Mitsubishi Buses

Mitsubishi Enters the Bus Market

Mitsubishi entered the field of bus production in 1932 with the introduction of the B46 Bus. It was powered by a 100ps T6 gasoline engine and was the largest and most powerful bus produced in Japan at the time. Awesome in size, the B46 was 7 meters long, 2.19 meters wide and weighed in at 7,700 kilograms. It had a passenger capacity of 38 and boasted a top end speed of 70km/h. In the early 1930s, the Japanese Ministry of Railroads purchased numerous B46 models which played major roles on their road network that served the various railway stations. The B46 was the base model from which subsequent large-size buses were born and marked the first use of the Fuso name which is so well known today.

In 1935, the B46 adopted a fuel efficient diesel engine and was renamed the BD46. A decade later in 1945, it was used as the basic reference model for the development of the 2nd generation B1 bus.

In the same year in which the B46 was first manufactured, a new concept bus tractor, the BT38 was also introduced. This new cab-over style bus could accommodate 28 passengers while towing a trailer with a cargo capacity of 2-tons. The BT38 was like many other innovative ideas, and in theory was a model of total efficiency combining passenger transport along with mass cargo transport. Put into actual practice, however, complaints due to delays caused by the cargo loading and unloading proved untenable. The BT38 was discontinued after only about 15 units were produced.

The overwhelming success of the B46 led to the production of BS40 and BS43 models in1934. Both models were medium-sized buses with the BS40 equipped for sightseeing in luxury and the BS43 for high-speed sightseeing applications. They both incorporated the 4.89 liter, 6-cylinder, S6 gasoline engine which developed 70ps at 2400rpm.

The First Diesel Powered Buses in Japan

The great popularity of the B46 for outstanding reliability, comfort and driveability over the rough roads found in Japan at the time was tempered by an external factor. Gasoline was in such short supply that alternative fuel sources were actively sought. Coke-gas was one such possibility, coal being one of the very few natural resources found in Japan. The future for this fuel source, however, looked dim as it required specialized machinery and large quantities had to be carried. Diesel, another source, was considered much more promising and in 1931, Mitsubishi developed the 450AD direct injection engine, the first diesel engine for motor vehicle application in Japan.

In 1935, The BD46 diesel bus was introduced. The B46 bus was utilized for the basic chassis model and adopted the newly designed 85ps, SHT6 pre-combustion type diesel engine replacing the previous T6 gasoline engine. The BD43 bus was built on a B43 chassis base and incorporated the 650AD direct injection diesel engine.

Both bus models proved very popular with operators and passengers alike. With fuel efficiency, durability and ease-of-operation, combined with comfort and a smooth ride, these pioneer of buses helped to create the high reputation which Mitsubishi continues to build on to this day.