Mitsubishi Philippines, partner launch bus-jeepney crossbreed

[noobskie]

Mitsubishi Philippines, partner launch bus-jeepney crossbreed
by Patrick Everett Tadeo November 11, 2009


Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) and partner Almazora Motors introduced a fresh alternative to jeepney and buses: the BEEP.

The BEEP, inspired by Europe's Gruau Microbus, is a micro bus that is suitable for Metro Manila's crowded streets--making it an ideal replacement for jeepneys and Asian utility vehicle (AUV).

"The auto industry should not only care about selling brand new vehicles but also take a lead role in improving the mass transport system," Mitsubishi Philippnies president and chief executive Masahiko Ueki said. "Since no assembler has really pursued to modernize the public transportation, MMPC as a socially responsible automotive company have collaborated with Almazora to come up with a better solution for mass transportation."

Using a FUSO Canter light duty truck chassis from Mitsubishi Philippines, Almazora Motors designed and manufactured a bus body that can accommodate 18 passengers on bench-type seats and up to eight standing commuters.

The BEEP's Mitsubishi engine complies with Euro emission standards, making it more environment-friendly than surplus Japanese engines used in today's jeepneys. Its high-roof, low-floor, and large wraparound windows make the interior roomier while reducing the driver's blind spots.

The BEEP is also fully-configurable depending on the needs of the client. Almazora executive vice president Conrad Almazora said his company can manufacture as much as 50 standard-configuration BEEPs a month, with a turnaround time of one month from order placement.

The bus-jeepney hybrid of Mitsubishi Philippines and Almazora is priced at P1.6 million, almost twice the price of an AUV. Its revenue potential, however, is more than double due to the larger seating capacity. Acquisition is also easier through bank financing.

From: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mitsu...ney-crossbreed

So what do you guys think? The future of Philippine mass transportation or another idea down the drain? The name is quite catchy though, BEEP! hahaha! It never did mention if it had airconditioning but I am hopeful since the glass windows are the panel types found in most full-sized aircon buses here.

[jpdm]

From: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mitsu...ney-crossbreed

So what do you guys think? The future of Philippine mass transportation or another idea down the drain? The name is quite catchy though, BEEP! hahaha! It never did mention if it had airconditioning but I am hopeful since the glass windows are the panel types found in most full-sized aircon buses here.

I think its a great move by Mitsubishi-Almazora. This can be a good alternative to jeepneys in Metro.

And better than those Korean second hand coaster type minibuses and vans or Chinese buses.

Medyo may kamahalan lang....

[renzo_d10]

Cool. :cool: I just hope that the drivers wont be the same with the " big bus " drivers.

Or else, they'll just add up to the problems of other motorists.

[ghosthunter]

it would be nice if these new vehicles would have a speedlimiter built into the vehicle.

[renzo_d10]

^ 40kph ?

[ghosthunter]

^ 40kph ?

why not? It would save them money as well in fuel and brake pads.

[divadnosaj]

ang taas!! pero ok yan, mas mahirap ata iswerve pag mataas.. :D

[mda]

it would be nice if these new vehicles would have a speedlimiter built into the vehicle.

Not only a speed limiter, but also something that limits acceleration.

Buses don't accelerate like a sedan, but having them try while cutting off an entire lane is something else. :/

[nickriingen]

Nice vehicle and alternative to jeepneys. Its about time to phase out those old, dirty, uncomfortable, ugly, cramped World War 2 vintages which belongs to Jurassic era of transportation. These are designed by backyard mechanics, tinsmith, welders and not by engineers. At least we could move out of our Third World Forever status with these modern vehicles equipped with new engines/ powertrain, comfort, passive and safety features. If you are a regular commuter, you will observe that the riding public is veering away from jeepneys and prefer to ride FX shuttles, vans, buses, LRT/ MRT trains which are faster and more comfortable.

[kihtmaine]

From: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mitsu...ney-crossbreed

So what do you guys think? The future of Philippine mass transportation or another idea down the drain? The name is quite catchy though, BEEP! hahaha! It never did mention if it had airconditioning but I am hopeful since the glass windows are the panel types found in most full-sized aircon buses here.

Is it feasible for a million and 6? If im the operator I could assemble a coaster or rosa type bus for 2 capable of 24 or more passengers and the remaining is for the franchise or a kc2700 or H100 and the rest for the GT express franchise.

Just my 2 cents.

[ianmitsulancer]

I would like to see the interior pictures whenever possible...

1.6M? this is like getting a Montero Sport GLS SE... hehehe...

i think offices that prioritizes in transporting their employees will find this interesting. If Mitsubishi Motors Philippines cannot produce a van like the Starex and Grandia, this is it... probably.

it looks well built with decent fit and finish quality based on the picture. i'm taking note of the curved from windshield- very bus-like.

[noobskie]

Here are the other pictures of the Beep:
Front


Rear


Interior

From: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mitsu...ney-crossbreed

[marg]

Time to retire and send those $#$#%# jeepneys to Hell!

[night_raven]

yup, retire and replace all jeepneys with this one, and also the buses plying the metro manila routes. let the big buses now be left for provincial routes.

is it me or did they forget to design an emergency exit in case of emergency like fire or what if the bus suddenly topples to its side and pins the entrance.

[eggman]

Here are the other pictures of the Beep:
Front


Rear


Interior

From: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mitsu...ney-crossbreed

Ok naman sya pero mahal nang kaunti sya eh.. Puwedeng school bus to IMHO..

Nawala ang Rosa dahil narin dito..Expect Isuzu and Hino will do their own versions..

[foifoi05]

^isuzu! haha baka pumatok yan dahil jeepney = isuzu :D

[welscua]

Here are the other pictures of the Beep

Interior

From: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/mitsu...ney-crossbreed

Mahirap pag biglang break, wala kang mahawakan unlike sa jeep, mahirap kalungin ang mga bata kaya di na puede libre sa kalong. Di ka rin makasabit dito pag nagmamadali ka, madali pa holdapi kasi isa lang ang pintuan, hehehe...


SHARING IS CARING.....

[jpdm]

Mahirap pag biglang break, wala kang mahawakan unlike sa jeep, mahirap kalungin ang mga bata kaya di na puede libre sa kalong. Di ka rin makasabit dito pag nagmamadali ka, madali pa holdapi kasi isa lang ang pintuan, hehehe...


SHARING IS CARING.....

partly true....

[ocanursjr]

Mahirap pag biglang break, wala kang mahawakan unlike sa jeep, mahirap kalungin ang mga bata kaya di na puede libre sa kalong. Di ka rin makasabit dito pag nagmamadali ka, madali pa holdapi kasi isa lang ang pintuan, hehehe...


SHARING IS CARING.....

Looks like LRT to me...
But it's better than Jeepneys.