Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
As another first, Doigs’ two new Volvo B9Rs are the first 12.9 metre vehicles of their type to enter service in the UK. Usually 12.2 metres, the longer length enables them to comfortably seat 53 passengers whilst still accommodating a central demountable toilet. The Esteban Club Irati seats all have three point belts, leather headrests and piping, along with individual reading lights. Passengers also benefit from Carrier Sutrak air conditioning and heating system throughout, as well as a fridge, hot drinks machine, Bluetooth hands free mobile phone installation and a two screen multimedia system which incorporates MP3, RDS radio, CD/ DVD player and GPS navigation system. Equal attention has been paid to the driver’s area which has been ergonomically designed to provide a high level of comfort and instrument visibility.
Specified with Volvo’s highly efficient 9 litre D9B engine rated at 380hp coupled to the I-shift gearbox, the Volvo B9R combines the driving qualities of the B12B and B12M with the full size, yet lightweight characteristics of the B7R, resulting in an economic, adaptable and safe coach and excellent driving properties.
Standard Volvo safety features include Volvo’s Electronic Braking System (EBS), which combines with all-round disc brakes and Volvo’s VR3250 compact retarder to give a rapid reaction time and shorter stopping distances, as well as Hill Start Aid, Emergency Braking Assistance and Brake Blending.
“The new B9Rs will enable us to comfortably accommodate larger groups without compromising on passenger comfort, whilst the stylish design and Alcoa Durabright wheels give our passengers a great first impression,” commented Doigs Director, Iain Forsyth. “In addition, the lighter construction should have a beneficial effect on fuel economy, all of which adds up to making these coaches very versatile which we can use on all types of work.”
Doigs have also taken two new 10.3 metre Volvo B7R Sideral 10s. These feature Volvo’s 290hp 7 litre engine - featuring common rail technology and metered fuel injection - coupled to a ZF six speed automatic gearbox, a driveline combination which offers excellent fuel economy and driveability.
Purchased specifically with corporate work in mind, the vehicles boast a luxurious interior with full climate control, leather seats – all with three point belts – rear servery, rear floor-mounted toilet and an ergonomic, comfortable driver’s environment. Like the B9Rs, the new midi coaches boast a first class multimedia system, incorporating two19” LCD monitors, GPS navigation system, MP3, RDS radio, CD/DVD player and Bluetooth hands free mobile phone installation. One of the coaches will be configured with 36 seats and the other with 28 seats and four tables.
“We’ve always felt that there has been a gap in the market for a really high quality midi vehicle for corporate work,” explained Iain Forsyth. “And with the B7R Sideral 10, it looks as though Volvo have met that need. It means that we can transport our corporate clients in luxury without having to use one of our full size executive coaches - with obvious fuel savings.”
Since purchasing their first Sunsundegui bodied Volvo in 2005, Doigs have been won over by the Volvo/Sunsundegui combination and the latest delivery means they now have seven in their fleet.
“They look the part, which is important to us,” said Iain Forsyth. “They’re good performers, drivers and passengers love them and what’s more with Volvo we get the added bonus of first-class back-up. We’re very excited about the new arrivals and have every reason to believe they will live up to our expectations.”
Volvo’s Regional Coach Sales Manager, Duncan Crosby added, “We’re delighted by Doigs’ continued loyalty and that we have the product range to satisfy all of their vehicle requirements. We’re confident that the new models they have invested in this time will continue to reinforce their faith in the Volvo product and the Volvo/Sunsundegui winning formula!”
ENDS
29th April 2009
Captions for photographs:
Image 1: Doigs of Glasgow have taken delivery of four new Volvos with Sunsundegui bodywork – two B9Rs and two B7R Sideral 10s, their first of both products.