M.T.D. – Also called Mao Tze Dun, is the first bus manufactured between 1955 and 1958. It was first built at Vulcan Works in cooperation with URAC ITB, and then the production was moved to Rocar. It was mounted on a SR 201 truck chassis, and equipped with a SR101 engine (or ZIS120), 90 HP. 8 metres long, 85 passengers.
T.V. 1 – built from 1959 to 1960 on the chassis of a SR101 truck. One of the first buses from ROCAR (Autobuzul). It had a capacity of 86+1 passengers. Equipped with a 5.5 liters engine and 95 Hp gas engine from SR101. It was about 10 metres long. Top speed:6 0 km/h
T.V. 2 – based on the SR101 truck chassis, but with a more modern architecture, with the engine mounted on the rear. Built between 1960 and 1968. Until 1962 it was equipped with the SR101 engine of 95 hp, but later was equipped with the SR114 engine of 140 hp. Top speed: 65 km/h and 80 km/h respectively. 87 passengers capacity, 10 metres long. It was available in urban version (TV 2 U), interurban version (TV 2 R), and trolleybus version TV 2 E. In the 1970s, some of these buses were converted to diesel, using a SAVIEM D797-05 engine, or surviving models in the 1980s were converted to methane gas powered vehicles. Some higher comfort coach versions were equipped with 4 round headlights.
T.V. 7/71 R (Midibus) – A mid-sized bus, 7 metres long and about 29+30 passengers, built in 1964-67 (T.V. 7), and 1967–73 (T.V. 71R). Designed for interurban operations, or mountain routes. Equipped with a SR 113/114 gas engine. Top speed: 70 km/h. TV71 R is a slightly modernised variant in 1967.
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T.V. 20 U/R (Urban/Rutier) – A bus manufactured between 1968 and 1975. It is mainly identical with its predecessor, TV 2. Built in Urban, interurban and trolleybus version. 10 metres long, 90+1 passengers. Bus versions were equipped with SR114 gas engine, 140 hp. In the 1970s, some of these buses were converted to diesel, with D797-05 SAVIEM engine. Some other models, were converted to operate on methane gas in the late 1970s early 1980s on surviving models. Top speed: 75 km/h. It was replaced in ROCAR's line up in 1974 with much more modern MAN based buses.
Roman Diesel A8 (1974–78), A-83 (1983–87)
Roman 109 RDM (1976–78) – is a mid-size coach, equipped with a Saviem D797-05 engine. It has a capacity of 37 passengers. 9 metres long
Roman 108 RD – Midsize coach, based on 109 RDM. 7,8 metres long. 37 passengers. Available with 4x2 and 4x4 transmission.
Roman 112 UD – the predecessor of DAC U112, with mainly the same technical specifications as its successor. It was manufactured under MAN Metrobus (de) licence. No articulated version. It was produced between 1974 and 1980, and operated by many transport companies in Romania.
DAC U112 UDM – 27+78+1 passengers; independent suspension; engine: D 2156 HM 81 U – 192 HP between the axles; mechanical gear box, 4 + 1 gears or 6+1 gears; top speed: 71 km/h; Also available with turbo charged 240 HP engine.
DAC U117 UD (articulated city bus) – 42+102+1 passengers; engine options: D 2156 HM 81 U – 192 HP / D 2156 MT 81 U – 240 HP; mechanical gear box, 4 + 1 gears or 6+1 gears; top speed: 71 km/h
ROCAR 211 UD and 211 R – Probably a partially low-floor vehicle from ROCAR (only front and mid door were low-floor) manufactured between probably late 1980s and early 1990s. Built in very small numbers, probably 2, served in RATB for a short time as test vehicles. It was equipped with D2156HMU TURBO 240 HP engine, and had a capacity for 86+24+1 passengers. Engine placed in the rear. Also called PELICAN. 211R version probably equipped with import engines. In the presenting flyers it was also shown with A/C unit. Probably did not enter mass production due to low capacity of ROCAR, lack of investments and researching, but also probably due to low demand and lack of interest from other possible customers. One has the older sign of ROCAR while it was named Autobuzul (a T included in a V, TV from Tudor Vladimirescu) suggesting it was made somewhere in the 1980s or very early 1990s and the other had the name ROCAR on its front, suggesting it was made after 1993.
U312 – 25+78+1 passengers; rigid front axle; engine: RABA D 10 UTS – 245 HP – Euro 2 between the axles; automatic transmission, Voith DIWA D863.1, 3 + 1 gears; top speed: 67 km/h. Many models were also built with manual transmission and D2156 HM 81U- 192 HP, also the 240 HP turbocharged version was available.
U412 (De Simon bodywork) – 25+75+1 passengers; rigid front axle; engine: MAN D 0826 LUH 13 – 260 HP – Euro 2; located in rear hang; automatic transmission, Voith DIWA D851.2, 3 + 1 gears; top speed: 75 km/h. However, some models were also delivered with manual transmission.
Rocar U512 – a single vehicle was seen (and probably the only one built) and sold to a particular customer (unknown if more than one were built). It was powered by a MAN engine, identical to Rocar 412, but 230 hp, according to front badge. Unknown whether it was equipped with manual or automatic transmission. It was probably a prototype, however it resembles closely a De Simon. Painted in yellow and white. The rest of the bodies were used probably for E512 trolleybus counterpart. Totally 10 "512 type" ROCAR's are known to be built, 1 bus and 9 trolleybuses
Rocar 612U – Only one vehicle built, with Mercedes-Benz motor.
Rocar Solaris Urbino (Rocar 712) – Romanian version of Solaris Urbino that was to be assembled by ROCAR; it is rumoured that Urbino series was going to be coded by ROCAR as 712 series. The buses were to be sent as CKD kits from Poland, and assembled by ROCAR, to be used as bus and trolleybus, but cooperation eventually failed shortly before ROCAR went bankrupt. Only one vehicle named ROCAR SOLARIS URBINO ever existed but unknown whether it was assembled by ROCAR or assembled in Poland and only badged ROCAR. It is rumored that this series was to be named 712, in ROCAR code. It never entered into series or mass production, as ROCAR went bankrupt.
Rocar U812 – built under licence from Autodromo, of Italy. It was the only low-floor bus made by Rocar which entered in regular service. Only one was built, number in RATB #98. It was built in 1998. It was not assembled in series, probably due to low capacity, high costs and lack of interest from potential customers (public transport companies mainly). It is equipped with MAN engine D 0826 LUH 13 – 260 HP – Euro 2 found on De Simon U260, located in rear. Transmission is Voith DIWA D851.2, 3 + 1 gears, automatic. 25+82+1 places, 108 passengers in total. Still in use at RATB, along with Mercedes Citaro. Painted in red. This bus was presented at SAB (Automobile show of Bucharest) in 1998. It was also built as trolleybus.
Intercity buses & coaches
Roman/Rocar 111/112 RD/RDT (MAN Metrobus licence) – 43+(27 for I 111)+1 seats; engine options: D 2156 HM 81 U – 192 HP (I 111 only) / D 2156 MT 85 U – 240 HP / D 2156 MTN 8 – 256 HP; mechanical gear box, 5 + 1 gears; top speed: 110 km/h
Rocar 311 – powered by homemade and foreign-made engines – Euro 1 & 2; 43+1 seats; engine: Mercedes-Benz OM 442 A – 340 HP; mechanical gear box, 6 + 1 gears; top speed: 110 km/h
Trolleybuses
T12 (1955–58) – reconstructed version of old trolleybuses.
T.V. 2E; T.V. 20E – Mainly the same vehicle, however different in appearance. Built between 1958 and 1968 (TV 2E) and 1968 and 1975 (TV20E). Were replaced starting in 1974 by more modern MAN based vehicles. Their technical specifications are mainly the same, but they are different in the exterior aspect. Both were 10 metres long, 87+1(T.V. 2E) passengers or 90+1(T.V. 20E) passengers capacity including the driver, 2 doors, and a 75 kW motor; top speed was 40–45 km/h. Last vehicles T.V. 20E were also built with an 85 kW motor, speed increased to 50–55 km/h. However, they were modified in some cities where they were operated in parallel with DAC 112 E ROMANIA, with 125 kW motors. It was not equipped with pneumatic suspension, it was instead equipped with leaf springs and 2 rigid axles (however it was built on a truck chassis). The compressor was working intermittently, not continuous, as it was used solely for braking and door actuating. 15 articulated versions of this trolleybus (T.V. 2E based) were also built in 1964 (presumably by URAC- ITB) and rarely operated until 1967 by ITB but withdrawn from service, probably because of some deficiencies, high costs of manufacturing and low production capacities. Named T.V. 2E-A, 15 metres long. About 120 passengers capacity. T.V. 2E and 20E were withdrawn from operation between 1975 and 1982, however in some cities, they continued to be used as service or driver school vehicles until early to mid 1980s.
DAC 112 E ROMANIA – sometimes mistakenly called ROMAN 112E, was a trolleybus based on ROMAN 112UD body. Same technical specifications as Rocar DAC 212E. ROMAN 112 E name is used to differentiate it from classical DAC 112 E. Manufactured between 1975 and 1982. No articulated version. Operated in the past in: Constanta, Bucuresti, Brasov, Cluj, Timișoara, Cities with trolleybus system before 1980. They were withdrawn from service in the late 1980s and during 1990s. Built with TN76 125 kW motor, but also with a lower power version of this motor, producing 110 kW, probably economical versions.
DAC 112 E – Trolleybus version of DAC 112 bus; Different body from DAC 112 E ROMANIA. Same specifications as DAC 212, however, DAC 112E was one of the first models, usually low height. It was available both with TN76 125 kW and TN81 150 kW motor, but also a 110 kW economical version was available. Pneumatic suspension. DAC 112 E were built in fewer exemplars than DAC 117 E which had a higher demand. Some 117E were transformed in 112 E. Some of these busses were having a contact and relays big box behind the driver, but these models were rare, however causing crowding between passengers. Top speed: 60 km/h. As a result of the harsh economy in the period it was manufactured, some of these models were not fitted with power steering, although originally designed to have power steering. Some of them were retrofitted with power steering after 1990.
DAC 117 E/EA – Articulated, 17 m version of DAC 112E. First models were equipped with TN76 125 kW motor, but also TN81 150 kW versions existed. No 110 kW motor fitted. Many of them were low height. 36+112+1 passengers. Pneumatic suspension Some of them were later fitted with electronic choppers. Some of them were fitted with 180 KW motors, but these were modified at the owning garage, the motor being imported. Slightly lower number of passengers, because many of these vehicles were having a big contacts and relays box inside the saloon behind the driver. This is one of the particularities of DAC 117 which makes it easy identifiable. However, this big contact and relays box was also specific to some DAC 217, but to a lower extent. Top speed: 55–60 km/h. As a result of the harsh economy in the period it was manufactured, some of these models were not fitted with power steering, although originally designed to have power steering. Some of them were retrofitted with power steering after 1990.
DAC 122E or 123E – Double-articulated trolleybus based on DAC 117E. It could transport more than 170 passengers. To be mentioned that this vehicle was built by URAC RATB ITB, not by ROCAR (ex Autobuzul)! It was built by adding another section between the first and the last section of the vehicle. It was a prototype, but was operated by ITB (later RATB) under the number #7091. However, take into account that the name DAC 122 or 123E is not official, it is simply derived from DAC 117 ( 17 metres versions) and DAC 122/123 was 22 or 23 metres long ! It was built in the early 1980s and operated until late 1990s even early 2000s. Only one was built although some more were to be built, but the project was abandoned due to the multitude of disadvantages of this vehicle (difficult to be driven, low power of the motor – the TN76 125 kW from early 117E, low speed) and higher costs, its only main advantages being high number of passengers to be transported.
212E – (single trolleybus with logical control unit) – 28+64+1 passengers; motor: TN 76 – 125 kW; top speed: 60 km/h. Versions with TN81 150 kW motor also existed.
217E – (articulated trolleybus) – 39+117+1 passengers; motor: TN 81 – 150 kW; top speed: 60 km/h. Similar in appearance with DAC 117, but it was taller. Also available with chopper.
312E – single trolleybus with chopper); 26+69+1 passengers; motor: TN 76 – 125 kW; top speed: 60 km/h. Used in: Cluj, Iasi (1 vehicle numbered 512), Bucharest (2 vehicles 7447 and 7448), Timișoara.
Rocar 317EC – It is not the articulated version of ROCAR 312 E as many will suppose, it is in fact very similar in appearance with DAC 117E and 217E, but it is a taller model like 217. It is equipped with 150 kW engine TN96 and, usually, chopper and thyristors. Has the same number of passengers as 117 and 217. Many went to export, however, a few were used in Romania. Built after 1990 usually. Top speed: 60 km/h. It can be identified as having a slightly thicker second pillar on the left side near by the driver on the saloon side and the second thicker pillar after the articulation.
DAC 318ET – A trolleybus with 2 motors TN 76 – 125 kW and 2 motor axles, one behind and one in the front of the articulation. Only built as prototype. 18 metres long, 200 passengers. Top speed 60 km/h.
412E (single trolleybus with chopper, traction motor located in overhang) – 25+68+1 passengers; motor: TN 96R – 150 kW; top speed: 60 km/h. Also available with AC traction system, with a three phase 155 KW motor, only one built. Used in: Bucharest (7454 and 7459 with AC traction system), Constanta (15 vehicles), Cluj (2 vehicles), Piatra Neamt (brought from Constanta 5 vehicles). Models from Constanta were in fact equipped with rheostatic controller and adapted for 825 V operation.
512E – single trolleybus with chopper, traction motor located in overhang; 20+68+1 passengers; motor: TN 76 – 125 kW; top speed: 60 km/h. Used only in Bucharest. Not any more in use. Numbered 7449-7453 and 7455-7458. Only 9 vehicles built. There was also a single U512 Bus.
Rocar 812E – Low-floor trolleybus, made in 1998. It was the only low-floor trolleybus from Rocar to enter in regular service. It belongs to RATB and it is numbered #7460. Like U812, its bus counterpart, it was made under Autodromo licence. Among its particularities were AC traction, with alternating current motor, frequency converter-inverter. The electronic traction equipment was made by KIEPE ELECTRIC. The entire vehicle is assembled by Rocar. 155 KW alternating current, three-phase motor, top speed 58 km/h. Same specifications as U812 regarding passengers number. Was painted in orange.
Light commercial vehicles and minibuses
T.V. 33 – F-vans / M-minibuses / C-pick-ups / A-chassis / FA-workshop vans / S-ambulances; up to 14+1 seats (for minibuses); g.v.w.: 3350 kg / payload: 1200–1400 kg; engine options: ARO D 127 – 68 HP – Diesel / ARO L 25 – 83 HP – gasoline; mechanical gear box, 4 or 5 + 1 gears; traction options: 4 x 2 and 4 x 4; top speed: 100 km/h
T.V. 40 – F-vans / M-minibus / C-pick-ups / A-chassis / I- frigorific vehicles / CD-double cab pick-ups; up to 14+1 seats (for minibuses); g.v.w.: 4000 kg / payload: 1200–1800 kg; engine options: ARO D 127 – 68 HP – Diesel / ANDORIA – 90 HP – Diesel – Euro 2; Renault – 106 HP – Diesel – Euro 2; mechanical gear box, 4 or 5 + 1 gears; rear axle with twin wheels; top speed: 110 km/h
Other models:
T.V. 4/41 (M, F, C, S) – the TV-4 was launched in 1959, based on an IMS chassis, and bodied as a panel van, minibus and ambulance. Later on, a tipper was also manufactured, for use by the Bucharest taxi service. In 1962 the TV-4 was comprehensively restyled, using a modern, more angular bodywork. Special versions were made for milk delivery and - as prototypes - as seaside transport. No TV-4s of either kind are known to survive.
T.V. 41 (M, F, C, S) The TV-4's further restyling in 1967 was launched under the model name of TV41. Like the TV-4 before it, it was built on IMS M461 platform, and had a separate chassis. It was available in 4x2 (and 4x4 configuration as TV51), both in pickup(C) truck and van(F). It was also available as a minibus with 9 seats (M). It was powered by a M207 70 hp engine from IMS M461. Top speed: 95 km/h, 4+1 step gearbox. Later, many of these models were fitted with a 3 cylinders U445 tractor engine, 45 hp, top speed was about 70–75 km/h, or sometimes with ARO diesel engines, D127 and D27. These models were never built with diesel engines, they were retrofitted in the mid 1970s after the oil crisis. S was the ambulance version, with modified suspension.
T.V. 5/51/52 (M, F, C, S) – Mainly the same with TV4/41, but were equipped with 4WD, 4x4, and higher ground clearance.
T.V. 12 (M, F, C, S) – The successor of TV41 and 51 series. Built on a monocoque body, with the separate chassis design being abandoned. T.V. was an early adopter of this solution, when the TV 12 appeared in 1973. Available as a van (F), pickup (C), and Minibus (M). First models were available only with the ARO L25 petrol engine, but later were produced with diesel engines, mainly ARO D127 and D27. Four-speed manual transmissions. Payload was 1200 kg, top speed 100 km/h in all versions. Towable weight was about 1000 kg. Also available with 4x4 drivetrain, thanks to its ARO roots. Suspension, both front and rear was rigid axle and leaf springs. The model S was the ambulance version, which had a modified suspension and a higher top speed due to modified gearbox. In export markets, these were also offered with the popular Peugeot (Indenor) 2.1-litre diesel engine. In the United Kingdom the T.V. 12 was sold as the "Tudor Panel Van." Between 1978 and 1982 this same vehicle was also manufactured in Portugal in small numbers by the SEMAL company in Lisbon, sold under the brandname of TAGUS GV250 Diesel 4X4 Series a LUV model but also produced the earlier and more successful PORTARO 4X4 Offroad Series since 1976 until the early 1990s. Both of them are powered by original Daihatsu Diesel running gear although were entirely developed in Romania. In the UK they were available by a firm called TVI Tudor Vehicle Imports UK Limited based at Glossop in Derbyshire who imported both ARO 4X4 models and ROCAR TV models sold locally as the TUDOR TV Rocar 4WD Series in 10 different optional versions all powered by original ARO 4X4 2500 petrol mechanicals or else using Peugeot 2100 Diesel engines already fitted with RHD for the British automobile market since 1979.
T.V. 14/15 (M, F, C, S) – Mainly the same specifications with TV 12 series, but payload increased to 1400 respectively 1500 kg. Built after 1982 until late 1990s. Also available with 24V electrical system. Equipped with ARO D27 and D127 engines. Also available with Andoria engines after 1990. On these models, 5+1 gears gearbox was optional. Top Speed between 100 and 110 km/h, depending on the transmission and engine. Power steering was also optional.
T.V. 35 – Was built since early 1980s until late 1990s. It was available in truck version, van version, and 22 passengers minibus, which was used in public transport on lower demand routes, but also by factories and institutes for employees transport. It can be easily recognized by rear axle with twin wheels, it is longer than TV 12/14/15 series, has lower ground clearance. It was available both with 12 and 24 V electrical system. It was equipped with ARO D127 engine, but with increased power, 85 HP. Top speed was 100–110 km/h (depending on engine and transmission). Available with 4+1 and 5+1 gears gearbox. It was also available with Andoria or Renault diesel engines.