New heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer builds on more than 50 years of industry experience, with first 40-foot diesel bus targeted for prototype in 2027 and initial deliveries in 2028
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2026) – After more than five decades working alongside transportation operators across North America, ABC Companies today announced the launch of COR Transit, a new heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer created to bring greater choice, competition and long-term support to the North American public transit market.
The launch comes as transit agencies continue to navigate aging fleets, longer vehicle lead times, rising costs, and fewer choices in the heavy-duty bus market. Through its work in vehicle distribution, parts, service, refurbishment, training and technical support, ABC has seen those challenges across the vehicle lifecycle and heard directly from the agencies and maintenance teams managing them every day.
“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.”
Watch the announcement:
COR Transit’s first vehicle is anticipated to be a 40-foot heavy-duty diesel transit bus designed specifically for the North American public transit market. Development is underway, with prototype activity targeted for 2027 and initial vehicle deliveries planned for 2028.
More Than 50 Years of Experience Behind COR Transit
Founded in 1972, ABC has spent more than five decades supporting transportation operators throughout the vehicle lifecycle, from vehicle distribution and refurbishment to training, technical support, parts, and service.
Through ABC Parts Source, the company supplies parts to more than 700 transit agencies. That reach is supported by 10 facilities nationwide, more than 142 service bays, and more than 730,000 square feet of parts and service infrastructure.
That experience has given ABC a close view of what happens long after a vehicle is delivered, including the challenges agencies and maintenance teams face in keeping fleets reliable and buses in service. Those lessons are helping shape COR Transit from the beginning, with an emphasis on reliability, serviceability, parts availability, and long-term support.
“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.
ABC will continue to represent and support its valued manufacturer partners while expanding its role in the transit industry through COR Transit.
U.S. Manufacturing Planned
COR Transit vehicles will be manufactured in the United States. The company is evaluating potential sites, and a final manufacturing location has not yet been selected.
The vehicle is being developed to meet applicable Buy America requirements and is anticipated to complete Altoona testing as the program advances toward commercial production.
A Long-Term Commitment
“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.”
Attendees at APTA TRANSform & EXPO can learn more about COR Transit and ABC’s broader portfolio at Booth 631 through Oct. 7. Additional information and program updates are available at cortransit.com.
About COR Transit
COR Transit is a U.S.-focused heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer created to bring greater choice, competition, and long-term support to the North American public transit market. Built on more than five decades of transportation experience through ABC Companies, COR Transit is developing vehicles with a focus on reliability, serviceability, parts availability, and lifecycle support. Its first product, a 40-foot heavy-duty transit bus, is in development, with prototype activity targeted for 2027 and initial deliveries planned for 2028.
For more information, visit cortransit.com.
About ABC Companies
ABC Companies is a leading provider of transportation solutions, offering vehicles up to 81 passengers along with comprehensive parts, service, and financing support for fleet operators across North America. Family-owned and operated since 1972, ABC is driven by its mission to advance the transportation industry through innovative, collaborative solutions that redefine the standard. Guided by its core values of integrity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, ABC delivers customer-focused, high-quality solutions that enhance safety, performance, and reliability.
For more information, visit abc-companies.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Kiran Kaur
Manager, Marketing Communications
ABC Companies
kkaur@abc-companies.com
972-787-9909