DesignLine Hires Industry Veteran To Lead Company Sales Efforts

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DesignLine Corporation announced today that it has hired Steve Justice to lead firm-wide sales efforts. Justice, a 39-year veteran of the bus industry, will guide all sales and marketing initiatives for the Charlotte, North Carolina-based bus manufacturer.

“DesignLine has experienced tremendous growth this year, doubling our employee headcount from 50 to 100 people since the first of the year”

Justice has spent a significant portion of his career working for Allison Transmission and Detroit Diesel Allison. He has developed a deep understanding of the United States bus industry and has specialized knowledge of the northeastern United States. While at Allison Transmission, he had responsibility for transmission and hybrid sales in the eastern regional transit market. He was also instrumental in facilitating sales to large private coach operates in the region.

"DesignLine could not be more pleased to have Steve join our growing team of professionals," said Joseph J. Smith, company President and CEO. "I have been in the bus business nearly as long as Steve has, and I know he has a tremendous wealth of knowledge about our industry. That knowledge is vital when marketing to our customers."

DesignLine is an American bus manufacturer specializing in all electric and range-extended (hybrid) transit buses and diesel and compressed natural gas coach buses. The company is currently unitizing fourth generation electric technology that allows its all electric transit bus to travel a full shift between recharging.

The range-extended buses use an on-board micro turbine to recharge the batteries, giving the bus all the benefits of an electric vehicle without the limited capabilities.

DesignLine's coach has a lighter and stronger frame than any bus in its class. It incorporates structural and technological advancements that allow for markedly improved fuel economy over the competition reducing costs for bus operators. DesignLine is currently producing the bus for New Jersey Transit.

"DesignLine has incredible technology," noted Justice. "I have been around buses my entire career and I know the mark of a quality design and a top-notch product. And DesignLine is just that."

"DesignLine has experienced tremendous growth this year, doubling our employee headcount from 50 to 100 people since the first of the year," added Smith. "And by the end of this year, we will have doubled again. Steve's efforts will be vital to that continued growth."

In addition to working in the bus industry, Justice served in the U.S. Army and the National Guard for more than 20 years as a helicopter pilot. He has a Bachelor's degree from Hampton University and an MBA from New York Institute of Technology. He is married with two children and four grandchildren.

DesignLine, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based bus design and manufacturing company, was founded in 1985 in New Zealand and relocated and headquartered in the United States in 2006. The company specializes in technologically-advanced transit and coach buses for public and private operators. More information on DesignLine can be found at www.designlinecorporation.com.