Fuso’s latest Rosa model includes a variety of cutting-edge technology that is already proving to be a hit with local operators

The latest generation Fuso Rosa has become a popular addition to Australian roads.

“The latest Rosa bus in our range incorporates some of the things we value the most at Fuso – safety and versatility,” Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO Daniel Whitehead told ABC.

“These buses carry our most precious cargo, whether it be on school runs or to a family holiday destination, so it is imperative fleet operators consider their safety features.

“Important and valued features are the Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Electronic Stability.

“There are many more benefits to owning a Fuso Rosa, but nothing as important as the features that will help protect the ones we love.”

Safety isn’t just important to Fuso, but also to the operators. Deluxe Coachlines director Michael Oaten says the Fuso Rosa has provided him with nothing but comfort on the road.

“It’s obvious that Fuso has worked hard to increase safety on this new generation,” Oaten told ABC.

“I have two of the older models, and two of the new generation. The new models are different because of the Duonic gearbox and the six speed transmission and all of the other bits and pieces.

“It definitely took a little getting used to in terms of driving, but now I find them quite pleasant on the road.”

The latest Rosa was the first time Fuso had introduced its advanced Duonic Automated Manual Transmission, which features six gears, to the range. This advanced dual clutch transmission delivers fuel efficiency improvements as well as fast and smooth shifts. It also features a handy creep function for easy low-speed manoeuvring.

“We find the Rosas get a slightly better fuel economy compared to other models,” Oaten says. “And the drivers are liking them.”

A drawcard for Oaten was the Advanced Emergency Braking. Using radar sensors, the system will alert the driver in the event of a potential collision with an audible and visual warning from the dashboard followed by automatic braking. This advanced radar can even detect, and begin braking for, moving pedestrians.

“It’s calming to know that if somebody walks across the front of the bus, it will apply the brakes and stop. It will avoid a collision,” Oaten says.

“I also don’t mind the lane departure; I think that’s good, and the inclusion of airbags is always a welcome addition.”

The Rosa buses in Oaten’s fleet are most often used for day tour charter work and shuttles, making regular trips to the Great Ocean Road and a lot of Phillip Island airport transfers in and around Melbourne.  They are also the go-to bus for work at the Grand Prix and MotoGP at Phillip Island.

“They do very well. They’re very good at the Grand Prix as they don’t go fast. We just do an internal shuttle service so it’s stop start, stop start. They’re great,” Oaten says.

While many operators tend to stick with the classic configurations of the model, opting for the 22 or 25 seat option, Oaten has taken a different path by completely re-modelling the interior of one of his older models.

“We wanted to offer a slightly different option and experience for passengers,” he says. “Especially for our day charter customers.

“Our 2002 model has 16 coach seats that recline, carpet on the floor and matching material on the roof to match the seats.

“Passengers love this bus because it offers more legroom and a more luxury experience, which is why I want to make another one with the newer model.”

Oaten is currently in the process of having new coach seats built, with the finished product aiming to outshine the older version.

“Once it’s finished, it’ll have carpet on the floor, coach seats and more,” he says.

“We are also going to install a television, Wi-Fi, USB plugs, and it’ll be configured so that you can put a little fridge in the back so you can carry bottles of water.”

But it’s not just the passengers who get to enjoy a comfortable ride, with the newly designed driver’s seat and dash proving to be popular.

“The driver’s seat is better than the older version. I find the drivers area more ergonomic, and I find it pleasant to drive,” he says.

The addition of a new high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen display with internet and digital radio has also been introduced, along with a new electronic instrument cluster that presents a range of bus data for the driver including fuel efficiency information, maintenance status, date and outside temperature.

“I am very happy with this bus. While there are a few things the drivers still have to get used to, I can see us holding onto it for a long time,” Oaten says.

Article With Thanks to Australasian Bus & Coach