Mitsubishi Buses

Bonnet Buses

Helping to Rebuild a Nation

Immediately following the war, Japan found itself with a severe transportation problem and industry had to first get approval prior to any kind of manufacturing endeavors. In 1946, Mitsubishi received such an approval to begin producing motor vehicles. 1946 saw the development of the B1 bus built on a B46 chassis base which was produced in the 1930s. Much of the technology and design principles gained through aircraft production was incorporated into the production design of the B1's body, a revolutionary concept at the time. This large-sized, bonnet-type bus could accommodate 55 passengers and was powered by the 7.7 liter, 6-cylinder GA gasoline engine with a maximum output of 120ps. Since fuel was at a premium, some B1 buses were converted to run on alternative fuel sources such as coke. A total of 500 units were produced between 1946 and 1949.

In 1948, a diesel version of the B1 bus was released to offer operators with a lower cost alternative fuel source. To this end, the DAc and V6100 diesel engines were developed and adopted. In 1949, the 8.5 liter, 100ps DB0 diesel engine which was based on the Y6100 unit was developed.
The chassis, running gear and engine of the B1 bus were common to the B1 truck which was also released during this time. Due to the high reliability, it was often used as the base model for fire engines and other emergency vehicles as well as for general transport applications.

In 1949, the B1 underwent a full model change and was renamed the B2. New styling and increased passenger capacity were the hallmark of the new B2 series. In 1951, the 130ps DB5A diesel engine replaced the DB0 engine. 1955 saw minor changes being made in the B2's styling, suspension as well as the adoption of the 130ps, DB7A diesel engine.

In 1956, the series was renamed the B200 series. Production of these vehicles, however, were halted in 1958 with a total of 3,762 units being sold under the B2/B200 name. In 1958, to enhance high-speed touring, the 155ps, DB31 engine was adopted and the B300 was added to the lineup. Production of the B300 series was halted in 1961 after only 235 units had rolled off the assembly line. Mitsubishi stopped production of bonnet buses all together in 1961.