Thomas Built school buses

Saf-T-Liners seen in Chicago; these are equipped with a Cummins ISB 200-260 hp engine and there is a hybrid option.

Thomas Built Buses Inc., based in High Point, North Carolina, and since 1998 a subsidiary of the German Daimler AG, produces school buses, Multi-Function School Activity Buses and commercial buses; both small and full-size.

The business traces its history to 1916, when it was incorporated as the Perley A. Thomas Car Works in High Point, North Carolina and specialised in electric streetcars; as buses superseded them in the middle of the 20th century, Thomas switched to bus production, primarily school buses. By the 1970s, Thomas Car Works had become one of the major school bus manufacturers in North America. Since 1972 the company has used its current name. (Geoff Churchman)