Coachbult.com - Optima Bus Corp.



Optima Bus Corporation - 1998-present - Chance Coach - 1979-1998 - Wichita Kansas

A privately held corporation, Optima Bus Corporation is a leading manufacturer of transportation products, including the Opus Low-Floor Bus and American Heritage Streetcar.

The company was founded in 1979 as the Chance Coach division of Chance Industries, Inc. Increased demand for the company's products from municipalities downsizing their bus fleets prompted the management group, along with American Capital Strategies, to purchase all company assets in 1998.

Today, the company operates from a state-of-the-art production facility in Wichita, Kansas, where it has continued to manufacture and market the popular American Heritage Streetcar. The company has also introduced its Opus Low-Floor Bus, an innovative new concept in transit vehicles that is being embraced by transit systems nationwide.

With an eye toward the future, Chance Coach adopted the name Optima Bus Corp. in 2003 to reflect its renewed mission, promise and commitment to the small and medium bus market

1976: Chance Manufacturing Company purchases the product line of Minibus, Inc. of California

1982: The product line is expanded to include the VS-24 Alamo City Streetcar, featuring authentic turn-of-the-century styling, Phillipine mahagony and antique brass trim.

1993: Introduces the AH-28 American Heritage Streetcar in response to the Americans with Disabilities Act

1999: Enters into a strategic alliance with Wright Expotech, a division of Wright & Son Coachworks of Northern Ireland, and introduces the Opus 30' low-floor bus.

2000: Moves into a new 124,000 square foot facility devoted to the manufacturing of the Opus in 30' and 35' lengths, and the American Heritage Streetcar.

2003: Chance Coach, Inc. changes name to Optima Bus Corporation effective February 1, 2003. The new company name reflects the progressive identity and commitment to being the leader in the mid-size bus and trolley markets in North America. By excelling in the areas of quality and craftsmanship on which the company was founded, Optima is rapidly becoming the ultimate in transit products.

For more information please read:

www.optimabus.com

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