Mitsubishi Fuso Launches New Aero Star Route Bus for Japan

Kawasaki - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today introduced its new Aero Star large route bus for Japan. Starting today, the clean and efficient bus is available at Mitsubishi Fuso dealerships and regional sales centers across Japan.

The new Aero Star large route bus line incorporates the 6M60 diesel engine and BlueTec® emissions technology to meet Japan’s 2009 Japan New Long-Term Emission Regulations (JP09), the world’s most stringent.  It also adopts the torque converter 6-speed automatic transmission from Allison.  It is the first large route bus with automatic transmission that is compliant with Japan’s 2015 fuel efficiency standard for heavy-duty vehicles. This means the bus can offer a high level of fuel efficiency while providing the benefits of an automatic transmission including ease of operation and ride comfort enhancement.

1. Engine and Emissions Reduction System

The new Aero Star incorporates an engine with less displacement and BlueTec® technology.

With the newly adopted 6M60 engine, the displacement has been reduced from 9.2 liters to 7.5 liters. Furthermore, the combustion efficiency of the engine system is enhanced.

The bus’s BlueTec technology comprises BlueTec® exhaust gas after treatment via urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and a controlled regeneration diesel particulate filter (DPF). Together, these significantly reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions.

Based on the engine and BlueTec® technology, the bus is compliant with Japan’s New Long Term Emission Regulations. The world’s most stringent vehicle emission regulation, JP09 calls for a NOx reduction of 65% and PM reduction of 63% over the previous regulation, JP05.

2. Adopting Torque Converter 6-speed Automatic Transmission in All Models

The new Aero Star bus employs the torque converter 6-speed automatic transmission made by Allison Transmission, Inc. The transmission provides smooth start-up and acceleration, thereby reducing the chances of falling-down accidents within the bus, and also improving ride comfort. Since the driver does not need to worry about shifting, he or she can have more time to focus on road conditions and safety inside and outside the bus. The increased start-up torque also delivers excellent start-up performance.

3. First Automatic Transmission Vehicle to Meet Japan Fuel Efficiency Standard for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

By adopting BlueTec® technology and the torque converter 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Aero Star will be the first large route bus with automatic transmission to meet the Japan 2015 fuel efficiency standard for heavy-duty vehicles. It is planned to comply with the requirements of a Low Emission Vehicle designated by nine prefectures and cities in Japan. The automatic transmission can also help deliver higher fuel economy, therefore leading to both economical and environmentally-friendly performance.

4. ABS Equipped to All Models as Standard

An anti-lock baking system is equipped to all models as standard to further enhance safety.
　
5. New Meter Cluster

The new Aero Star newly adopts the Ivis meter cluster as standard to enhance visibility. Ivis can multi-display various vehicle data including travel distance data and fuel data in full color.

6. Other Features

The rear interior height of the non-step type bus has been extended, leading to greater interior comfort.

ISO-method wheel is adopted as standard to enhance maintenance efficiency.

ISO method is the international standard for wheel-nut-tightening method adopted by 95% of heavy-duty trucks and buses in the world.  Its simple structure makes it easier to implement inspections and maintenance operations, and the smaller number of parts contributes to enhanced quality.

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2009, the company sold a total of about 99,500 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares and various Mitsubishi group companies own 15% of MFTBC shares. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.

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