Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The delivery marks a return to Volvo for BM Coaches who felt that the Volvo 9700 was simply the best new coach on the market: “Our image is very important to us – we run a modern fleet, in which all vehicles are less than two and half years old and the 9700 fits our contemporary but high quality image perfectly” explained operations director, John Laws.
All five vehicles are specified with Volvo’s fuel efficient DH12E 12.1 litre engine – the tri-axle is rated at 460hp, while the twin axle is rated at 420hp – coupled to the I-Shift gearbox. 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 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 three tri-axle coaches will be used on BM Coaches’ European holiday programme while the standard length vehicles will be used for corporate contracts and UK touring.
All five coaches went into service the day they were delivered and the response to date has been excellent: “The drivers love them and the passengers have remarked on what comfortable vehicles they are” commented John Laws.
“We opted for the 9700 because the high specification comes as standard and have found that the luxury aspect is certainly impressing our customers.”
Located just minutes from Heathrow Airport, BM Coaches specialise in luxury coach hire throughout the UK and Europe. As well as airport transfers, the family firm runs a number of corporate and school contracts, sightseeing tours around London, UK excursions and all types of private hire.
ENDS
07 September 2009
Caption for photograph:
Image 1: One of the five new Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus vehicles purchased by BM Coaches.