Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The new 9700 is a first for Ross Travel. The Featherstone based operator, who run a number of Van Hool bodied Volvos, saw the tri-axle model at a show and were immediately impressed.
“We liked the exterior styling of the vehicle which we thought was really eye-catching so we asked Volvo to bring one down for a test-drive” explained manager, Andrew Stirling.
“We’re already familiar with this particular chassis and the I-Shift gearbox and liked the fact that this was Volvo throughout. Overall we felt it represented high quality which is always our priority when upgrading our fleet.
The 13m Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus is specified with Volvo’s fuel efficient DH12E 12.1 litre engine, rated at 460hp, and I-Shift gearbox combination. The chassis also 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.
In addition, both driver and passengers benefit from the 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).
The coach’s theatre-style, gently sloping floor and large tinted windows provide excellent viewing for all 53 passengers. And with full climate control, toilet, servery and Volvo’s Sound and Vision entertainment package - which includes first class monitors and high quality sound system, every comfort for luxury travel is guaranteed.
Driver comfort is equally important, however - the driveline and vehicle’s handling contribute to a pleasurable overall driving experience and the ergonomic driver’s area has been designed specifically to make the driver’s role more comfortable, easy and enjoyable too.
The company’s first 9700 has been well received by its existing customers: “We’ve had a special gold livery put on to mark the company’s 40th anniversary so the coach really stands out from the crowd”, commented Andrew Stirling. “It’s now undertaking a range of work from private hire and corporate contracts to transporting the Castleford Tigers Super League rugby team and we’ve had a great response from all concerned – it’s a belter!”
Chandlers Coach Travel have purchased a third Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus. Their latest vehicle is a 12.2 metre twin axle with 49 seats which is now in use on their busy day programme and private hire work in the UK and Europe.
“We already have two 13.8 metre 9700 tri-axle coaches which we use for our holiday programme, and the response from our customers and drivers has been so overwhelmingly positive that we’ve decided to provide more of our passengers with the same luxury travelling experience,” explained owner, Margaret I’Anson.
“This purchase forms part of our ongoing fleet replacement policy, but in this case it is actually a fleet upgrade. The coach is the same very high specification as the other two and we’ve already had a great reaction from our passengers. Add to that the other Volvo benefits including the safety aspects, fuel economy, reliability and the great back-up we receive from Volvo and we’re confident we’ve made the right move!”
ENDS
9th June 2009
Caption for photograph:
Ross Travel of Featherstone have taken delivery of their first Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus, during the company’s 40th anniversary year.