A new aftermarket parts company has entered the motorcoach and transit bus market with a focus on replacement body parts that may help reduce repair costs and shorten downtime for vehicles waiting on repairs.

TCM Coach Parts LLC launched in January 2026 in Elkhart, Indiana. The company was co-founded by Tim Ott and Charlie McCarron, two longtime industry professionals with experience in aftermarket coach parts, manufacturing, sales, and operator support.

The company manufactures thermal-formed and fiberglass replacement body parts for motorcoaches and transit buses, including components for MCI, Van Hool, Prevost, New Flyer, and Gillig vehicles.

For bus and motorcoach drivers, parts availability matters because vehicles waiting on repairs can affect assignments, schedules, and fleet readiness. While purchasing decisions may happen at the company level, delays in body repairs can still influence day-to-day operations for the people behind the wheel.

New Company Focuses on Aftermarket Coach Parts

Ott said he saw an opportunity to return to the industry after several years away from the motorcoach parts business.

“It feels good to be back,” Ott said. “It’s like falling back into place.”

TCM Coach Parts was created to give operators another option for sourcing replacement body components at a time when many companies are watching repair costs closely.

“During these serious, economically challenging times, the operators have an avenue to keep their fleet repaired at a significant saving,” Ott said.

McCarron joined Ott as a partner in the new business, with Ott focused more heavily on production and McCarron bringing sales experience and long-standing operator relationships.

“I’m more of a sales guy,” McCarron said. “Tim’s more of the production guy.”

Experience Behind the New Venture

TCM’s founders and nationwide sales staff bring a combined 150 years of experience in manufacturing, mechanical operations, and aftermarket parts development.

Ott described the launch as a chance to reconnect with longtime employees and colleagues from earlier business ventures, including Brian Taberski and Matt Meyers.

“The guys who started it all are starting it all again,” he said.

The company operates from Elkhart while team members work remotely from other parts of the country, including Tennessee and Florida.

Replacement Parts Can Affect Vehicle Downtime

For drivers, body parts may seem like a maintenance department issue until a coach is pulled from service.

Exterior damage, delayed parts, and long repair schedules can affect vehicle availability and trip assignments. That is why turnaround time matters across the operation.

TCM manufactures fiberglass and ABS replacement parts, including Prevost protector panels, Van Hool road rails, and MCI bumperettes.

Some products can be prefinished to match the coach color before shipment, which may reduce labor during installation.

Operator Feedback Points to Quality and Turnaround Time

Village Travel in Wichita, Kansas, is among the operators working with TCM Coach Parts.

Parts Manager Jackie Haymond said she had worked with McCarron previously and trusted his understanding of operator needs when he and Ott launched the company.

“I had a business relationship with Charlie when he was at a different manufacturer for the same type of products,” Haymond said. “When he started his own business, he really understood our needs.”

Haymond said the company has seen improved quality from TCM’s aftermarket body parts.

“They’ve provided us with some better quality aftermarket body parts than we have had in the past,” she said. “The quality of body parts that we’re receiving from them is far superior to the previous aftermarket manufacturer.”

She also said the pricing has remained fair.

“The pricing is also fair,” Haymond said. “It’s about the same as what we were paying before, but for a better quality product. Your value is much greater.”

Pricing And Shipping Are Part of the Pitch

McCarron said TCM products are generally priced 20% to 30% below OEM alternatives. The company is also emphasizing faster shipment on parts already in production. TCM says many existing products can ship within 24 to 48 hours.

Haymond said most shipments for Village Travel have typically arrived within one week. “Typically within one week,” she said of most shipments. “The turnaround time is better than what we were used to. So, really, it’s been great.”

Product Line Continues to Grow

TCM is expanding its product line while investing in additional tooling and manufacturing capacity. “We’re building as fast as we can,” McCarron said.

The company says its in-house tooling capabilities allow it to respond more quickly when operators request new replacement parts.

As the company grows, TCM Coach Parts aims to give bus and motorcoach operators another aftermarket option for repairing vehicles and keeping equipment available for service.

The ProDriverPoint editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content for bus, motorcoach, chauffeur, and passenger transport professionals. Each article is built to reflect real-world experiences, industry updates, and insights drivers can actually use on the job.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Source: Bus and Motorcoach News

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