Thomas Built Buses Adds Gasoline Option to Saf-T-Liner C2

High Point, United States- Thomas Built Buses (TBB), a school bus manufacturer in North America and a division of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, has introduced a new gasoline-powered variant of its Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus at STN Expo East 2026, held from March 26 to 31 in Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina. The new Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline is powered by the Cummins B6.7 Octane engine, developed by Cummins Inc.

With this launch, Thomas Built Buses has further expanded its powertrain portfolio, which now includes diesel, electric, and gasoline options. The broader lineup is designed to give school districts greater flexibility in choosing the most suitable solution based on their fleet strategy, available infrastructure, and day-to-day operational requirements.

Mr. T.J. Reed, President and CEO of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, said the addition of the Cummins B6.7 Octane engine gives fleet operators another dependable option alongside the company’s established diesel and electric offerings. He noted that the expanded lineup is intended to address the practical needs of school districts, whether the focus is on simplifying maintenance, controlling costs, or preparing for future fleet transitions.

Mr. Nikki Wheeldon, General Manager of North America Bus Sales at Cummins, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Cummins and Thomas Built Buses, saying the introduction of the new gasoline engine reflects both companies’ commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transportation solutions for students.

The Cummins B6.7 Octane is a purpose-built, turbocharged gasoline engine developed specifically for medium-duty applications and described as the first of its kind in this segment. Before entering production, the engine accumulated up to 2 million miles of testing and validation. It will be offered in the Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline in 220 hp and 260 hp ratings, delivering up to 600 lb-ft of torque. Designed to provide familiar drivability and strong low-speed performance, the engine also features an optional integrated compression brake, which improves vehicle control and reduces brake wear — a first for gasoline school buses.

In addition to its performance benefits, the Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline is positioned to deliver practical advantages in operating cost and serviceability. These include competitive fuel economy, longer service intervals of up to 15,000 miles for oil and filter changes, compatibility with regular 87-octane gasoline, and suitability for cold-weather operation and extended idling. The bus also retains the familiar chassis and body design of the trusted C2 platform, helping reduce training requirements for technicians and drivers while maintaining operational consistency.

Daoud Chaaya, Vice President of Sales, Aftermarket and Marketing at Thomas Built Buses, said the new gasoline option is aimed at helping school districts simplify operations, better manage costs, and maintain reliable year-round performance. He added that building the new model on the proven C2 platform ensures familiarity, safety, and dependability, while reinforcing the company’s ongoing focus on delivering a strong customer experience.

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