Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The Volvo B9R is the latest addition to the Volvo coach range and makes its debut appearance at a UK show. Powered by the nine litre Volvo D9B engine, rated at 380hp and coupled with Volvo I-Shift (a ZF 6HP602 automatic gearbox can be specified with a 340hp rated D9B engine) the B9R combines the driving qualities of the Volvo’s B12B and B12M, with the full size, yet lightweight versatility of the Volvo B7R.
With bodywork options from Sunsundegui and Plaxton, the result is a mid-range, economic, adaptable and safe coach with excellent driving properties. The show model features Sunsundegui Sideral bodywork, configured with 49 seats and a Multimedia System, including two monitors, multi format playback, USB, Bluetooth, Super Video and RCA. Other features include a navigation system, a refridgerator, a centre mounted demountable toilet and a reversing camera.
With a now established reputation for excellent transport economy and a simple, robust yet modern design, the Volvo B7R with its common rail 7.1 litre engine matched with a ZF 6HP554 6 speed automatic has found an “everyday coach” role in many fleets.
That popularity is set to increase further now that it is available at a 10.3 metre length, exclusively with the striking Sunsundegui body. The B7R Sideral 10 – on display on the stand at EBE - can accommodate up to 43 passengers and is ideal for applications where a full sized coach is unnecessary, or when a luxury corporate vehicle is required and optimum luggage capacity is still essential.
“We felt we had really identified a gap in the market with the B7R Sideral 10 and the enthusiastic response has proved us right,” commented Coach Sales Director, Nick Page. “Operators report that it gives them the best of both worlds – the performance and comfort of a full sized coach, yet keeping fuel consumption and running costs to a minimum.”
Although the mid engine layout of the B12M continues to be favoured by a number of operators, the rear engine Volvo B12B is now Volvo’s best selling coach model in the British Isles. This popularity is reflected by three examples on this year’s EBE08 show stand.
The current International Coach of the Year, the Volvo 9700 to full Prestige Plus specification is Volvo’s flagship coach on these shores. Powered by the Euro 5 DH12E Volvo engine rated at 420hp and coupled to Volvo I-Shift, all 50 passengers and driver enjoy a wealth of features in what is one of the safest and most comfortable long distance touring coaches on the market today.
The premium specification of the Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus has been further enhanced for the 2009 coach season, with the addition of Volvo Dynafleet as standard. Volvo’s Transport Information System, which can also be specified with full satellite navigation module, is also now available as an option on all Volvo coaches.
A second example of a Volvo 9700 – in Volvo Ocean Race livery – is a centre piece on the International Vehicle Stand of the Year.
Back on the Volvo stand in the special show livery is the second Volvo B12B – this time with a Jonckheere JSV body. Specified with a DH12E 420hp, Euro 4 compliant engine and I-Shift gearbox, this 12.20m model caters for up to 49 passengers, with super wide reclining passenger seats. Many other features are also included such as a roof mounted air conditioning system, independent driver’s air conditioning, a Blaupunkt Professional entertainment system including DVD player and a Shades centre demountable toilet.
The third Volvo B12B coach features the stunning new Plaxton Elite bodywork. Sharing the same show livery and driveline specification as the Jonckheere JSV, the new 14.00m Plaxton offers a DH12E 420hp, Euro 4 compliant engine and I-Shift gearbox. With 48 super-wide reclining passenger seats and concealed air conditioning, the inside of the coach has a luxurious feel. This model also offers a separate driver’s air conditioning, as well as Blaupunkt satellite navigation, Blaupunkt media facilities and a reversing camera system. The coach also offers a centre demountable toilet.
“A total of seven body styles are available on Volvo coach chassis for the U.K. and Irish markets, said Nick Page.There are three other products on offer not on the stand - Caetano,Van Hool and VDL Berkhof , with Berkhof having introduced some body changes for the 2009 coach season.
Nick Page added, “No other coach brand can offer the choice of product that we can and no other brand can, I believe, match the quality, durability, performance, passenger-appeal, in-service support and whole life proposition that a Volvo coach today represents.”
As well as new vehicles, Volvo has some special show offers on a range of used coaches through its Volvo Coach Sales operation at Loughborough, with full details available on the stand.
ENDS
4 November 2008
Photographs: A selection of images to accompany this and other show press releases is available for download at the media centre section of www.whenproductivitycounts.com