Two updated bus models; the 2017 Fuso Aero Queen and Ace Tour, targeting the touring market have been launched in Japan.
The new buses are the first models in Japan that come with an 8-speed Automatic Mechanical Transmission (AMT) as standard.
The new Aero Queen and Ace Tour models have been substantially redesigned and improved in terms of safety and comfort, according to Fuso.
Fuso Bus Marketing & Sales Japan spokesperson Hidekazu Kanno says the new Aero Queen and Aero Ace buses are the touring buses most used by travellers in Japan.
“The new models maintain the same bus body appearance as those of the earlier models that were highly valued in the market, but have greater safety performance, allowing their passengers to enjoy a safer bus ride,” he says.
“The vehicle control system and power train are shared with other bus brands of Daimler and therefore offer world-class standards.
“These buses are vehicles that have been manufactured with future automated driving in mind and we are convinced they represent the benchmark for safety and quality in the market.”
An advanced version of the ‘AMB’ brake for alleviation of collision damage called ‘ABA3’ has been installed, as well as ‘Active Attention Assist’, which monitors driver attention through a driver-facing camera.
This adds automatic stop and automatic start functions to auto cruise, and includes a function to maintain the proper distance between cars to help alleviate driver fatigue during traffic congestion.
A new small-displacement 7.7-litre engine has allowed an increase in the number of passenger seats.
The Aero Ace now has larger trunk room to meet increasing demand for the transport of inbound tourists.
At this stage it is not known when these models will become available in Australia.