Kevin Posted January 29, 2007 Report Posted January 29, 2007 It was reported on CNET today that Chinese manufacture AFV Solutions is claiming they can cut the price of a diesel-electric hybrid bus by about half: Right now, a diesel-electric hybrid from someone like DaimlerChrysler and sells for around $480,000 to $500,000. AFV, which partners with China's Wuzhoulong, can make them for $150,000 to $200,000, said CEO Richard Steele in an interview. The company has already sold a bunch of them to Macao, the gambling haven near mainland China, and into South America. I'm wondering how they're able to make them so cheap without sacrificing quality or reliability. Quote
Busjack Posted January 29, 2007 Report Posted January 29, 2007 I'm wondering how they're able to make them so cheap without sacrificing quality or reliability.Probably can't. Also, this doesn't assume Buy America rules (to sell them to the FTA supported market, 60% of the assembly would have to be done in the US), and it is also questionable whether they would include such items required by transit agencies as accessibility, gps, etc. I remember when New York State tried Hinos, and put signs on them saying that they did not meet U.S. standards. Apparently, they also think they can save some by selling in bulk; they claim to be able to make 12,000 vehicles a year, when a manufacturer meeting Buy America requirements maybe makes 1/10th of that amount. Probably a similar deal to buying a Chery for $3600. Quote
RIPTA42 Posted January 30, 2007 Report Posted January 30, 2007 They don't have to meet FTA requirements. Rexhall Industries made quite a buzz at BusCon with its new line of coaches built by China's First Automotive Works. The target market isn't transit agencies but smaller charter and shuttle companies with limited capital. Quote
busfan4022 Posted January 30, 2007 Report Posted January 30, 2007 The target market isn't transit agencies but smaller charter and shuttle companies with limited capital. You can't say they don't target it at all. I remeber seeing a transit bus in the photo gallery. The majority of the hybrid buses are coaches though. Quote
RIPTA42 Posted January 30, 2007 Report Posted January 30, 2007 I'm not aware of any FTA-funded transit agency, or any U.S. municipal transit agency for that matter, currently using Chinese-built buses. Quote
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