This is a state of the art concept that should change the way we do coachbuilding for many years to come.
SAE's pdf file is first rate informative.

A move in the right direction to reduce fuel consumption, GHG, maintenance cost and increase vehicle longivity.

Unfortunately, stainless steel + hybrid technology is much more costly and many cities will still buy cheaper buses regardless of the fuel consumed and GHG emitted.

A cafe style regulation of 10 mpg would help to support the introduction of cleaner, leaner buses. Otherwise, purchase cost will rule in most cities.

A move in the right direction to reduce fuel consumption, GHG, maintenance cost and increase vehicle longivity.

Unfortunately, stainless steel + hybrid technology is much more costly and many cities will still buy cheaper buses regardless of the fuel consumed and GHG emitted.

A cafe style regulation of 10 mpg would help to support the introduction of cleaner, leaner buses. Otherwise, purchase cost will rule in most cities.

I wonder if this design could lend itself to climate control via some type of foam insulation - sound deadening material in the body cavities or filtered air be blown within sections or combination of the same.
Consideration may be given to the new bio foams and if repairs needing heat or access would be affected. Stainless is one material that is often very cold to the touch. Reflected light may be an issue for other road users and dull or scratching with age may be an asthetic consideration. Applied coatings or fabrics will play a role. In hot climates it may be that heat could be reflected.
As most powertrains need to dispose of heat, could the body integrate a heat exchanger into certain areas as central heating.
Stainless as a material is likely more cost effective and lower emission than carbon fiber. With ease of cleaning, repair using less skilled labor and predictable ageing, the extra initial material costs should be quickly recouped.
Small boat builders recognise the weight saving and strength advantages in carbon fibre construction result in economic parity in construction costs despite a higher material price disadvantage. Weight savings then continue paying dividends for the life of the product.
The way the modular design integrates weight spreading to loaded corners and door openings using spot welding tecnique is very elegant.
I'm adding this to the collection.

If the use of stainless steel cuts weight almost in half, why not use this type of stainless in a high-end automobile? As with all new technologies, it will be expensive and high-end autos can better bear the cost. It seems doing so, could help improve the EPA ratings of a car quite a bit. After the technique is used in high-end cars, maybe the technique could then be used in more mainstream cars.