WOOD DALE, Ill., July 26, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Power Solutions International, Inc. (PSI) (NASDAQ: PSIX), a leader in the design, engineer and manufacture of emissions-certified, alternative-fuel power systems, today announced that Navistar's IC Bus will launch a new, gasoline-fueled school bus powered by the PSI 8.8-liter gasoline engine. IC Bus will present the new CE Series Type C bus at its booth at The North American School Bus Conference & Trade Show (STN EXPO) in Reno. STN EXPO attendees will be able to test drive the new bus at the expo's new "Ride and Drive" event on July 26^th and 27^th. 

"We're very excited to expand our partnership with Navistar to include both gasoline and propane solutions," said Gary Winemaster, PSI's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

In November 2014 at the National Association for Pupil Transportation Summit (NAPT), IC Bus launched a new propane-fueled school bus powered by a PSI 8.8-liter propane engine to meet growing market demand for alternatives to diesel.

"Bus fleets are continuing to shift away from diesel in order to provide long-term savings for schools and a cleaner environment for the future," said Mr. Winemaster. "As part of this shift, gasoline has become the ‘third alternative fuel.'"

According to IC Bus, the new gasoline-powered school bus utilizes much of the same proven technology and engine architecture as their propane bus and will deliver the same safety, reliability and durability that the entire IC Bus product line-up offers.

Mr. Winemaster noted that the new bus will be driven by the most powerful gasoline engine in the bus market today, PSI's purpose-built 8.8-liter model. Like its propane-powered counterpart, the highly efficient gasoline engine provides diesel-like performance—rated at 265 horsepower at 2800 rpm and 545 lb-ft of torque at 1800 rpm—giving drivers the immediate acceleration they need after stops, as well as reliable hill-climbing capability. In addition to lower costs and emissions, the gasoline engine also runs quieter with reduced vibration against comparable diesel models and starts better in cold weather conditions.

According to the industry magazine School Transportation News (STN), gasoline buses can provide customers with a lower acquisition cost and simpler maintenance due to the complexities that diesel buses face in meeting emissions standards. In addition, gasoline buses offer ease of operation in terms of both readily available infrastructure (gas stations) and qualified mechanics.

"This product is another example of our commitment to bringing innovative and affordable solutions to the school bus market," said Trish Reed, vice president and general manager, IC Bus. "We've listened to our dealers and customers and they are asking for powertrain options that can deliver the same safety, reliability and durability as with our entire product line-up."

The new gasoline-fueled CE school bus featuring PSI's 8.8-liter engine will be showcased by Navistar in the Silver State Pavilion, Booth G at the STN EXPO, to be held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, July 23–27.

For more information on PSI, visit http://www.psiengines.com.

About Power Solutions International, Inc.
Power Solutions International, Inc. (PSI or the Company) is a leader in the design, engineer and manufacture of emissions-certified, alternative-fuel power systems. PSI provides integrated turnkey solutions to leading global original equipment manufacturers in the industrial and on-road markets. The Company's unique in-house design, prototyping, engineering and testing capacities allow PSI to customize clean, high-performance engines that run on a wide variety of fuels, including natural gas, propane, biogas, gasoline and diesel.

PSI develops and delivers complete industrial power systems that are used worldwide in stationary and mobile power generation applications supporting standby, prime, and Co-generation power (CHP) applications; mobile industrial applications that include forklifts, aerial lifts, industrial sweepers, aircraft ground support, arbor, agricultural and construction equipment. In addition, PSI develops and delivers power systems purpose built for the Class 3 through Class 7 medium duty trucks and buses for the North American and Asian markets.

About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.

About IC Bus
IC Bus, LLC of Lisle, Ill., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navistar, Inc. (NYSE: NAV). The nation's largest integrated manufacturer of school buses, IC Bus is a global leader in passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. The company is also a producer of commercial buses. All IC Bus™ buses are sold, serviced and supported through a renowned dealer network that offers an integrated customer program encompassing parts, training and service. Additional information is available at www.icbus.com.