In February 2025, bus enthusiasts were abuzz when photos of Silver Star Shuttle and Tours Inc.’s (SSSTI) newest acquisition—a Volvo B11R with coachwork by Truong Hai Auto Corp. (THACO)—surfaced on social media. This makes Silver Star the latest Philippine bus company to introduce Vietnamese-made THACO buses to their fleet, following Davao Metro Shuttle Corp. in 2018 and Victory Liner Inc. in 2023.
Expanding the Volvo B11R Lineup
The Volvo B11R is a 10.8-liter engine coach bus chassis capable of producing 450 horsepower, designed for long-distance travel such as Silver Star’s operations. The company already operates four Volvo B11R units, featuring locally assembled bodies—three (3) by Autodelta Coach Builders Inc. and one (1) by Almazora Motors Corp. The company initially planned to expand its Volvo B11R fleet in 2020 with additional units featuring Autodelta-built bodies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the order’s cancellation during assembly.
Pandemic Setback and Recovery
As the transportation sector recovered, Silver Star shifted focus to modernizing its fleet, replacing aging units dominated by Chinese brands. By mid-2024, rumors—reportedly from Silver Star employees—emerged on social media suggesting the company was set to acquire a new batch of Volvo B11R buses, this time with bodies built overseas.
These rumors were confirmed in February 2025 when an employee shared photos on Facebook showcasing the new bus adorned with Silver Star’s latest livery. While interior details have yet to be revealed, the photos confirm a 2×2 seating configuration—a popular layout for buses serving the Metro Manila-Eastern Visayas route.
THACO: Vietnam’s Leading Bus Manufacturer
The new unit is a THACO Bluesky VB120S (2023 model), assembled at THACO’s state-of-the-art facility in Núi Thành District, Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam. THACO, Vietnam’s largest bus manufacturer, has been steadily gaining popularity in neighboring countries, including the Philippines. The brand has earned praise for its quality and aesthetics, with companies like Victory Liner Inc. adding more THACO-built buses to their fleet in 2024.
A Possible Inaugural Run?
In 2024, Silver Star organized an inaugural run and road test for their newly acquired Higer Tourist buses, inviting content creators and bus enthusiasts to join the event. Given the increasing trend of bus companies involving the public in similar events, it will be interesting to see if Silver Star offers a similar experience for its new THACO units.
