Wheeled Coach Marks 50 Years of Excellence in Emergency Vehicle Design and Innovation
For half a century, Wheeled Coach has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing industry-leading emergency vehicles, serving emergency medical service (EMS) providers across the nation and beyond. A brand of REV Group, Inc.’s subsidiary REV Ambulance Group Orlando, Inc., Wheeled Coach has remained steadfast in its mission to build cutting-edge, high-performance ambulances tailored to the needs of first responders. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, it reflects on its legacy of excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership
Wheeled Coach was founded in 1975 by Robert Collins Sr. in downtown Orlando, Florida. With just a small team of five employees, the company initially focused on manufacturing mobility vans and Type 2 ambulances. However, with a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Wheeled Coach quickly evolved into a leading name in the emergency vehicle manufacturing industry.
Today, the company operates from its state-of-the-art facility in Winter Park, Florida, employing over 700 skilled professionals dedicated to designing and producing world-class ambulances. Over the past five decades, Wheeled Coach has built and delivered more than 50,000 ambulances to EMS providers of all sizes, ranging from small rural departments to large metropolitan agencies. Its reputation as a trusted ambulance supplier extends to commercial fleets worldwide, and it holds the distinction of being an approved ambulance supplier for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
Built for Life: A Commitment to Quality and Customization
One of Wheeled Coach’s defining attributes is its ability to design ambulances that meet the exact specifications of its customers. Unlike many mass-market manufacturers, Wheeled Coach operates with a philosophy that prioritizes customization and innovation. Every ambulance is built in-house by a team of highly skilled engineers and manufacturing experts who work collaboratively with EMS providers to develop vehicles that cater specifically to their operational needs.
The company’s manufacturing facility in Winter Park serves as a hub of innovation, where cutting-edge technology and precision craftsmanship come together to create vehicles designed for the demanding environments that first responders face. This meticulous approach ensures that each Wheeled Coach ambulance is not just a mode of transportation but a reliable, high-performance lifesaving tool.
Beyond the initial purchase, Wheeled Coach maintains its commitment to customer satisfaction by offering robust aftermarket support. Each vehicle is backed by a comprehensive product warranty, ensuring that EMS providers have access to the parts and service they need to keep their fleets running efficiently. A dedicated and professional dealer network further enhances this support, providing customers with unparalleled service and expertise.
Pioneering Innovation in Emergency Vehicle Manufacturing
Throughout its history, Wheeled Coach has consistently been an industry pioneer, introducing groundbreaking technologies and safety enhancements that have set new standards in emergency vehicle manufacturing. The company has achieved several firsts within the industry, demonstrating its dedication to advancing ambulance safety, efficiency, and performance. Some of its most notable innovations include:
- Crash and Rollover Testing: Wheeled Coach was the first in the industry to conduct rigorous crash and rollover testing that adhered to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Side Impact Criteria. This commitment to safety testing has significantly influenced ambulance design, ensuring better occupant protection and vehicle integrity during collisions.
- ISO Certification: As an industry leader, Wheeled Coach became the first ambulance manufacturer to receive ISO certification, a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. This certification underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards in its manufacturing processes.
- CNC Machine-Cut Doors: By implementing CNC machine technology to cut ambulance doors, Wheeled Coach has achieved unparalleled precision and consistency in manufacturing. This ensures a perfect fit and improved durability, enhancing the overall safety and reliability of its ambulances.
- Internal Emergency Door Releases: The introduction of internal emergency door releases was another major advancement pioneered by Wheeled Coach. This feature provides an added layer of security for EMS personnel, allowing for quick and easy egress in emergency situations.
- The Patented Cool-Bar™ System: Wheeled Coach’s patented Cool-Bar™ technology revolutionized ambulance climate control by improving airflow and enhancing access to the compressor while also integrating superior exterior lighting. This innovative system ensures that EMS personnel and patients experience optimal comfort and visibility in the field.
These innovations reflect Wheeled Coach’s ongoing efforts to elevate industry standards and provide emergency responders with the best tools possible to perform their life-saving duties.
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
As Wheeled Coach marks its 50th anniversary, it is not just celebrating five decades of manufacturing excellence—it is honoring the EMS providers who rely on its vehicles every day to save lives. To commemorate this milestone, Wheeled Coach will be hosting a series of celebrations throughout the year, bringing together customers, dealers, and industry professionals to reflect on the company’s journey and look ahead to the future.
Among the key events where Wheeled Coach will celebrate its anniversary are:
- FDIC International: One of the world’s largest firefighter training and emergency response conventions, where Wheeled Coach will showcase its latest innovations and engage with industry professionals.
- American Ambulance Association’s Annual Conference: A premier event for EMS leaders, where Wheeled Coach will highlight its contributions to the industry and share insights on the future of ambulance design.
- EMS World Expo: A global gathering of EMS professionals, offering Wheeled Coach the opportunity to demonstrate its newest advancements and connect with first responders from around the world.
These events will serve as a platform for Wheeled Coach to express its gratitude to the EMS community while reaffirming its dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in the years ahead.
The Future
As the emergency medical services industry continues to evolve, Wheeled Coach remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. The company is actively investing in new technologies, materials, and design enhancements to ensure that its ambulances continue to meet the growing demands of EMS providers. Areas of focus for the future include:
- Advanced Safety Features: Building on its history of innovation, Wheeled Coach is exploring new safety technologies, including enhanced crash protection, improved patient restraint systems, and advanced driver assistance features.
- Sustainable Solutions: With environmental concerns becoming increasingly important, the company is researching eco-friendly alternatives such as hybrid and electric ambulance models to reduce carbon footprints without compromising performance.
- Smart Ambulance Technology: Integration of cutting-edge telematics, real-time vehicle diagnostics, and advanced communication systems will allow EMS providers to operate more efficiently and make data-driven decisions in the field.
Through these initiatives, Wheeled Coach aims to continue its legacy as a leader in emergency vehicle manufacturing, ensuring that first responders have access to the safest, most reliable, and most technologically advanced ambulances available.
