contractors, purchased a controlling interest of AmTran. The Ward family held no stake in AmTran, but they went on to own a school bus dealership in Conway, Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas
Conway is the county seat of Faulkner County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 58,908 at the 2010 census, making Conway the seventh most populous city in Arkansas. It is a principal city of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area which had...
into the 2000s.
Product-wise, AmTran did not change many things from the Ward product lineup. Early in the 1980s, AmTran ended production of its Type B product to introduce the Ward Patriot. Although technically a Type C, the Patriot combined design elements of Type B, C, and D buses. It was available in both the same passenger capacities as its Type B predecessor as well as the full-size Volunteer conventional. Although it was not a success, the Patriot heavily influenced the later Thomas Vista
Thomas Vista
The Thomas Vista was a school bus built by Thomas Built Buses from 1989 until 1997, on GMC, Chevrolet, and Navistar International chassis. It was unique in that it combined aspects of both conventional and transit style school buses...
.
In 1987, the structure of the body design was changed to add an extra rubrail right below the window line. Much of the structure is still used in today's IC Bus product lineup.
A Navistar Company (1991-2002)
In 1991 Navistar International purchased one-third interest of American Transportation Corporation. The action was initiated by Jerry Williams, AmTran's CEO at the time. Navistar also obtained an option to allow them to buy the remaining two-thirds stock; that was done by April 1995. An era of mergers and acquisitions among chassis and bus body manufacturers was thus begun.Less than a year after the Navistar purchase, the Ward brand name was phased out as part of a new marketing scheme; the last Wards were built in 1992 and the AmTran brand was phased in late in the 1992 model year. The Navistar purchase led to some changes in the product lineup. The Patriot was not continued as an AmTran, although another factor leading to its discontinuation was General Motors' departure from full-size school bus chassis production after 1991; the Patriot (as well as the first Thomas Vistas) had been built on a GM chassis. Navistar ownership also changed the look of the Volunteer conventional; once available on chassis from several manufacturers, post-1991 Volunteers were built nearly exclusively on International chassis (from 1992-1998, Ford was a rarely ordered option). When Freightliner started production of school bus chassis in 1997, AmTran was not available with a Freightliner chassis option; Freightliner had just purchased chief competitor Thomas Built Buses
Thomas Built Buses
Thomas Built Buses, Inc. is a bus manufacturer based in High Point, North Carolina, United States and a subsidiary of the German Daimler AG. Thomas produces school buses, activity buses/MFSAB , and commercial buses; both small and full-size buses are produced.Thomas traces its roots to 1916, when...
.
The Genesis (1992-1998)
The Ward Senator was redesigned in 1992 because of the name change to AmTran, and was rebadged "Genesis By AmTran." Powering the Genesis was International DT engines.The AmTran FE (1999-2002)
The Genesis was redesigned in 1999, featuring an improved driver's area and a slightly different front grille.AmTran to IC
In 1999, AmTran announced plans to build a new facility in Tulsa, OklahomaTulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 46th-largest city in the United States. With a population of 391,906 as of the 2010 census, it is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region with 937,478 residents in the MSA and 988,454 in the CSA. Tulsa's...
that would employ as many as 1200 people. Production of Type C buses would move to Tulsa, but the Conway facility would continue production of the Type D models.
In 2000, AmTran introduced the IC, a fully integrated conventional school bus. The first models were badged "AmTran", although within a short time, the buses were badged "International" with the company taking on the identity "International Truck and Bus" from late 2000 to 2001 model years. These buses had small "American Transportation Corporation" lettering on the left-rear. After the 2002 model year, Navistar phased out AmTran and International Truck and Bus in favor of IC Corporation.
Successor IC Bus ended full-scale bus production in Conway in 2010.
Ward
When Ward Body Works filed for bankruptcy in 1980 and became AmTran, school bus production continued after the reorganization. Due to the established brand identity, the decision was made to initially retain the Ward name on school bus products; the AmTran name would be used on non-school buses.During this period of time, Ward produced a product line of both full-size and small school buses. Among them, the Volunteer conventional proved the most popular. The Patriot was introduced as a replacement for Ward's previous Type B product line. Although designed with a similar engine compartment and driving position as a Type B, the Patriot was considered a Type C due to its size and capacity. AmTran had little success with transit-style buses; the Ward President was a design dating to the early 1970s. In 1990, the Ward President was replaced by the Ward Senator, which had a more driver-friendly chassis design. However, the Senator was released against low-cost transit-style school buses like the Wayne Lifestar
Wayne Lifestar
The Wayne Lifestar is a front-engine transit-style school bus produced by Wayne Corporation and its successor Wayne Wheeled Vehicles. It was introduced in 1986 and production continued until the demise of Wayne Wheeled Vehicles in 1995.-Overview:...
and the Blue Bird TC/2000
Blue Bird TC/2000
The Blue Bird TC/2000 is a Type D school bus built by Blue Bird Corporation which was introduced for the 1988 model year. Blue Bird introduced the TC/2000 as a lower-cost alternative to the long-running All American line of transit-style school buses...
.
| Ward Product Lineup (1980-early 1992) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Name | Vanguard | Patriot | Volunteer | President | Senator |
| Years Produced | 1980-1992 | early 1980s-1991 | 1980-1992 | 1980-1990 | 1990-early 1992 |
| Configuration | Type A | Type C semi forward-control conventional | Type C conventional | Type D (front engine) | |
| Chassis Provider | Ford Motor Company
General Motors
|
General Motors | Ford Motor Company
Ford B-Series The Ford B-Series was a Type C bus chassis manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1948 to 1998 and was used primarily for school bus applications... (1980-1992) General Motors
International Harvester
Navistar International
|
Asia-Smith Motors
General Motors
International Harvester
|
Navistar International
|
| Notes | Available only with dual rear wheels. |
Thomas Vista The Thomas Vista was a school bus built by Thomas Built Buses from 1989 until 1997, on GMC, Chevrolet, and Navistar International chassis. It was unique in that it combined aspects of both conventional and transit style school buses... |
Predecessor of AmTran Volunteer and IC CE |
Wayne Lifestar The Wayne Lifestar is a front-engine transit-style school bus produced by Wayne Corporation and its successor Wayne Wheeled Vehicles. It was introduced in 1986 and production continued until the demise of Wayne Wheeled Vehicles in 1995.-Overview:... |
|
AmTran
When the AmTran brand was introduced in mid-1992, most of the Ward product lineup was retained. The Volunteer conventional was supplied nearly exclusively with chassis from parent company NavistarInternational 3800
The International 3800 is a Type C bus chassis that was manufactured by Navistar International for school bus and commercial bus applications. It was produced from 1989 until 2004. The replacement for the S-Series "Schoolmaster", the 3800 used powertrains and components from the 4700 and 4900...
; the Ford B-Series was offered as an option, but was discontinued after 1998 when Ford ended production of school bus chassis. The Genesis (branded as Genesis by AmTran) was otherwise the 2-year old Ward Senator with minor cosmetic upgrades. Beginning in 1995, they were branded as the AmTran Genesis. The slow-selling Vanguard was dropped at the end of 1996 in an effort to concentrate on full-size buses.
Product Lineup
| AmTran Product Lineup | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Name | Vanguard | Volunteer/CS | IC | Genesis/FE | RE |
| Years Produced | 1992–1996 | 1992–2002 | 2000–2002 |
|
1996–2002 |
| Configuration | Type A | Type C | Type C | Type D (front engine) | Type D (rear engine) |
| Chassis Provider | General Motors
Chevrolet Van The Chevrolet and GMC G-Series vans were made by General Motors for North America. They are in the same vehicle class as the Ford Econoline van and the Dodge Ram Van.The term "Chevrolet van" also refers to the entire series of vans sold by Chevrolet... Chevrolet Van The Chevrolet and GMC G-Series vans were made by General Motors for North America. They are in the same vehicle class as the Ford Econoline van and the Dodge Ram Van.The term "Chevrolet van" also refers to the entire series of vans sold by Chevrolet... |
Ford Motor Company
Ford B-Series The Ford B-Series was a Type C bus chassis manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1948 to 1998 and was used primarily for school bus applications... (1992-1998) Navistar International
|
Navistar International
International 3800 The International 3800 is a Type C bus chassis that was manufactured by Navistar International for school bus and commercial bus applications. It was produced from 1989 until 2004. The replacement for the S-Series "Schoolmaster", the 3800 used powertrains and components from the 4700 and 4900... |
Navistar International
International 3900 The International 3900 was a front-engine Type D bus chassis manufactured by Navistar International, used for school bus applications. It was the replacement for the 1853-FC chassis, based on the S-Series "Schoolmaster" introduced in the late 1970s... |
Navistar International
International 3000 The International 3000 is a rear-engine Type D bus chassis manufactured by Navistar International, used for school bus and commercial bus applications. It was introduced in 1996 as the chassis for the then-new AmTran RE. The 3000 is used primarily for school buses and only by IC Bus... |
| Notes | Available only with dual rear wheels. | Ford was dropped as a chassis supplier after 1998 |
|
|
Major interior upgrades in 2000. |
AmTran products continue to be supported by IC Corporation's network of dealers across America, which are mostly International Truck and Engine Corporation dealers.
Introductions and Changes
1996- After not producing a rear engine Type D school bus since the early 1970s, AmTran introduced the AmTran RE in 1996; it was branded as the AmTran RE, not Genesis.
- The Genesis was updated, moving the entry door closer to the front bumper; its roof decals were switched to the AmTran brand from Genesis.
- The Volunteer was re-branded the CS after receiving a new front body design that replaced the Ward control panels, windshield, and entry door.
1999
- The Genesis was renamed the AmTran FE after a front-end redesign; the grille shrunk in size and the quad headlights were replaced with ones shared with the CS and RE.
2000
- The CS received an updated hood design (still based on the Navistar 3800) and was renamed the AmTran IC.
- The RE received a redesigned dashboard and interior control panels for improved ergonomics.
Facilities
AmTrans were produced in the former Ward factory in Conway, Arkansas. In 1999, AmTran announced plans to build a new facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma that would employ 1200 people. The conventional buses would be built at Tulsa, but the Conway facility would continue to produce the rear engine and front engine models. Corporate successor IC Bus ended bus assembly in Conway in January 2010, but continues to use the facility for parts fabrication and production.See also
- IC Bus - current iteration of successor IC Corporation
- Navistar InternationalNavistar InternationalNavistar International Corporation is a United States-based holding company that owns the manufacturer of International brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus school and commercial buses, Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label...
- parent company