First Generation (2003-2007)
The first-generation Vision was introduced in 2003 as the replacement for the Blue Bird Conventional/CV200 school bus, which utilized third-party chassis from Freightliner, General Motors, and Navistar International. The Vision was (and is) still unique among school bus manufacturers for using a proprietary chassis for a Type C (conventional) school bus; in the past, in-house chassis have only been manufactured for transit style school buses. As such, the Vision features a sharply angled hood for better forward visibility; no outside firms had any influence in its design.
The Vision featured a 50° wheel cut, for improved maneuverability over previous Type C buses. The instrument panel featured large back-lit gauges and switches. The Blue Bird "Handy Bus" option package specified wheelchair lifts and flat-floor interiors. The Vision was available in standard or high headroom.
From 2003 to 2005, the Vision came with the Caterpillar C7 engine as standard equipment, and in 2006, the Cummins ISB became an option.
Read more about this topic: Blue Bird Vision
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