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AMG transit buses by John Veerkamp
AMG, 1974-1979
Externally virtually indistinguishable from the Flyer buses
are the US built AMG (American Motors General) buses, which is
the reason why they are treated under this chapter. AMG only
produced buses from 1974 to 1979 but had considerable success,
delivering 5,212 diesel buses and 219 trolley buses of the same
model. In addition, AMG finished 410 articulated coaches under a
contract with MAN from Germany in 1978-1979 and built 4 diesel
prototypes.
AMG was never a bus builder, but was interested in large
(federal) contracts. AMG had been invited to participate in the
construction of prototypes for the 1970's "Transbus" project,
together with GM and Rohr Industries. As the models were being
tested, AMG wanted to assure that it would have the capacity to
participate in possible future acquisitions. It turned to Flyer
of Canada for collaboration. Flyer's production was aimed at
Canada as the "buy America" policy prevented it from entering
the US market without finishing the vehicles in the US. There
thus was a mutual interest. Flyer delivered a D700 prototype to
AMG, which AMG set out to redesign, resulting in larger,
rectangular windows and a redesigned front end. Flyer then
started using this model to replace the 700-series and called it
the D800. The AMG was built in 3 series, with some minor
external differences, and in four variations: 96" or 102" wide
and 35 ft or 40 ft long. These were called 9635, 10235, 9640 and
10240. The second series received an A suffix and the third
series a B suffix. The B series, introduced in 1976, had a
rounded instead of a pointed rear roofline and was called the
"Metropolitan". By the end of the 1970's the Transbus project
was cancelled and AMG pulled out of the bus business. After
finalizing the last diesel buses, it built the 219 trolley buses
for Seattle and Philadelphia in 1978-1979, and it entered into a
contract with MAN for the production of MAN articulated buses in
1978-1979. AMG looked for other lucrative contracts and became
the builder of the famous Hummer vehicle.
Sources:
- New Flyer website
(http://www.newflyer.com/)
- Encyclopedia of Buses by Ed Stauss, 1987
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AM GENERAL (US) 1974 to date
AM General Corp., Wayne, Mich. (plant at Mishawaka, Ind.)
AM General is a new name for the Kaiser Jeep Corp., a manufacturer of
military and post office trucks (using former Studebaker plants); which was
purchased by American Motors in 1970. Two years later the decision was made
to enter the heavy-duty city transit bus business, then divided between GM
and Flxible, and arrangements were made with Flyer Industries of Winnipeg
for the supply of assembled body shells. Air conditioning was added, the
window arrangement was changed, and Flyer's in line engine placement using a
Spicer transmission was given up in favor of transverse engines (Detroit
Diesel 6V-71 or 8V-71) with Allison transmissions as on the competing GM and
Flxible buses. The initial order was placed by the new metropolitan-area
transit system serving. Washington and called for 620 buses; approximately
2250 vehicles had been delivered by the end of 1975. AM General buses are
offered in 35-and 40-foot lengths, 96-and 102-inch widths with most
specifications generally similar to those of GM and Flxible. All sales to
date have involved 80 per cent federal funding, under whose terms contracts
are made with the lowest bidder and according to which specifications so
written as to prevent qualified firms from bidding are illegal. During 1976,
AM General was the successful bidder on several interesting contracts for
deliveries in 1978-79. A total of 398 articulated buses were to be
constructed for 11 different operators; M.A.N. would make the basic shells
and engines, which would be shipped to AM General's fabrication plant in
Marshall, Texas, for finishing. To be built in both 55-foot and 60-foot
lengths and 102 inches wide, tapering at the rear, these are the first true
articulated transit buses ever used in the U.S. Also, 219 trolley-coaches
are to be built for Seattle (109) and Philadelphia (110), replacing vehicles
placed in service between 1940 and 1955. AM General also make 5ton 6 x 6
trucks for the U.S. and ether armed forces, though recent trucks sold under
the AM General name have been made for them by the Crane Carrier Corp. The
Mishawaka plant closed in June 1978, all production being transferred to
Marshall, Texas.
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