[Craig]

I guess DD gave Prevost the best deal for a long term contract. Money talks (as long as the product is acceptable).

[Dan]

At one time Detroit Diesel 2 stroke engines were the standard for commercial coaches. Keep in mind that General Motors was one of the largest producers of seated coaches and that General Motors owned Detroit Diesel.

[John]

I agree with Jon and Les. I’m sure cost of the engines to Prevost was a significant factor. Once Prevost started out with the early two cycles 6 and 8 V 71s and 92s and had a large operating base of coaches it would have been very difficult to switch to another engine vendor. The existing customer base had an investment in DD parts and expertise. I suspect the large customers would have revolted if Prevost would have gone to CAT or Cummins; I would have. The DDs were reliable.

The Series 60 was a HUGE success. It became a leader in over the road power plants. Large installed base, lots of service available coast to coast, the package was fitted to the coaches and a well known quantity. No reason to change.

Harry, what are you seeing in those other forums? Guys arguing whose MH engine is better?

[Archived]

Dick, most anytime just after paying a substantial bill from ETLC, Prevo or Parliament I go to the “plastic forums” and scroll through their tales of woe. I then feel much better about the check I just wrote and remember why we own the best platform on the road. Geo.

[Chas]

Once a coach manufacturer goes through the expense of getting the installation of Brand X engines in the coach certified they are not about to switch engines or engine suppliers unless the market demands a different engine. Despite being owned by Volvo they continued to use the Series 60 and only when Detroit’s German owner told Prevost they would no longer provide engines to companies other than those owned by them did Prevost bite the bullet and go through the process of using Volvo engines and getting the installation certified so the engine would be warranted.

[John]

Now with all that said, I know I came across one or two CAT equipped coaches. I’m sure they were special order as it was I think maybe two late 90’s coaches I found that way.

[Greg]

Thanks guys, So the 7 and 8V’s were the de-facto standards of the day, I didn’t know that and I certainly understand the retooling part. I didn’t know that GM owned DD and it strikes me as a little short sighted to dump a known user like Prevost? Not exactly a bad name to attach your engine to me thinks. Sounds like an idea right from the marketing department.

Dick of Wisconsin said: Harry, what are you seeing in those other forums? Guys arguing whose MH engine is better?

Hi Dick, I don’t spend much time there anymore, just go back on occasion to see if any interesting conversations are going on about internet, cell phones, TV satellite suppliers etc.

And George, you’re sure right about checking in on the plastic coach folks to see what troubles are in “Plastic Coach Land”. I’ll stay with my bus and be a very happy man for it. I’m going up to ETLC later this year for a couple things. Last time I called Jeff saying I was coming he asked about my cash balance! When I told him I never heard him laugh so hard, That just seemed so wrong!!!

Harry