Changing the Game: Thomas Built Buses C2 with the Detroit DD5 Engine

We’re excited to say that Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses are now available with the Detroit DD5 engine!

The Detroit DD5 is a medium-duty diesel engine that has been tested for millions of miles since its developmental stages. It is a leading power train across Europe, and has been since its official debut overseas in 2013. The Detroit DD5 is built in Detroit, Michigan.

The DD5 brings many innovative features to the table, including:

• Increased fuel efficiency
• Smaller environmental footprint
• Maximized uptime: Longest scheduled maintenance intervals in its class, up to 45,000 miles, depending on the duty cycle
• Increased lifespan: B10 life of 400,000 miles
• Superior cost of ownership

In addition to the superior reliability of the DD5, it also comes with a method to help technicians minimize downtime on the off-chance something goes wrong. Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics is the most in-depth and advanced engine diagnostics and intelligence in the industry. Within minutes of something going awry, the operator knows the cause of the code and the severity. Virtual Technician also makes suggestions to mechanics on how to fix the problem, and specifies which parts may be needed to resolve the issue.

“This level of engine technology is a game changer for the pupil transportation market,” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “Never before have diesel engines been cleaner, more fuel efficient or easier to maintain. Our partners at Detroit have engineered the best engine for today’s industry from the ground up.”

The global medium-duty engine platform on which the DD5 is based works very well for student transportation; it utilizes technology such as variable exhaust cam phasing, which allows additional heat to the exhaust stream. This in turn enables efficient operation of the aftertreatment system in low-speed, stop-and-go operations, which is ideal for school buses.

Rohrer Bus is a dealership for Thomas Built Buses, and we are excited to be an exclusive provider of the groundbreaking Detroit DD5 diesel technology!

If you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer, or purchasing a C2 with the state-of-the-art DD5 engine, we’d love to hear from you at sales@rohrerbus.com or (800) 735-3900!