A Legacy in the Making

The present day ABC Companies began as Faribault Bus Company when Clancy Cornell, a local businessman purchased the operation to run short routes within the city of Faribault, Minnesota. As the business grew, so did Clancy’s love of the motorcoach industry fueling the birth of ABC Bus Company. The new organization would concentrate on new and pre-owned motorcoach sales.

ABC Bus was launched in 1972 with the idea of selling and servicing used motorcoaches. The company expanded again, in 1974 to include a leasing service. The new venture helped ABC to expand from a local seller to a nationally known motorcoach entity with buying options for a diverse variety of motorcoach operators.

From 1975 to 1999 the company continued to grow adding four additional facilities in strategic markets within the United States including California, New Jersey, Texas and Florida. These facilities allowed for greater sales and service coverage and were pivotal in establishing a national customer base.

In 1987, a new partnership was formed between ABC Companies and Van Hool of Belgium. The two firms joined forces and forged an exclusive agreement that made ABC the sole distributor of Van Hool motorcoaches in the United States. Through a shared vision and the steadfast commitment of the Cornell family, the Van Hool product has become one of the best selling motorcoaches in the U.S. market.

In 1999, ABC launched their first web site. The expanded access to detailed product information, and motorcoach, bus and transit buses for sale proved to be a useful and valued resource for ABC customers. One year later ABC took another technology leap, retooling their IT system to integrate business processes, share market knowledge and streamline administrative activities.

A management decision reached in 2001 consolidated all of ABC’s operating subsidiaries under one new brand -- ABC Companies. The brand consolidation and corporate reorganization brought new opportunities to centralize operations and realize significant efficiencies that could be passed along to ABC customers.

The company is committed to adapting new technologies as they emerge. Most recent additions in 2004 include 24/7 customer access to parts ordering via eSales Online Parts Ordering, online financing requests, online Van Hool service bulletins and more – all offered to deliver more convenience and control to ABC customers.

ABC Equipment Timeline

  • 1987 – ABC takes delivery of first Van Hool motorcoach – the T815
  • 1996 – T2140 and T2145 are unveiled by ABC and Van Hool at the Orlando Convention Hall
  • 2000 – S2145 Motorcoach – the only 100% European motorcoach shell - introduced at UMA Expo 2000.
  • 2000 – C2000 Motorcoach Unveiling– Featuring centralized systems, advanced engineering and safety components, and unparalleled features to boost performance and reliability while reducing motorcoach maintenance and downtime – ideal for heavy line hauls and commuter service operations.
  • 2000 – C2045L – user-friendly, semi-automatic wheelchair lift feature offered as an option on the C2000 series, meeting the demands of physically challenged passengers.
  • 2001 – M1000 Series – Midsized, multi-use motorcoach incorporating European styling and high performance components is unveiled at BusCon.
  • 2002 – A330 - Shape of the Future transit buses unveiled at APTA Expo in partnership with Van Hool and AC Transit.
  • 2002 – Van Hool A330 named International Bus of the Year at FIAA Trade Exhibition in Madrid.
  • 2003 – A330 and AG300 placed into service with AC Transit. amid rave reviews from passengers.
  • 2004 – The next generation versions of the T2100 and C2000 released featuring key improvements designed to integrate the latest in motorcoach technology.
  • 2004 – Van Hool and ABC add the ZF AS Tronic 12 speed transmission and integrated driveline ZF intarder as a standard feature on the C2045 and T2145 models for the US Market.
  • 2004 – ABC Companies, Van Hool, NV, Caterpillar and General Coach America unveil the new CAT engine enhanced Van Hool C2000 and M1000 series motorcoach.
  • 2005 – Van Hool, AC Transit, and ABC Companies introduce the industry standard setting 30’ Van Hool 300K to 16,000 transit industry professionals in Dallas, TX
  • 2005 – Hybrid-electric hydrogen fuel cell bus unveiled at APTA Expo – a result of a partnership between AC Transit, Van Hool, ABC Companies and other American companies and public agencies.
  • 2006 – Enhanced 2007 model 2045E unveiled at ABC locations which features new styling lines plus interior enhancements and improvements.
  • 2006 – Redesigned 2007 model midsized M1235 unveiled at ABC locations incorporates more modern appearance, longer wheelbase, and a multitude of mechanical and system improvements.
  • 2007 – ABC and partner Thor Industries Commercial Bus Division and General Coach America unveil the new 3035 RE. This 35' rear-engine model coach offers a new class of equipment designed for a wide variety of fleet applications.
  • 2007 – Adapted for the U.S. market, the 2008 Van Hool TD925 double deck intercity touring coach made its U.S. debut. Maintaining the 2007 lower level emissions, the TD925 features a host of exciting passenger amenities offering an unprecedented high-capacity commuting product to American operators.