ABC Companies establishes COR Transit, with U.S.-built 40-foot bus under development

North American bus and motorcoach distributor and service provider ABC Companies has launched COR Transit, a new U.S.-focused heavy-duty transit bus brand, with a 40-foot diesel bus targeted for prototype activity in 2027 and first deliveries in 2028.

The announcement was made by ABC Companies on October 5 during APTA TRANSform & EXPO. According to the company, COR Transit is being established to manufacture heavy-duty vehicles specifically for the North American public transit market, with production planned in the United States.

The move adds vehicle manufacturing to the activities of ABC Companies, founded in 1972 and active in vehicle distribution, parts, service, refurbishment, training and technical support. ABC says its parts operation currently supplies more than 700 transit agencies, supported by 10 facilities, more than 142 service bays and over 730,000 square feet of parts and service infrastructure.

The company appointed former Proterra CCO John Walsh as Chief Commercial Officer in 2026. ABC has also been the long-standing North American distributor of Van Hool vehicles and participated with Dumarey Group in an alternative bid during the Van Hool bankruptcy process in 2024.

The relationship with Van Hool had previously included the North American commercialization of battery-electric coaches: in 2022, ABC conducted a Zero Emissions Tour with Van Hool battery-electric coaches and zero-emission shuttle vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Following Van Hool’s bankruptcy and the acquisition of parts of the Belgian manufacturer by VDL Groep, VDL and ABC Companies signed a 10-year exclusive distribution agreement covering Van Hool buses in the United States and Canada.

COR Transit starts with a 40-foot heavy-duty diesel bus

COR Transit’s first product is anticipated to be a 40-foot heavy-duty diesel transit bus developed for the North American public transit market, ABC Companies states.

Development is underway, according to ABC, with prototype activity scheduled for 2027. Initial deliveries are planned for 2028. No technical specifications concerning the engine, transmission, passenger capacity or vehicle architecture were released with the announcement.

COR Transit says the vehicle development program is focusing on reliability, serviceability, parts availability and lifecycle support. The company also states that its experience in distribution, maintenance, refurbishment, parts and technical support is being incorporated into the development process.

ABC Companies says it will continue to represent and support its existing manufacturer partners alongside the establishment of COR Transit.

COR Transit buses to be manufactured in the United States

COR Transit vehicles are planned to be manufactured in the United States, although the location of the production operation has not yet been selected.

According to ABC Companies, potential manufacturing sites are currently under evaluation. The company says the vehicle is being developed to meet applicable Buy America requirements and is expected to undergo Altoona testing as the program moves toward commercial production.

The Altoona testing schedule, production capacity of the planned facility and investment associated with the manufacturing operation have not been disclosed.

In brief

• What is COR Transit?
  COR Transit is a new U.S.-focused heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer launched by ABC Companies.
• What will its first bus be?
  A 40-foot heavy-duty diesel transit bus developed specifically for the North American public transit market.
• When will the first COR Transit bus be available?
  Prototype activity is targeted for 2027, with initial vehicle deliveries planned for 2028.
• Where will COR Transit buses be manufactured?
  Production is planned in the United States, but a final manufacturing location has not yet been selected.

“For ABC, this did not start with a desire to become a manufacturer. It started with our customers,” said Roman Cornell, CEO of ABC Companies. “If we know there is a need, and we believe we have the ability to help address it, what are we going to do about it? For us, COR Transit is the answer to that question.”

“Our goal is straightforward: Build a reliable bus. Make it practical to operate and maintain. Support it throughout its lifecycle. And give transit agencies another strong choice in the market,” Cornell said.

“COR Transit represents a significant long-term commitment,” Cornell said. “Our history may open the door, but we know the product and our support must earn the confidence of transit agencies. We are ready to do that work.”