OnA Customer Magazine The from Corporation Move #2 2010

Presenting the Volvo 9500 – Versatility on the road

The new – the greener intercity bus SAFETY THAT FITS ALL

ALCOLOCKS ARE NOT ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE ASSEMBLY LINE. NOW YOU CAN EXTEND THIS SAFETY MEASURE TO YOUR ENTIRE FLEET. Specifically engineered to withstand dust, vibration and extreme temperatures, ALCOLOCK is compatible with all vehicles.

AVAILABLE THROUGH THE VOLVO DEALER NETWORK

As a leading producer of alcohol interlocks and breath alcohol testers, Alcohol Countermeasure Systems offers technology of superior quality. These custom solutions are fully integrated and designed to communicate with other systems in your fleet, such as GPS, GSM and telematics.

• CENELEC (EU) approved • Compatible with all vehicles

To learn more on how to integrate alcohol interlock technology into your vehicles please visit our website: acs-corp.com Efficient and environment- friendly transport solutions 4. The Volvo 8900 is a new lighter, more fuel efficient and Our customers face major challenges today and in the more ergonomic intercity bus, future. In city bus services, decision makers are subjecting combining steel and alumi- operators to important but stringent environmental require- nium. ments while demanding more bus services for their money. Companies operating services are being pressured by high fuel costs and fierce competition, forcing them to con- stantly try to find more efficient answers. For us at Volvo Bus, it is essential to support bus and coach operators by offering environmentally compatible and efficient solutions that attract more passengers through a 7. The Volvo 8900 is accom- high level of service. panied by a package featur- This autumn at the IAA, the major bus exhibition in ing aftermarket services that , we are launching three significant products that help customers maintain low perfectly match the increasingly tough demands placed on operating costs. operators. Our new Volvo 8900 intercity bus has a completely new chassis built with lightweight materials yielding weight savings of up 800 kg. Two new nine- and seven-liter engine options provide fuel savings of up to 10 percent in a three- axle configuration. A new driver’s compartment increases safety. 8. The new Volvo 9500 Our customers are extremely satisfied with our Volvo ­completes Volvo ’ coach 9700 and coaches, but they have been reques- range as it is more suitable for ting a simpler and less expensive product for other kinds of shorter journeys and line-haul operation. Since the product must naturally live up to the SAFETY THAT FITS ALL services. Volvo standard with respect to quality, safety, design and low lifecycle cost, we are launching the Volvo 9500 with Volvo’s nine-litre engine in combination with I-shift. We know that providing high-quality vehicles alone is ALCOLOCKS ARE NOT ONLY AVAILABLE FROM not sufficient for creating efficiencies. Well-trained drivers and broad after-market support are also essential. Volvo Bus THE ASSEMBLY LINE. NOW YOU CAN EXTEND is now launching a telematics range comprising three pro- 11. Serial production of ducts. One will support drivers with respect to safety and THIS SAFETY MEASURE TO YOUR ENTIRE FLEET. the Hybrid has fuel saving, another will increase maintenance efficiency and started, the bus exceeding the third will focus on passenger and traffic information. Specifically engineered to withstand dust, vibration and extreme expectations of reduction in With this turnkey offering, Volvo Bus gives customers temperatures, ALCOLOCK is compatible with all vehicles. fuel consumption. all the foundations for conducting efficient and environme- nt-friendly operations that AVAILABLE THROUGH THE VOLVO DEALER NETWORK attract passengers and the best drivers.

12. As a result of an advan- As a leading producer of alcohol interlocks and breath alcohol testers, ced research project at Volvo Alcohol Countermeasure Systems offers technology of superior quality. Technology, the hybrid bus These custom solutions are fully integrated and designed to communicate will know what will happen in with other systems in your fleet, such as GPS, GSM and telematics. the next 2-3 minutes. It can then use the stored energy Håkan Karlsson • CENELEC (EU) approved to the maximum. President & CEO Volvo Bus Corporation • Compatible with all vehicles

To learn more on how to integrate alcohol interlock technology into your vehicles please visit our website: acs-corp.com Volvo Bussar AB Address ARHK6N, SE-405 08 Göteborg, Telephone +46 31 66 00 00 Fax +46 31 66 60 27 E-mail [email protected] Web www.volvo.se

Produced by Roxx Media Sverige, www.roxx.se Publisher Per-Martin Johansson Project Manager Mikael Svensson Advertising sales Maria Sveed Photo Editor Håkan Hellström Texts Håkan Hellström, Tomas Johansson Ad originals Theresé Adolfsén Layout Daniel P Sandin Printer Printfabriken 2010/09

On The Move #2 2010 3 A Greener Intercity Bus ­ – The Volvo 8900 The new Volvo 8900 combines the strength of steel with the lightness of aluminium, resulting in an intercity bus that is lighter, more fuel efficient and more ergonomic than its predecessors. “There are increasing demands for more cost effective and environmentally friendly buses, and the Volvo 8900 is meeting these requirements in every way,” says Stefan Guttman of Volvo Buses.

­­­Text Håkan Hellström Photo Volvo

Across the globe, politicians are making life-cycle cost and this contributes to rials, including steel, aluminium, glass decisions concerning measures to redu- a reduced environmental impact. The fibre and plastic. ce emissions, which affects the bus sec- latest generation of Volvo’s engines “By doing this, we are using mate- tor to a great degree. Bus operators are is highly fuel-efficient and with the rials that are best suited for every spe- required to choose vehicles with lower Volvo 8900, the company has mana- cific functions,” says Stefan Guttman. fuel consumption and lower emissions ged to further lower fuel consumption “It reduces the bus’ weight and makes than before. as a result of the lower weight of the maintenance and repair work both “Volvo Buses is very committed to bus and its new gear shift program. easier and less expensive.” finding new answers that reduce the The weight reduction for the 8900 environmental impact of our buses. Entirely new body compared to its predecessors is 200- The Volvo 8900 is a intercity bus that Volvo Buses currently has two dif- 300 kg for the base version ranging not only meets these demands but ferent intercity models in : the up to around 800 kg for one 3 axle also reduces our customers’ operating , with a steel body, and the variant. costs,” says Stefan Guttman, Director , with an aluminium body. The body structure consists of of City Buses in Europe. They will be replaced by the new aluminium profiles that are bolted Low fuel consumption is the most Volvo 8900, which has an entirely together. The major advantages of alu- important element in achieving a low new body, built from a mix of mate- minium are that it is a lightweight and

4 On The Move #2 2010 non-corrosive material. The front and Great versatility the company still offers the Volvo 8500 rear modules are made of steel, which The Volvo 8900 will be available in with a vertical nine- features such advantages as being easy different versions, providing a unique litre engine side-mounted between the to mould into an attractive design. opportunity for operators who want a two forward axles. The articulated bus versatile bus fleet. model however does feature the new Increased efficiency “For customers who need a bus front and the exclusive driver’s area. The Volvo 8700 and the Volvo with luggage space, a normal-floor Clear visibility is of the utmost 8500 have two different bodies and height version is available at 12.2 important for a bus driver. The visibi- are manufactured at two different meter and 13.0 meter lengths,” says lity in the Volvo 8900 is outstanding, European plants. The use of a single Stefan Guttman. with large window surfaces, three-part body structure increases Volvo Buses’ The 8900 is equipped with Volvo’s rear-view mirrors and an optional efficiency, as the Volvo 8900 now can D7E seven-litre 290-horsepower reversing camera. The driver’s seat be manufactured in both plants and engine. The seven-litre engine is also on the Volvo 8900 has a long list of production can switch between them available in the Volvo 8900 low-floor adjustable settings for the seat and ste- depending on demand. 4x2, which comes in 12.0 and 13.0- ering wheel to be universally adaptable “Our production will be more meter versions. regardless of whether the driver is tall flexible,” says Stefan Guttman. “But For those who need space for more or short. The adjustments are situated the big advantage in a single body con- passengers, a low-entry version is also where the drivers want them. struction is that it makes it easier for available as a 6x2 in 13.7 and 14.7 The new construction provides a our customers in the aftermarket. metre lengths. In these versions, custo- rigid body that contributes to impro- “Mechanics only have to be familiar mers can choose between the seven- ved drivability for the driver and a high with one version and the number of litre and a nine-litre engine rated at level of comfort for the passengers. spare parts that must be kept in inven- 380 horsepower. The new construction also facilitates tory is clearly reduced. The advantage “We have customers that are using the achievement of a very high level of will be amplified in the coming years our low-entry bogie bus exclusively as precision and build quality. since we will be using the same body a city bus because of its high passenger structure on several of our city bus and capacity,” says Stefan Guttman. “Thus Vital safety intercity models.” far, we have only been able to offer To increase passenger safety, Volvo Volvo Buses offers a package fea- our 12-liter engine, but now custo- has developed an integrated surveil- turing aftermarket services with the mers can choose our seven-litre engine lance camera that can be installed in Volvo 8900 that helps customers instead, which results in significantly all versions of the Volvo 8900. Volvo maintain low operating costs. reduced fuel consumption.” Buses has also developed an alcohol “This makes it easier for customers lock that is specifically designed for to purchase everything they need in Outstanding visibility bus traffic. The engine can be started one package together with the bus, in The Volvo 8900 will not be available as without a breathalyzer, but the brakes addition to which it is financially bene- an articulated bus, although for custo- remain locked if the driver who takes ficial,” says Stefan Guttman. mers requiring this type of intercity bus, the breathalyzer test is inebriated.

On The Move #2 2010 5 ZF technology – the intelligent choice. Because EcoLife brings a boost.

Come and visit us from September 23 - 30, 2010 at the IAA in Hanover, Germany www.zf.com Hall 17, Booth B17

Lower costs, higher performance – with EcoLife, you will defy any crisis. This completely redesigned automatic cuts operating costs thanks to improved fuel efficiency and a significantly longer service life. Furthermore, TopoDyn Life software reduces overall consumption and a primary retarder enables wear-free braking. And the environment? EcoLife protects natural resources, cuts exhaust emissions, reduces particulate emissions – and it is quieter, too. EcoLife. An economic breakthrough.

Driveline and Chassis Technology The new Volvo 8900 is accom- panied by a package featuring aftermarket services that helps customers maintain low opera- ting costs. “This makes it easier for operators to purchase everyth- ing they need together with the bus, in addition to which it is financially beneficial,” says Stefan Heuman of Volvo Buses.

­­­Text Håkan Hellström Photo Volvo

Package for lowering operating costs “We offer two versions of the package, buses always are in the best condition, The extended body warranty inclu- one standard version including a Blue making the customer able to comple- des areas such as corrosion, structure Service contract. But also an expan- tely focus on operation.” and floor. ded version including Gold Service The range of financing alternatives “Volvo Buses will also perform a Contract & Financing for those custo- features the choice of a financial lease Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis and mers preferring a reduced risk”,” says or an operational lease with buy back Green Public Procurement (GPP) ana- Stefan Heuman, Director City Bus option. lysis for each batch before delivery,” Office at Volvo Buses. “The stan- says Stefan Heuman. “We will have dard version includes a Blue Service Extended warranty a joint understanding of the expected Contract in which Volvo Buses assu- and fuel management LCC and GPP performance. This will mes responsibility for regular mainte- The package also features an expanded then be followed up after approxima- nance and the customer pays a fixed body warranty, a course in eco-driving tely one year in operation. The GPP monthly fee. In the Gold Service for bus drivers and a telematics sys- helps the operator to comply with new Contract, Volvo Buses also is respon- tem that enables the tracking of fuel EU legislation.” sible for all repair work and associated consumption by the bus and driver. “This package is designed exclu- spare parts.” Drivers with unusually high fuel sively for the Volvo 8900, providing “The service contracts provide a big consumption can be monitored and an easy and care free ownership,” says advantage for the customers, as they at trained to conserve fuel and the envi- Stefan Heuman. “The focus on Life all times know the cost of maintenance ronment. The overall training package Cycle costs and fuel management are in advance,” adds Stefan Heuman. “It is tailor made to both reduce fuel con- specifically aimed at maintaining low also means that Volvo ensures that the sumption and environmental impact. operating costs for the customer.”

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On The Move #2 2010 7

åmåls_stålkonstr 54399.indd 1 09-10-02 08.45.45 The Volvo 9500 – A versatile coach for a demanding market

8 On The Move #2 2010 Last year, Volvo Buses introduced enhanced versions of their award-win- ning coach models and Volvo 9900. Now the time has come The Volvo 9500 for a brand new coach model to hit the European market, the Volvo 9500. “The 9500 will complete our range of coaches and definitely improve – A versatile coach our offer in this expanding segment of the market,” says Mike Ball of Volvo Buses.

­­­Text Håkan Hellström Photo Volvo for a demanding market The Volvo 9500 was first exhibited on the but has at the same time some unique fea- IAA Commercial Vehicle Trade Fair in tures, adopted for its versatility,” says Arne Hannover in September 2010 and the first Sehlman. coaches will be available on the market at One example, while the Volvo 9500 the beginning of 2011. upholds the Volvo trademark of low fuel “There is without doubt a growing mar- consumption and low levels of emissions, ket demand for a medium coach like the instead of carrying a 13-litre engine like Volvo 9500, and it will improve our comple- the two other coach models, it is equipped te coach model range,” says Mike Ball, Vice with a 9-litre six-cylinder diesel engine. President Coach Business Region Europe. The Volvo 9500 is 12.3 metres long High torque and will seat 49 to 55 passengers, depen- The 9-litre engine features an overhead ding on its layout. camshaft, four valves­ per cylinder, unit “One of the main advantages of the injectors and a single one-piece cylin- Volvo 9500 is its integral design between der head. An efficient combustion pro- body and chassis, which is paramount for cess together with after treatment of the safety, durability and residual value of the exhaust gases using SCR (Selective the coach,” says Arne Sehlman, Director for Catalytic Reduction) technology means Coach Support Office at Volvo Polska in the engine is environmentally optimised , where the coach will be assembled. and approved according to the EU’s Euro 5 emissions norms. The 9-litre engine Full Volvo support develops high torque at low revs, giving The Volvo 9700 and Volvo 9900 have the engine excellent low-rev pulling power. been noted for their excellence for many In combination with a wide rev range, years and are very successful in their mar- this gives the engine good driveability and ket, combining low operational costs with power that is always available. both reliability and comfort. As for the Volvo 9700 and Volvo “The Volvo 9500 will continue in this 9900, the Volvo 9500 comes with Volvo’s tradition, but is more suitable for shorter I-Shift, a 12-speed manual gearbox with an journeys and line-haul services,” says Arne automated gear-changing system offering Sehlman. high driving and ride comfort and excel- “The Volvo 9500 will be accompanied lent fuel economy. The transmissions are by the same excellent aftermarket offer, carefully designed to allow the engine to including financing and service contracts,” deliver power under optimised conditions. he says. “As a complete Volvo coach it will have the full support of the Volvo Service Matches our core values Network, which will no doubt maximize Some details of the exterior of the Volvo the residual value of the coach.” 9500 differ from the two other coach The basic design of the Volvo 9500 models, for example the appearance of the that was presented at the IAA Fair can be headlights. tailor made for the customer’s specification. “But the visible differences is minor,” “There are a number of comfort options says Arne Sehlman. “This is a 100 per to the Volvo 9500’s basic design, such as cent Volvo product that matches our core audio/video, toilet and coffeemaker. Our values of Safety, Quality and Care for the customers will find a number of various Environment.” specification combinations, in order to opti- mise the coach for their specific operation.”

9-litre engine “The Volvo 9500 shares many characteris- tics with the Volvo 9700 and Volvo 9900,

On The Move #2 2010 9 Sikkens Autocoat BT: the shortcut to paintshop profitability Our high performance, cost saving, VOC compliant system

AKZO NOBEL CAR REFINISHES www.sikkenscv.com Serial production started of the hybrid bus Serial production of the Volvo 7700 Hybrid has begun, thereby meeting the market’s increasing demand for a city bus with groundbreaking hybrid technology. “The 7700 Hybrid has so far surpassed both our own and our customers’ expectations in reduction of fuel consumption,” says Edward Jobson, Environmental Manager of Volvo Buses. The hybrid bus will reduce fuel consumption by up to 35 per cent and carbon emissions by an equal amount.

­­­Text Håkan Hellström Photo Volvo

The serial production of the Volvo start,” says Edward Jobson. electric motor that can ope- 7700 Hybrid and the double-decker “Reduced fuel consumption is rate the bus independently or Volvo B5L Hybrid has started fol- the most obvious benefit but together with diesel. When lowing years of research and deve- customers also report improved the bus brakes, the brake lopment. The 12-meter Volvo 7700 driving dynamics and low noise energy is captured and stored Hybrid bus is now being built in the levels.” in a battery, which then drives company’s plant in Wroclaw, Poland For over a year, Volvo the electric motor when the and the chassis for the double-decker Buses have conducted field Edward Jobson, bus accelerates again. Volvo B5L Hybrid will be built in tests with the buses in opera- Environment A key advantage of Volvo’s Borås, Sweden. in Northern tion and the first customers Director of Volvo parallel technology is that the Buses Ireland will build the bodies for the have driven their hybrid engine switches off automati- double-deckers. buses in normal traffic for some time. cally at bus stops. The bus then restarts “The market interest has been tre- Everyone has considerable experience under electric power only. The diesel mendous,” says Edward Jobson. “So far, of the buses, both with respect to fuel engine does not restart until the bus eleven European countries have orde- consumption and reliability. reaches 15-20 km/hour. This gives a red the 7700 Hybrid, and every hybrid quiet and exhaust-free environment bus that will be manufactured this year High reliability at bus stops. Another advantage is is sold. The only limitation today is our “The reliability of the 7700 Hybrid has that the bus generates significant fuel own production rate, but as serial pro- been very high during the field tests savings regardless of where it is in duction is getting on its way we will and we have experienced very few operation. Many of the older hybrid be able to increase the production rate problems,” says Edward Jobson. solutions are only efficient in highly significantly.” Customers’ experience demonstra- congested city traffic, but Volvo’s tech- Sikkens Autocoat BT: ted savings from 25 per cent on lines nology functions equally well when Commercially viable with fewer stops and between 30 and there is a greater distance between bus the shortcut to paintshop profitability “This shows that hybrid technology is 35 per cent in more congested city stops. In addition, the passenger capa- commercially viable and that the 7700 traffic. There are customers that report city has increased compared with the Our high performance, cost saving, VOC compliant system Hybrid has met the demands of our even larger savings. standard diesel bus. customers. And that the passengers Volvo’s hybrid buses have a smal- appreciate the emissions free and silent ler diesel engine than normal and an AKZO NOBEL CAR REFINISHES www.sikkenscv.com On The Move #2 2010 11 World leading in innovative technology

The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of new automotive and transport technologies. At the centre of this pioneering effort is Volvo Technology, a centre for inno- vation, research and develop- Volvo Technology has performed ment in the group. research on e.g. hybrid techno­ ­­­Text Håkan Hellström Photo Volvo logies for many years.

Volvo Technology has been a part of national projects in certain strategic Dynamic environment Volvo’s innovative and groundbreaking sectors, organized as joint research pro- Malin Persson is currently responsible research for more than 40 years. Since grams in collaboration with universities, for a company with approximately 1997 it has been a separate business research institutes, public organisations 500 employees, working in key inter- unit, primarily working with the com- and other companies. national locations. Most of the activity panies within the Volvo Group but is concentrated at research units at also with and selected Unique environment Lindholmen and Chalmers Science suppliers. Volvo Technology also parti- Research and technology development Park in . cipates in different national and inter- are extremely important issues for a “We are like musicians from around high-tech company at the forefront of the world gathering for a constant jam technology such as Volvo Buses. Volvo session in an extremely creative and Technology provides a unique envi- stimulating environment,” says Malin ronment for the development of both Persson, giving a vivid description of the hardware and software. creative process within the company. The work covers a range of core “We have an extremely dynamic areas such as telematics, ergonomics, environment in which we interact with electronics, combustion, mechanics, a variety of operators. There is a great and industrial processes. In addition, openness between the different areas Volvo Technology offers specialist of knowledge that constantly create services in standardization, information and implement new ideas and where retrieval and operational excellence. we build on each other’s experiences, One of the more prominent areas often in close cooperation with our of Volvo Technology’s work is safety. colleagues within the Volvo Group’s “Volvo and Safety is a concept that Business Areas and Units,” says Malin emerged from the beginning of the Persson, and concludes “Being part company and we now are in a very of the Volvo Group and its constant special position in this area,” says Malin development is really exciting. Persson, CEO of Volvo Technology. Malin Persson, CEO of Volvo Technology.

Join Volvo Buses on Facebook

Facebook is one of the fastest growing phenomena when it comes to social media. It is one of many places where people can meet and interact with each other. Volvo Buses has now created a profile on Facebook where people from operators and public transport authorities, Volvo employees and everybody that has an interest in buses and the bus business can follow the development of Volvo Buses, share bus stories and give their comments. Already, after only a few weeks, Volvo Buses has more than 700 friends at Facebook from all over the world. If you want to have a look at our profile, please visit this address: www.facebook.com/ volvobus

12 On The Move #2 2010 “we recover braking energy and utilise it as effectively as possible” Maria Bruce, researcher and project manager at Volvo Technology Tomorrow’s hybrid bus can see into the future Advanced technology means that this hybrid bus knows what “Our aim is always to make the will be happening over the next two to three minutes, and so it is best use of braking energy. Arriving at a bus stop, a red light or an obstacle able to utilise the energy stored as effectively as possible. in traffic with an almost fully charged The technology is now being developed by Volvo Technology, battery is a waste. Instead, we can use and it may help to reduce the fuel consumption of this hybrid more of the energy stored in the batte- bus, already low, by a further 5-10 per cent. ry just beforehand and reduce the use of the diesel engine, thereby reducing ­­­Text Tomas Johansson Foto Volvo fuel consumption,” says Maria Bruce. Volvo Technology is making still more vehicles ahead and measure their progress on reducing environmental speed under current traffic conditions, Major opportunities impact. Software which calculates what which may differ from the speed limit From initially having carried out traffic situations the bus will encounter for the road. Thus the information research work in an advanced simula- over the next two to three minutes is from the scanners corresponds to the tion environment, the team has now being developed by a research project dynamic traffic flow and complements switched to practical testing using one which forms part of the major EU pro- the statistical information provided by of the first hybrid buses manufactured ject titled Highly Automated Vehicles GPS and mapping data,” Maria Bruce by Volvo. for Intelligent Transport. points out. Both this and other parts of the “With the help of this information, The colour camera is used to tell extensive EU project will be ready to we can control the hybrid system so what colours the traffic lights are ahead. present at the Volvo Proving Ground that we recover braking energy and in Hällered outside Gothenburg in the utilise it as effectively as possible,” says Differentiates driving styles summer of 2011. Maria Bruce, researcher and project However, there are other components “Everything is going according to manager at Volvo Technology. to be taken into account as well. schedule, and things are looking good. “The driving styles of drivers can But that said, I would not venture to Reads the traffic differ widely. The new software also say that these buses will be immediate The information is produced by means has to be able to work out how dif- commercial successes. A lot depends of GPS and map data, among other ferent drivers drive and take this into on the development of costs in respect things. Fixed parameters are recorded account in its calculations. of both components and fuel,” says here such as road incline, corners, All information is then used to Maria Bruce. speed limits, bus stops, traffic lights calculate the distribution of power bet- “But I can see major opportunities and suchlike. ween the diesel engine and the electric for this bus in the future, not least on The bus also comes equipped with motor. The system also controls the set routes in urban traffic.” two laser scanners and a colour camera. gearbox as required so that the right “These scanners read data on gear is always selected.

On The Move #2 2010 13 The future is electric An increasing urgency for greener modes of public transport has seen the electric bus take centre stage as a potential transport solution, and China is one of the strongest contenders in taking advantage of the technological progress. This year’s Shanghai World Expo has offered a perfect example of the versatility and capacity of electric buses. Volvo Buses’ joint-venture company, Sunwin Bus, has delivered 156 electric buses to the expo area.

­­­Text Håkan Hellström Photo Sunwin

The City of Shanghai has made major “The transport sector in China is real- Expo since the test operations began investment in modernizing and stream- ly transforming rapidly at the moment, in April. All buses at the Expo use lining its public transport prior to the and electric vehicles play an important clean energy technologies and the World Expo. It involved raising the role in this revolution,” says Lars-Olof event is serving as a test before the standard of the bus fleet by purchasing Pekkari, Director Business Development buses are put to use outside after more Volvo buses and a strong invest- Business Region International at Volvo the event has ended. ment in environmentally friendly buses Buses. “It is very important for Volvo “Limitations in battery technology from Sunwin Bus, a 50-50 joint ventu- Buses to be a part of this process. There have been one reason to why electric re between Volvo Buses and Shanghai is no doubt that electric buses are the buses still aren’t a common sight on our Co. future and thanks to our relationship to streets,” says Lars-Olof Pekkari. “But Of the framework agreement’s Sunwin Bus we have a fantastic opportu- that is changing, thanks to new techno- 1,500 buses, about half was Volvo nity to be involved.” logical progress and recent battery deve- buses, Volvo B7RLE and Volvo B6R, “Sunwin has worked hard in deve- lopment decreasing battery weight.” and the reminder of the Sunwin brand. loping new products in the last 8 years, The cost of purchasing a fleet of and the success at the World Expo is electric buses can also be very high com- 156 electric buses proof that the electric buses have a pared to a diesel fleet. However the run- Sunwin Bus delivered 156 electric buses, future in the streets of Shanghai and ning costs have potential to be far lower 120 featuring motors powered by onboard anywhere else.” and developers’ sights are pointing in the batteries and 36 equipped with super right direction to evolve the electric bus capacitors that are rapidly charged when Technological progress still further for its role in the future. the buses halt at bus stops, as well as 150 According to Zhou Huai, deputy “And for the time being, Volvo’s hybrid buses. Sunwin Bus developed the director with the Urban Transport hybrid buses offers a excellent way to technologies in cooperation with the other Management Bureau, there have use environmentally friendly techno- part owner in the company, Shanghai been very few problems with any logy,” says Lars-Olof Pekkari. Automotive Industry Corporation. of the new-energy vehicles at the

Volvo Buses has received an Order for 1,000 Volvo order for 1,000 Volvo B7RLE bus chassis to Panama City. buses to Panama City Low fuel consumption and a high level of availability were decisive factors in the customer’s decision to purcha- se Volvo vehicles.

Panama City in Panama has more than one million inhabitants. A major program is currently under way to modernize the city’s transportation system, and the 1,000 Volvo buses

14 On The Move #2 2010 will operate on routes in all city vehicles, and reinforces our leadership in other cities of Latin America were districts. in organized urban mass-transit sys- decisive in the company’s decision to The customer is a consortium in tems, known as Bus Rapid Transit,” once again purchase Volvo chassis,” Panama called Transmassivo and is led declares Luis Carlos Pimenta, President says Luis Carlos Pimenta. “Another by the Colombian enterprise Fanalca of Volvo Bus Latin America. strong reason for us getting this order Group, which owns bus operators in All vehicles will be equipped with is the excellence of our After Sales several Latin American countries and an automated gearbox, ABS and EBS, Services” represents one of Volvo Buses’ largest air conditioning, disk brakes and elec- Production of the chassis in Borås customers. tronic suspension – an advanced kne- will commence this month and will be The order is for 1,000 city buses. The eling system that lowers the bus side ongoing until the second half of 2011. chassis will be built in Borås, Sweden, to facilitate boarding and disembarking The first complete buses will be ready while the company Superpolo, a joint for passengers. for delivery to Panama City at the end venture between Marcopolo and Fanalca, “Our vehicles’ low fuel consump- of this year. will manufacture the bodies in Colombia. tion and the high level of availability “This large contract is evidence logged by the B7RLE fleet purchased of the superior quality of the brand’s by the Fanalca Group in previous years

On The Move #2 2010 15 16 On The Move #2 2010 Initial doubts turned into prai- se when US tour and charter operator TraveLynx invested in seven new Volvo 9700 coaches. “We thought we would have problems, but our ownership of the Volvo 9700 has defini- tely changed our opinion,” says Tim McGatha, Maintenance Manager at TraveLynx. “I would recommend this coach to other companies.”

­­­Text Håkan Hellström Photo TraveLynx “I would recommend this coach to other companies”

TraveLynx has offered charter and reminded me of a BCI (US luxury kind of response and knowledge. It also airport shuttle services in Florida for coach brand).” helps that the reliability of the Volvo more than 40 years. The company “At first we were not sure of the 9700 has been good so far.” headquarters is in the city of Cocoa coach, we thought we would have in central Florida and provides shuttle problems,” he says. “But our ownership The relationship between Travelynx services to and from major airports of the Volvo 9700 has changed our and Prevost was born as the result of such as Orlando, Melbourne, and previous opinion. For me personally the history between Groupo Plaza and Daytona International. the Volvo 9700 drive train and chassis Volvo Bus in Argentina. Groupo Plaza, “We have a wide variety of customers, has so far turned out to be reliable and that has a total bus fleet of 1,750 they range from schools going on field built pretty tough.” buses, began looking for a medium trips to sports teams; from Church out- “The 9700 drives very nice – with size successful bus operator in Florida ings to summer camp trips; from Senior a smooth ride,” he says. “The fuel and ultimately purchased Travelynx in citizens going to bingo to people coming consumption is 2-3 miles per gal- Cocoa, Florida. Groupo Plaza, through off the cruise ships at the port going on lon better than the other coaches we International Plaza Group in the US, excursions,” says Tim McGatha. “We also have. Maintaining the 9700 is are fairly purchased the first two Volvo 9700 provide shuttle services to crewmembers easy with unitized wheel ends. sealed coaches under the Travelynx company when the ships are docked.” components and long service inter- in approximately July 2009, at which “At the moment, our fleet consists vals. I would no doubt recommend this time 5 additional 9700 coaches were of 37 motor coaches, 9 mini buses, coach to other companies.” on order and being built in . and 10 vans,” says Tim McGatha. The Volvo 9700 was re-launched “We have motor coaches from MCI, The Volvo 9700 for USA and Canada in an upgraded version in 2009, VanHool, Prevost, and Volvo Buses. “ is manufactured in Volvo Buses’ including a new, more powerful and plant in Mexico. The engine is com- fuel-efficient 13-litre engine, meeting With the launch in 2009 of the Volvo pletely assembled in Volvo’s plant in the Euro 5 and US2010 standards. 9700 in USA and Canada, buses with Hagerstown, Maryland, USA. The new diesel engine offers impro- the Volvo brand are being sold there The Volvo 9700 is sold through ved power and driveability, but also for the first time in more than 20 Prevost, which also handles the entire consumes less fuel than the 12-litre years. Volvo Bus has been active on aftermarket through the company’s engine. The new generation is based the market in the meantime through extended network of certified service on the winning “Coach of the Year its Canadian subsidiaries, coaches centres and spare parts inventories. 2008” concept, but further developed under the Prevost brand and transit “The parts and service support we and fine-tuned. The concept won this buses under the brand. receive is by far the best in the busi- prestigious award because of the best “Before purchasing the Volvo 9700, ness,” says Tim McGatha. “Their regio- total offer, especially for its outstanding I had no real knowledge of that coach,” nal service team is also by far the best, driveline, the passenger and driver says Tim McGatha. “I only knew it no other coach company offers this experience, and ownership benefits.

On The Move #2 2010 17 Eberspächer 59074.indd 1

FACT | factnet.de w m o c . r e h c e a p s r e b e . w w The markets for vehi for markets The WE R E H C Ä P S R E B E Our product range in range Sütrak, and product Our Eberspächer companies two p the of merging the With O G N I V I R D components. separate artner with a proven track record working for you worldwide and covering the entire area of temperature control. temperature of area entire the covering and worldwide you for working record track proven a with artner ur customers increasingly want a complete solution from one source for the temperature control of their vehi their of control temperature the for source one from solution complete a want increasingly customers ur TURN TURN F O Y T I L I B O M E H T K A R T Ü S cl cl udes ever udes TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE e heaters and ai and heaters e

| ything from heating and c and heating from ything S U B W O R R O M O T r- C A conditioning in the bus sector are gr are sector bus the in conditioning S M E T S Y S INTO INTO lim ate ate control in buses and special vehi special and buses in control you now have a competent and experience and competent a have now you MOBILE MOBILE ow ing ing cl oser together all the time. the all together oser CLIMATE cl es to specific to es 10-08-30 10.05.55 cl d es

. factnet.de | ACT F Unique double-decker buses for Doigs Doigs of Glasgow has taken delivery of a brand new bodied Volvo B9TL double-decker bus. The uni- que vehicle offers the benefits traditionally associated with a Volvo coach, but on a bus chassis.

Specified with 100 coach standard seats, with three point safety belts, tin- ted windows, five flat screen TV moni- tors, soft finish roof and side walls and two internal tables, the bus is of extre- mely high specification. It also features a CD/DVD player; air conditioning and an integrated low bridge warning alert system. Emblazoned with Doigs’ instantly recognisable silver livery, the new double-decker is externally eye- Director Iain Forsyth. “Volvo was the groups, without compromising pas- catching and stylish, whilst the Optare only company who could provide us senger comfort”. bodywork provides sophistication and a with the seating capacity we wanted, Doigs has specified Volvo since 2005 high quality finish. and with the Optare bodywork that and Iain Forsyth explained that it was a As a long-standing Volvo customer we liked. case of supply and demand. “We always Doigs were confident they would get a “We feel the bus is quite unique know exactly what type of vehicle we’re vehicle that would prove to be reliable, because it offers all the benefits that looking for and if Volvo can meet those fuel efficient and long lasting. “The sea- you would normally expect to find on requirements, as they have with this ting capacity was the key for us with a prestige coach. It also allows us the latest purchase, then we’re more than this vehicle purchase,” explained Doigs opportunity to accommodate larger happy to keep coming back”.

Order for 400 Volvo buses to Morocco Volvo Buses has received an to allow private companies to take “Volvo Buses’ success was due EBERSPÄCHER SÜTRAK | B U S A C SYSTEMS order for 400 city buses for over the responsibility for public largely to the fact that M’dina Bus transport, to make it more efficient. In attached great importance to the life Casablanca in Morocco. One Casablanca, the company M’dina Bus cycle cost during the procurement WE TURN TEMPERATURE INTO MOBILE CLIMATE core reason that Volvo secured has handled the city bus traffic for the process,” says Jan Vandooren, Volvo the order is that the buses past five years. Buses’ Director for Africa and the The markets for vehicle heaters and air-conditioning in the bus sector are growing closer together all the time. have low life cycle costs. M’dina Bus has currently 500 buses Middle East region. “The purchase Our customers increasingly want a complete solution from one source for the temperature control of their vehicles. in operation and is now investing heavily price is one thing, but more important With the merging of the two companies Eberspächer and Sütrak, you now have a competent and experienced Morocco has been a key market for in increasing considerably their bus fleet for a bus operator is the total cost partner with a proven track record working for you worldwide and covering the entire area of temperature control. Volvo’s various companies for many with an additional 400 buses, which will during the service life of the bus, and be purchased from Volvo Buses. this is a strong point for Volvo’s buses, Our product range includes everything from heating and climate control in buses and special vehicles to specific years and both Volvo Buses and are currently market leaders in The vehicle in question is the with its operational reliability and low separate components. Morocco. with body by Hispano. fuel consumption.” Morocco is in a highly expansive The chassis will be assembled in Maintenance of the buses will take D R I V I N G THE MOBILITY OF TOMORROW phase, with major investments in Casablanca, as will the body as place at M’dina’s own workshops, but infrastructure, tourism and industrial Hispano has manufacturing operations the agreement includes training of development. Expanding the public there. Delivery of the buses will com- drivers and mechanics by Volvo Buses, transport system is a key step in this mence in September this year and the thereby enhancing the processes in the development. An increasing number delivery is scheduled to be completer workshops. of cities in the country are choosing during 2011.

On The Move #2 2010 19 w ww.eberspaecher.com

Eberspächer 59074.indd 1 10-08-30 10.05.55 finance for the road ahead

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