The best-selling buses in Ecuador are models of the Hino, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz brands, which occupy the first three places in the figures from January to October 2022 that the Association of Automotive Companies of Ecuador (Aeade) has.
Another Hino model appears in fourth position, while the fifth is occupied by the Scania brand.
Thus, Hino’s AK8 series models; Hyundai HD78 series; OF series of Mercedes-Benz, FC9 BUS series of Hino and K360 series of Scania appear in the top 5 on the Aeade list with a general sale of 691 buses of these brands in the first ten months of this 2022.
There are another 55 units purchased by the public that correspond to other brands in this type of commercial and passenger transport. All this makes a total of 746 bus units sold in Ecuador this year, according to Aeade figures, published this month.
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In the magazine engines from Diario EL UNIVERSO, representatives of commercial houses and brands tell us part of the reasons why they have preferred the three best-selling models in this segment in the country.
Hino and his AK8
The chassis for Hino AK8 buses (in first place) and FC9 (in fourth place) are the “most preferred in this segment due to their ease of bodywork and passenger capacity,” says Cristina Proaño, Head of Sales and After Sales at Teojama Comercial , which markets the Hino brand, which has been present in Ecuador for 60 years.
Among the reasons why the public buys this Japanese brand are durability, road performance, strength, power and low maintenance costs, which translate into quality, safety and versatility of its chassis.
“Currently there are three chassis models (of buses) on the market. The Hino AK, which is one of the best sellers due to its characteristics, is applicable for any type of service, be it urban, interprovincial, intracantonal, tourism, etc. The capacity is from 45 to 70 passengers, and the price is $70,490”, explains Proaño.
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It is followed by the Hino FC, the most used in the school and tourist sector, with capacity for 35 passengers. The current model is equipped with brakes full air, and it is at $53,490. One of the newest models to be marketed this semester is the Hino RM, with a rear engine, which, due to its characteristics, is ideal for interprovincial transport. Its price is $101,990, says Proaño.
Only of the AK8 model, which leads the top 5, 387 units were sold from January to October 2022, show the Aeade figures.
José Luis Moscoso, director of the Heavy Duty Line of the Mavesa Group, which also sells the Hino brand in Ecuador, mentions that the public prefers a Hino bus chassis for its proven high quality, for its performance at the national level, for the low cost of operation and maintenance, and also due to the high availability of spare parts and after-sales services throughout Ecuador.
Hino bus models are available at Mavesa, such as the RM1ESSU, which is a large bus focused on the interprovincial segment, the simple AK8JR7A and the AK8JR7A with retarder, which are medium-sized models approved for all transport applications: urban, tourism, interprovincial, institutional. There is also the FC9JL7Z model, which is a small bus, approved for all passenger transport segments, adds Moscoso.
Hyundai and its HD78
Due to its dimensions, because it is “very versatile and powerful” and because it is suitable for providing passenger transport services both in large cities and in rural parishes, customers in this segment prefer Hyundai’s HD78 bus model.
“We have a wide stock spare parts and technical support. The homologation is for all modalities, including schools, institutions and tourism”, indicates Hyundai in Ecuador.
In buses, this Korean brand currently has the HD78 model, with a Modasa body (foreign, premium) at a price of $62,990 and its HD 78 b/ca chassis for $29,990.
Thus, the configuration, power, quality of its chassis and its premium bodywork make it the ideal bus for the transportation of passengers in the country. From January to October, 174 Hyundai HD78 buses had been sold. For these cars there is a direct credit facility, with the best rate, to support this sector.
Mercedes Benz
Its quality, durability and its original spare parts with factory guarantee make the buses of this legendary German brand among the favorites of carriers.
“Mercedes-Benz is a globally recognized brand, synonymous with quality and durability, just the characteristics that the customer is looking for. Our attributes go further, delivering reinforced chassis with the ideal gross vehicle weight (chassis + bodywork), and under the standards of our country. The bodywork process is supervised by expert engineers from day 1, achieving a ready bus with efficient and correct electrical, mechanical, and mechanical finishes”, explains David González, head of Marketing and Communications.
The Mercedes-Benz OF series is in third place in the top 5 best-selling buses in the country.
The portfolio is wide in chassis for buses, with different approvals for the transport of people, be it in urban, interprovincial, intracantonal areas, among others.
In the OF line, the legendary OF-1721/59 chassis has been traveling the avenues and highways of Ecuador for several years.
The OF-1723/59 chassis is now available, whose evolution with its electronic engine makes it more attractive. There is also the O500 line with a rear engine, for long and safe journeys.
Currently, the OF-1723/59 model has a cash price of $34,990. Direct credit known as Credi-Líder is available. (YO)
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
