Abstract: A motor vehicle and construction method for a motor vehicle, such as a bus, wherein fabricated subassemblies or modules are joined using mechanical fasteners to form an integrated, load carrying structure. The fabricated subassemblies are configured to allow substitution of subassemblies with alternative configurations in order to produce a number of unique vehicle configurations each sharing a common architecture. Modular construction techniques allow for simplification of construction processes, reduction of welding processes, and the application of physically smaller subassemblies. Interchange and substitution of subassemblies with shared attributes may also facilitate production of vehicles having different characteristics.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle, such as a bus, using a rear driven axle and having a propulsion unit positioned so that it is not aligned with the direction of travel of the vehicle. The propulsion unit is oriented at an acute angle to the base reference axis of the vehicle. The axle is provided with a driven input shaft that is oriented at an angle not parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The propulsion unit comprises a motor, a transmission, and a bevel gear box coupled to the transmission, with an output shaft that is oriented at an angle not parallel to the axis of the propulsion system. The propulsion unit output shaft and the driven axle input shaft are not aligned coaxially, and are connected via a propeller shaft, wherein the ends of the propeller shaft use constant velocity joints to accomplish a change in the angle of the transmitted power and torque.

Abstract: A cutaway bus is provided with a monocoque body attached to an OEM cab frame having the chassis removed. The bus body includes a horizontal frame to which panels are attached to define a continuous, non-stepped floor for the passenger area of the bus. The floor resides at a lower level than the OEM cab frame. The bus entryway is sloped and includes a deployable ramp for wheelchair ingress and egress.

Abstract: A mass transit vehicle includes one or a combination of the following: floor portions that are angled for creating an incline of a floor of the buss; a door or entranceway that is angle relative to a fore-aft axis of the vehicle; and/or an entranceway that opens a relatively low height relative to the ground.