Mitsubishi Buses

To fill a growing need

Small-Size Buses

By the start of the 1960s, Mitsubishi had established its reputation for providing vehicles of the highest quality which were respected by operators and the general public alike. Operators found that the built-in durability, reliability and the ease of operation paid dividends on the bottom line. The public's image of Mitsubishi Fuso Buses were of a comfortable and reliable source of transportation. Mitsubishi as a leading manufacturer kept the trends of the market under close observation, and in the 1950s saw a growing need for small-size buses that would be both economical and offered superb maneuverability in inner-city applications.

In 1960, the 21-passenger Rosa B10 was introduced featuring the 76ps, JH40 gasoline engine that gave the Rosa an incredible 7.8km/l fuel economy and a peppy top speed of 90km/h. The public was drawn to the Japan's first rivetless bus and nicknamed it the "Daruma Rosa" due to its cute rounded form. The Rosa was utilized by many schools and companies in the private sector as well as by the government to efficiently alleviate low volume but growing transportation needs. In 1961, Mitsubishi released a diesel model that was powered by the 3,299cc, 6 cylinder, KE36 engine which developed 85ps. The B20D was longer in body than the B10 and could seat up to 25 passengers. Its twin-panel folding door, which replaced the single swing door of the B10, proved to be a space saver. In 1963, the 29-passenger B21D was introduced to provide an even greater choice to operators. The B21D adopted the 92ps, KE63 engine.

1966 marked the first major model change for the Rosa lineup. The 25-passenger B12 boasted a 9.8km/l fuel economy from its high performance 2,000cc engine. Like the 1st generation Rosa both gasoline and diesel units as well as 25 or 29 passenger models were made available. On the styling front, both well rounded ("Daruma-like") large-based models and a "lighter," low waistline, larger window models were introduced. Again, the Rosa proved popular and a growing market for the nursery school trade was tapped.

In 1973 the Rosa underwent its second model change. The 3rd generation Rosa featured a unified styling which offered passengers with lighter, more airy interior environment. Passenger capacity was increased from 25 to 26 and the engine power output for both gasoline and diesel versions were upgraded. Reclining seats and auto doors were offered on the Standard, Deluxe, air-conditioned and Nursery school models. In 1975, the KE47 gasoline engine was replaced by the 110p, Astron 4G53 engine.

1979 marked the release of a major model change for Rosa series. The gasoline engine was dropped from the lineup and the 90ps, 4D30 diesel engine became the standard. It offered advanced styling and comfort features but the greatest change was awaiting the driver. The Rosa incorporated the latest in ergonomic design to upgrade driver operation, safety and comfort. The large, well laid out instrument panel along with tilt steering, increased braking power, improved windshield wiper system, side window defroster and large rear view mirrors combined to put the driver firmly and more comfortably in the driver's seat.

The 4th generation Rosa series introduced in 1986 featured the latest in aerodynamic exterior styling, ergonomically designed and laid out driver's area, as well as an upgraded overall interior comfort. It was powered by a fuel efficient yet high performance diesel engine. This Rosa was so well received by the motoring public that it received the coveted "Good Design" award from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry. In 1989, a 4WD model was added to the lineup, again a first in its class in Japan.

In 1997, the 5th generation Rosa was launched. Adopting a new aerodynamic form has provided the Rosa with the lowest wind drag coefficient in its class -- a mere 0.48Cd. A high performance yet fuel efficient engine offers comfortable running performance. The most apparent among the numerous changes is the repositioning of the door which has been moved forward making monitoring of passenger entry and exit much easier for the driver. This new stylish swing and glide door system dramatically enhances its aerodynamic good looks from the outside and gives the interior a feeling of increased spaciousness. The quiet, comfortable interior offers a lower, fully flat floor with all seating at the same height rearward of the door to provide unimpaired viewing for everyone and allows for enhanced maneuverability within the cabin.