Okay, just so we know what type of bus it is supposed to be (the school bus). It is a Girardin Micro-Bird. It is (and was) made in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada by Girardin Mini-bus Inc.
It was bought by Blue-Bird in the USA and remarketed as their own.
Here is some info about the company:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girardin_MinibusThe specific model is based on the first one used on the Ford Canada E-350 frame as well as GM Canada's frames.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%2700-%2702_Ford_E-350_School_Bus.JPGHere is the latest model made here in Canada by Girardin (you will notice the roof isn't as curved at the front anymore, so the Playmobil model is of the ones made until 1999 - you will also see the front end of the Playmobil one does not resemble the grills on either the Ford Canada or the GM Canada base model versions. Most likely so they would not have to pay royalties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Blue_bird_micro_bird_by_girardin_1.jpgThey were also made in Brantford, Ontario, Canada from 1975 - 2007.
http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=699460Blue-bird figured they could make the school buses in the USA, so they tried that for less than two years before coming back to Canada to admit they needed Girardin to make them for them (see news release below)
FORT VALLEY, Ga. (October 19, 2009) – Blue Bird and Girardin are pleased to announce a joint venture between Blue Bird and Girardin Minibus. This new partnership, effective October 14, 2009, will consolidate Blue Bird and Girardin Minibus Type A bus products and distribution into one entity. “Girardin’s complete Type A bus line is a perfect complement to Blue Bird’s complete Type C and D bus product lines and ensures our Dealers can offer our mutual customers the best in a complete family of Blue Bird school and activity bus products,” said Greg Bennett, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation.
The new entity, located in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada, will be named Micro Bird, Inc. and will be exclusively responsible for the design and fabrication of all Blue Bird Type A school buses, activity buses and commercial buses,” offered Steve Girardin, President of Micro-Bird, Inc. All Type A products, branded Blue Bird Micro Bird® by Girardin, will be exclusively distributed and supported by the Authorized Blue Bird Dealer Network.
The combination of Blue Bird’s 80+ years and Girardin’s 50 years in the bus industry make for a strong and driven partnership, and everything derived from it will be of great benefit and success to Blue Bird, Girardin, our Dealers, and most importantly the customer. The Blue Bird and Girardin teams have initiated efforts to successfully integrate products and processes to ensure a smooth and transparent transition for customers.
Blue Bird, Girardin and their Dealers have, over the years, built and earned strong reputations for quality and leadership which will continue with the new Blue Bird Micro Bird® by Girardin.
As found on:
http://www.blue-bird.com/pressrelease.aspx?item=2009
