Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
Owner Steve Mills explained, “Yorkshire Rose Holidays was conceived as an upmarket brand providing high quality touring holidays for individuals. We therefore wanted a vehicle which would not only be totally reliable but would look the part and add to the luxury holiday experience for our customers.
“Having assessed the market, we felt that the 9700 Prestige Plus met all of our requirements. For example, when we initially inspected the vehicle the overriding impression was that quality and safety were amongst Volvo’s priorities – which are, of course, the same as ours. So we felt confident that this was the right coach for us.”
Steve added, “The Volvo back up was another major factor in our decision making. We’ve already got two Van Hool bodied Volvos in our fleet and we especially liked the fact that this one would be Volvo throughout.”
Their 13 metre Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus is specified with the popular and fuel efficient 12 litre DH12E engine – rated at 460bhp - coupled to the I-Shift gearbox. Enhanced safety features fitted as standard include the latest in preventive and protective measures, such as Front Underrun Protection System (FUPS), Front Impact Protection System (FIPS), Knee Impact Protection System (KIPS), the new generation of Electronic Braking System, Volvo’s Electronic Stability Program and reversing camera.
The ergonomic driver’s area provides the driver with an excellent overview and enhanced control. The instruments are easy to monitor with a comprehensive, yet clear, information display panel in the middle of the main instrument binnacle. The instrument panel itself features gently flowing lines and logically positioned controls whilst large window areas and rear-vision mirrors, with integrated wide-angle mirrors, provide excellent visibility throughout.
The all-inclusive, high specification interior encompasses theatre-style flooring - which ensures that all 53 passengers have excellent viewing - comfortable seats, climate control, servery, toilet and Volvo’s Sound & Vision entertainment system comprising CD, DVD player and TFT monitors.
The high specification has been further enhanced to improve the comfort and convenience of passengers. The drinks machine has been re-positioned to provide easier access and to increase on-board storage space; whilst exterior down lighting along the nearside of the vehicle makes it safer and easier for passengers to board or alight from the vehicle and check luggage labels in dusky or dark conditions.
The new vehicle has already completed a number of trips and Yorkshire Rose are delighted with their choice. “The passenger response has been excellent – they just love it,” said Steve Mills. “And we knew it would be a pleasure to drive because of the positive experience of our existing Volvos. I believe that’s largely down to the I-Shift gearbox which, in my opinion, is the best thing since sliced bread!”
Established just five years ago, family run Yorkshire Rose Coaches specialises in corporate work, group tours and excursions and school contracts. The newly launched Yorkshire Rose Holiday brand offers a year-round programme of luxury holidays with accommodation at four star hotels throughout Britain, Ireland and Europe.
ENDS
Caption for photograph:
Yorkshire Rose Holidays have taken delivery of their first tri-axle Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus