Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
“The style and the handling of the vehicle were impressive, but what sealed the deal for us was the I-Shift gearbox. It’s an automatic with all of the functionality of a manual,” commented GoBus.ie Managing Director, Jim Burke.
“Traditional automatics are not as fuel efficient as manuals, but the Volvo I-Shift is unique in that it automates the gear selection, making the engine more fuel efficient.”
The complete vehicle impressed GoBus.ie “When we first viewed the 9700s, we were hooked,” continued Jim Burke. “We believe the style and design of the 9700 is second to none and the aftersales we receive from Volvo was also a key consideration in the purchase of the new fleet.”
GoBus.ie’s new coaches will be operating on a non-stop direct service from Galway to Dublin City, a journey which takes two and a half hours. The company offer up to 19 daily return services between Galway and Dublin. “Reliability is never an issue with Volvo Bus,” continued Jim Burke. “Due to the annual mileage driven by our fleet, serviceability plays a crucial role in the type of coach we select.”
The 15 vehicle GoBus.ie fleet now consists of 80% Volvo vehicles and yet more Volvo coaches are set to follow later in the year. “The 9700 is the most comfortable coach on the market, the addition of a third steered axle, at the rear of the coach makes for a smoother journey, even on the worst of roads,” added Jim Burke.
Specified with the Volvo D13C 12.8 litre engine the 9700 benefits from the fact that it is a fully integral Volvo coach. Each seat on the 9700 has its own dedicated power socket, increasing the positive passenger experience. The coaches also feature Wi-Fi, TV, onboard toilet and eight camera CCTV recording systems.
“We continuously liaise with Volvo Coach Sales and Product Director, Ian Downie for our specific requirements. In fact some of the product enhancements that were suggested by GoBus.ie on the 9700 coach model have been taken on board by the Volvo designers at their factory in Poland,” concluded Jim Burke.
“GoBus.ie took delivery of four new 9700s and they’ve been delighted with the performance of the vehicles and the service from Volvo Bus, explained Ian Downie. “The company has committed to demonstrating the Euro 6 version later in the year, with the potential to placing an additional order.
“The collaboration with GoBus.ie is an excellent example of our commitment to listening to our customers and enhancing our products further wherever possible, to bring great efficiencies to their operations.”
ENDS
7 May 2014
Caption for image:
Four new Volvo 9700 coaches for Irish based operator GoBus.ie.