out of its factories, many of which were exported to a large number of countries, mainly in Europe, Asia and Africa; at times the company exported as much as 50% of its production. One of the most notable models specifically developed for Africa and the Middle East was the "Desert Bus", an extremely rugged construction whose production started in 1963, for long distance travel with cross-country and extra load capabilities (including the capability to carry tons of load on its roof), optionally with A/C, beds, toilets etc. F580 types can be seen to this date working hard in the Middle East. Indeed, the legendary reliability of BIAMAX buses can be testified by the large number of surviving examples, most of them in excellent working condition. One of the most successful ventures of Biamax was the production of Mercedes-Benz O302 and O303 coaches, including variants like the O302S2 type, which essentially was a "blend" of both models. Evolutions after 1980 The company faced difficulties in the early 1980s when some Middle Eastern markets were lost but, mostly, due to the new laws allowing import of used buses in Greece. The entry of Greece to the European Communities canceled the Greek "protectionist" laws for the local automobile industry and the duties for importing foreign vehicles. In 1986 it ceased production, focusing on vehicle import and distribution. Since 1999, after an attempt by Sfakianakis S.A. to acquire the company was not completed (Sfakianakis acquired only the truck and tractor importing division), all trading activity ceased as well; former parts of the company have focused on shipping and other activities and what is left of BIAMAX operates to date as a real estate management firm. The old industry facilities on Athinon Avenue remain abandoned. External links Greek bus builders in Bus-planet.com References L.S. Skartsis and G.A. Avramidis, "Made in Greece", Typorama, Patras, Greece (2003) (republished by the University of Patras Science Park, 2007) L.S. Skartsis, "Greek Vehicle & Machine Manufacturers 1800 to present: A Pictorial History", Marathon (2012) (eBook) G.N. Georgano (Ed.), "The Complete Encyclopedia of Commercial Vehicles", Krause Publication, Iola, Wisconsin (1979) Denis Miller, "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trucks and Buses", New Burlington Books, London (1982) "Eleftheria" newspaper, July 8, 1960, p. 4 (introduction of Biamax R-series) Bus manufacturers of Greece Manufacturing companies based in Athens Greek brands Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1956 Greek companies established in 1956