The Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa (Japanese: 三菱ふそう・ローザ) is a Japanese minibus based on the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter manufactured by Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. The Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa was launched in 1960 and is now in its fifth generation, known as the BE7. In Japan, Asia-Pacific, Mid-East, Africa, Jamaica and South America, its principal competitors are the Isuzu Journey, Nissan Civilian, Mazda Parkway and Toyota Coaster.

Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa
Fuso Rosa as a Hong Kong minibus
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Motors (1970–2003)
MFTBC (since 2003)
Production1960–present
Body and chassis
ClassMinibus
Body styleMinibus
RelatedMitsubishi Fuso Canter

History

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The Mitsubishi Rosa was launched in 1960 by the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (formerly China-Japan Heavy Industries) and was called Mitsubishi Rosa. In 1964, three companies merged with the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to become a new Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and the Mitsubishi Rosa became a Mitsubishi Fuso product to replace the Fuso MB720 minibus in 1966.

First generation (1960–1973)

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1959 Fuso Rosa (First generation)

Mitsubishi officially launched the Rosa minibus in 1960. At that time, the factory was coded as B10 and developed from the chassis of the original Mitsubishi Jupiter T10 truck.[1] Its body style is similar to the Mercedes-Benz O 319 minibus, with a length of approximately 5.4 meters.

In the following year (1961), Mitsubishi evolved to B20 on the basis of B10, which is an extended version of B10, which ranges from 6.25 to 7 meters in length.

Second generation (1973–1986)

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In 1973 Mitsubishi released the second generation, which is similar as the first generation, the main difference is the design of the front has been largely revised, and a large number of components can be shared with the Mitsubishi trucks. In the beginning, there was BC2 (short-range gasoline version), BE2 (short-range diesel version) and BH2 (long-range diesel version). In 1981, the BK2 series was introduced (long-range version with a width of 2.3 meters).

Third generation (1986–1997)

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The third generation version of the body launched in 1986 was very different from the original and second generation. The most prominent change was the newly designed body, which introduced a large number of ergonomic designs. Like the previous two generations, the third generation minibus Rosa has short (6.2 meters long) and long (6.95 meters long) versions, but both only have engines of four cylinders. As for the headlights have a round or square lamp version, some of which are equipped with command lights on the side of the vehicle. In 1990, Mitsubishi Rosa received a facelift, the distance between the two headlights was extended and the command light on the vehicle side was installed. They also offered automatic transmission, independent shock absorber and reclining seats options. It was at this time that Rosa added a four-wheel drive version for the first time.[2]

Fourth generation (1997–present)

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Fourth Generation
 
2000 Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa with panoramic door
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
Also calledBahman Pegasus (Iran)[3]
Production1997–present
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassMinibus
Body styleSingle-decker minibus
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four-wheel drive
Floor typeStep entrance
ChassisSWB/LWB/SLWB
Powertrain
Engine
Capacity16–33
Transmission
  • 6 speed manual
  • 5 speed manual
  • 6 speed automatic Aisin M036A6
  • 6 speed Fuso Duonic 2.0 Dual Clutch Transmission
Dimensions
Length6,245–7,730 mm (245.9–304.3 in)[4]
Width2,010 mm (79.1 in)
Height2,735 mm (107.7 in)
Curb weight3,805–4,045 kg (8,389–8,918 lb)

The fourth generation (BE6 series) is an improved version of the third generation. The design of the body of the car was greatly modified, and the distance between the front axle and the door was considerably reduced. In addition, the taillights are round, different from the second and third generation. There are both Automatic and Manual models available.[5] In 1998, a super long body was added to the line-up, bringing the maximum capacity of all the vehicle to 34 people. In 2002, natural gas engine were offered to the Mitsubishi Rosa. Transmac in Macau was supplied with a dual-door version.

Body types

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  • Short body (6.25 meters in length, 16- or 25-seater)
  • Long body (7 meters in length, 16-, 23-, 25- or 28-seater)
  • Super long body (7.73 meters in length, 23-, 24-, 29- or 33-seater)
  • Kindergarten buses have a seating capacity of up to 39/41 (3x2 seat configuration), rear doors, auto door, automatic transmission.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Mitsubishi Light Bus Genealogy
  2. ^ Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa Bus
  3. ^ "Bahman Pegasus" (in Persian). Bahman. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  4. ^ "ROSA 29 Seater Bus". Mitsubishi Fuso Hong Kong. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  5. ^ Fuso Australia
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