ABC Companies has launched COR Transit, a new US-based heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer targeting the North American public transport market.
The company was announced on 5 October 2026 during the APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago, with its first vehicle planned as a 40-foot heavy-duty diesel bus.
COR Transit is targeting prototype activity in 2027, with initial deliveries planned for 2028. The manufacturer says the new business is intended to give transit agencies another option in a market facing ageing fleets, longer vehicle lead times and rising costs.
The move marks a new role for ABC Companies, which has spent more than 50 years working with transport operators through vehicle distribution, parts, servicing, refurbishment, training and technical support.
Roman Cornell, CEO of ABC Companies said: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.
COR Transit’s first vehicle is being developed specifically for the North American public transport market. The 40-foot diesel bus is currently under development, with prototype activity targeted for 2027. The company expects initial vehicles to be delivered to customers in 2028.
ABC says the programme is being shaped by its experience supporting operators after vehicles enter service, with reliability, serviceability, parts availability and lifecycle support identified as key areas of focus.
Through ABC Parts Source, the company currently supplies parts to more than 700 transit agencies. ABC also operates 10 facilities across the US, with more than 142 service bays and over 730,000 square feet of parts and service infrastructure. The company says this experience has provided insight into the maintenance and support challenges faced by transit agencies and their fleets.
COR Transit vehicles are planned to be manufactured in the United States, although ABC has not yet selected a manufacturing site. The vehicle is being developed to meet applicable Buy America requirements and is expected to undergo Altoona testing as the programme progresses towards commercial production.
ABC Companies will continue to represent and support its existing manufacturer partners alongside the launch of COR Transit. The new manufacturer therefore represents an expansion of ABC’s role in the North American transit market, rather than a replacement for its existing vehicle distribution and support activities.
COR Transit is currently at an early stage of development, with further details of the vehicle and manufacturing programme expected as the project progresses. For now, the company’s first milestone is a 40-foot diesel prototype in 2027, followed by planned customer deliveries from 2028.
ABC Companies is showcasing COR Transit alongside its wider portfolio at Booth 631 at APTA TRANSform & EXPO through 7 October.
