[jonassen]

Bus stop in China.

[ikka]

Second, the price factor. Japanese and European buses are priced between P1 million to P2.5 million higher than the China buses. If a bus operator buys 10 units, at least P10 million is saved.

P1Million is roughly equal to $20,000 ; this is the real reason that the buses are selling.

Manila traffic jams make getting out of the Holland Tunnel at 5PM Friday look like a walk in the park. So being able to go fast is not a requirement. Since everyone is going about the same speed, a more powerful engine doesn't buy you much. But $20K USD in the pocket is a big deal, especially in a country where taxes are for the most part, considered optional.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

"First is what most Filipinos fall for—looks."

This is what happens when you overly glorify actors and the film industry (not only the Philippines; this goes for India.... and the United States, too).

[Paul Ross]

They look like they have copied the design of U.S. busses.

Could be a design-patent infringement issue.

[stuck_in_new_orleans]

What drove SUV buyers to buy the earlier Pajeros despite their niggardly horsepower

uh.......mmkk