HIFE restores one of the most iconic buses in Andorran transport and presents it at FITUR

HIFE Andorra has taken advantage of its presence at FITUR to showcase the recovery of one of the country’s great transport icons: the 1965 Mercedes-Benz O302, a historic bus that has recently been restored and forms part of the collective memory of mobility in Andorra.

The presentation took place at the HIFE stand, on the occasion of the institutional visit of Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Commerce of the Government of Andorra, who was shown—through images and graphic material—the restoration process and the final result of the vehicle.

During the meeting, the Minister was able to learn about the heritage value of this bus, as well as HIFE’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the historical legacy of transport as a cultural and tourism asset for the country.

A symbol of traditional transport
The star of this presentation is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz O302, one of the most representative models that circulated for decades on Andorra’s roads. The vehicle underwent a meticulous restoration process lasting almost a year in Spain, with the aim of recovering its original essence and returning it to service in full operating condition.

The exterior has been repainted respecting the colours used in HIFE’s early days, visually integrating it into the company’s historical identity. The interior has been preserved by maintaining its original layout as much as possible, safeguarding the elements that made this model a benchmark in its time.

This bus stood out in the 1960s for incorporating features that were unusual at the time, such as individual reading lights for each passenger or reclining seats—innovations that represented a significant leap forward in comfort for medium-distance journeys.

A key route for Andorra
For years, this bus was a regular vehicle on the historic Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell route, an essential connection for the country’s mobility. It initially belonged to La Hispano Andorrana, which operated several similar units, although this specific model became particularly well known, even winning the award for vehicle of the year in its category.

After going through different stages, HIFE decided to invest in its recovery and incorporate it into its historic fleet, as part of its commitment to preserving Andorra’s transport heritage.

Today, the Mercedes-Benz O302 is part of HIFE’s classic fleet as classic number 8. The vehicle is fully operational and already has its first service confirmed: a wedding in July. In addition, it will be available for special events, conferences, trade fairs and corporate functions, offering a unique and distinctive experience.

FITUR 2026, an international showcase
The presentation took place within the framework of FITUR 2026, one of the world’s most important tourism fairs, held from 21 to 25 January at IFEMA MADRID, with Mexico as the partner country. The event once again places sustainability, innovation and market diversification at the heart of the international tourism debate.

In this context, HIFE strengthens its positioning as an operator committed to history, territory and the future projection of transport, combining tradition and modernity.