Bus range, namely the 714 SWB 25-seater

The combination of a proven chassis and running gear fitted with SABS-approved bus bodies from Busmark 2000 continue to provide Hino SA with good business in the local commuter market. Hino SA, one of our leading truck manufacturers, together with longstanding supplier Busmark 2000, has developed a comprehensive range of commuter buses, based on the chassis and powertrains of its 300 and 500 Series models.

The latest range of buses from Hino and Busmark 2000 use highstrength light steel, alloys and composites to bring down the mass of the vehicles, which improves fuel consumption and also provides additional carrying capacity.

The structural integrity of the buses is retained which is an important safety requirement, as they are people carriers. “Using the latest construction methods, the carrying capacity of the new Hino 300-based buses will increase with up to four extra passengers, depending on the selection of optional extras like rear air-conditioning,” explained Ernie Trautmann, Hino SA Vice President.

“These attractive-looking buses are more aerodynamic and the resultant benefit in fuel saving will translate into savings on the cost per passenger transported.

They are ideal for transporting school sports teams and smaller groups of company staff, as well as for supplying on government and other tenders,” added Trautmann. Among recent changes to the buses based on the Hino 300 Series is a separate door for the driver, while a specialised bus with wheelchair access is now also available.

The latter uses a hydraulic hoist to lift and lower the chair, and there are fold-down seats in the wheelchair area which can be used by passengers when a wheelchair is not being transported.

There is a wide range of optional features available for this bus range, from air-conditioning, heating, entertainment systems with public address, various floor and seat coverings to parcel shelves, luggage lockers and refrigerators.

There are three basic models in the 300 Series bus range, namely the 714 SWB 25-seater, 815 LWB automatic 33-seater and 915 LWB 35-seater. There is also a well-proven range of both commuter and semi-luxury buses built on Hino 500 running gear. In commuter format they can carry 39, 50 or 65 passengers seated, and the semi-luxury models can transport 35, 45 or 55 passengers seated.

The front overhang of the Hino 500 chassis is extended to allow passengers easy access ahead of the front wheel, while the low floor height frees up space for extra legroom for the passengers. There is the option of a air ventilation system or a roofmounted air-conditioner. The base models in the Hino 500 Series bus range are the 1017, 1324 and 1626 LWB respectively.

The 1017 is powered by a 5,3-litre four-cylinder engine developing 121kW of power at 2 500r/min and 496N.m of torque at 1 500r/min, while a six-cylinder turbodiesel unit of 8-litre displacement powers the other two models. In the 1324 the output is 170kW and 710N.m, while in the 1626 model the output is 184kW and 739N.m. All models have a six-speed manual gearbox.

All the buses built by Busmark 2000 in conjunction with Hino are covered by the Hino Care programme, which includes a 24-month unlimited warranty on the chassis and a 36-month warranty against structural defects on the bus body. Service intervals can be up to 20 000km depending on operating conditions, while service and maintenance plans can be tailor-made to suit the operator’s requirements. Services such as 24- hour roadside assistance and towing assistance are also part of the Hino Care support.