Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
Family run Richmond Coaches were keen to invest in a tri-axle vehicle to enhance passenger comfort and avoid weight issues.
“We looked at a number of tri-axles and felt that Volvo’s was the best on the market,” explained Gerry McKenna, Proprietor of Richmond Coaches. “We’d bought a new Volvo B12B in 2007 and have been very satisfied both with its performance and the excellent feedback we had from both drivers and passengers, so we were very happy to buy another.”
He continued, “When we had a look at the 9700 we were impressed not only with its build quality, but the fact that it’s Volvo throughout, along with the luxury interior. In all we feel it’s perfect for our market and you can imagine how delighted we were when judges at the recent Federation of Passenger Transport, Northern Ireland (FPTNI) awards named it Best New Coach in the nine metre plus category!”
Specified with Volvo’s DH12E 12.1 litre engine rated at 460hp and the I-Shift gearbox, the 9700 Prestige Plus benefits from independent front suspension, disc brakes and the latest generation of Electronic Braking System, facilitating smooth braking and excellent road holding for a comfortable, safe journey.
The new vehicle incorporates Volvo’s latest safety features including preventative measures such as all round electronic disc brakes and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP); and protective initiatives to minimise injuries like Front Under-run Protection System (FUPS) which prevents a car from becoming wedged under the coach in the event of a frontal collision, Front Impact Protection System (FIPS) and Knee Impact Protection System (KIPS).
Both driver and passengers benefit from the 9700’s design. The driveline and vehicle’s handling contribute to a pleasurable overall driving experience, whilst the ergonomic driver’s area has been designed specifically to make the driver’s role more comfortable, easy and enjoyable too.
The 53 leather trimmed seats all have three point seat belts and the vehicle’s theatre-style flooring ensures that all passengers have excellent viewing; and the climate control, servery, toilet and Volvo Sound & Vision entertainment system – comprising CD, DVD player and TFT monitors – mean that every comfort is guaranteed.
In addition to luxury touring holidays, the new vehicle will be used for a number of key corporate and government contracts throughout Ireland.
“The nature of our work means our passengers are used to high standards and we really aim to impress them,” said Gerry McKenna. “And what better way to do that than to opt for the best on the market!”
Volvo Bus Regional Coach Sales Manager, Duncan Crosby added, “We are delighted that Richmond are so pleased with their new 9700 Prestige Plus and that it helped scoop them Best New Coach award at the recent FPTNI Gala Dinner. We would like to congratulate them on winning both this and the Brian Smyth Award for Customer Care, during an evening which recognised Richmond as a premier operator in Northern Ireland.”
Founded in the early nineties, family run Richmond Coaches specialise in airport transfers, group travel, short breaks, corporate travel, sporting events, extended tours, day excursions and contract hire, travelling within Ireland, UK and Europe.
ENDS
17th April 2009
Caption for photograph:
Richmond Coaches of County Antrim have just taken delivery of their first Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus - a 13m tri-axle to enhance passenger comfort and avoid weight issues.