Volvo 7700 Hybrid – a Natural Choice for Postauto SAFETY THAT FITS ALL

OnA Customer Magazine The from Volvo Bus Corporation Move #1 2010

New 13-litre engine “Driving ability fantastic”

Volvo 7700 Hybrid – A natural choice for PostAuto SAFETY THAT FITS ALL

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The bus sector is one of the most inspiring but also one of 4. PostAuto in Switzerland the most demanding sectors in the automotive industry. find Volvo 7700 Hybrid most Buses must manage everything from intense city bus traffic suitable for rural traffic. for which there are major demands on speed, capacity and environmental friendliness, to the most luxurious coaches with high demands on safety, comfort and low fuel consumption. Succeeding as a major global player means that we must focus on the customer, and use our long experience of bus operation in six continents. Volvo Buses holds a unique position by belonging to a globally successful industrial 8. Bus operator Mikael Group with a distinct focus on buses and coaches. Hellberg likes the fuel effi- We operate as an independent bus division, which ciency and driving ability of means that we can satisfy local bus and coach requirements the new 13-litre engine. in our various markets by deploying the latest technology and through using volume advantages. At the Volvo Group, we jointly develop such features as engines, transmissions, new safety solutions and telematics. Base components are manufactured in large volumes, which lower costs. Collectively at the Group, we also have one of the world’s 10. For 34 years, Reg and largest networks of spare-part warehouses and workshops Yvonne Clark has run a very within which we develop bus centres. However, since Volvo successful bus enterprise Buses is a separate company, we have the ability to inde- in Queensland, Australia. pendently adapt all of that which is developed by the Volvo Volvo B12BLE is part of the Group into competitive solutions for the bus sector. success. In this issue of our customer magazine, you can read about several examples of this process. Our new 13-liter engine, for example, is the same base engine that has been successfully used by the Group’s truck company for several years. However, the version that is used in Volvo Buses’ vehicles is specifically adapted for coaches. The initial reaction from customers is that we have managed to create 14. Volvo Buses in Denmark a high-performance engine with low fuel consumption. And has been very successful in as a result of Volvo’s joint hybrid solution, we are the first improving the aftermarket company in the world to mass-produce a hybrid bus with offer by training and edu our own driveline. cation of mechanics. As President of Volvo Buses, I am proud of the opportunity to manage a company whose sole focus is on creating competitive transport solutions that surpass the intense demands in the global 18. Prior to the 2010 FIFA bus and coach sector. World Cup, several South African cities are investing in BRT systems Two of the three cities have selected Håkan Karlsson Volvo as its supplier of buses. President & CEO Volvo Bus Corporation

Volvo Bussar AB Address ARHK6N, SE-405 08 Göteborg, Sweden 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 Stefan Svensson, Tomaz Lundstedt, Per-Martin Johansson, Cassy Eather, Volvo Buses Editor Håkan Hellström Texts Håkan Hellström, Per-Martin Johansson, Samantha Lenton Ad originals Theresé Adolfsén Layout Daniel P Sandin Printer Printfabriken 2010/06

On The Move #1 2010 3 PostAuto operates the Volvo 7700 Hybrid on rural routes Most of PostAuto’s routes in Switzerland are in rural areas. The company has wanted to try hybrid technology, but had not seen any bus that was suitable for this type of traffic. “However, when Volvo presented its Volvo 7700 Hybrid, we immediately decided to purchase one,” says Werner Blatter, who is a member of executive management at PostAuto.

Text & Photo Per-Martin Johansson

Switzerland is a country of many sym- market are not adapted for this type with EU regulations but also often bols. One of the more powerful sym- of traffic. have domestic regulations that go one bols is the image of yellow post buses “However, as soon as Volvo Buses step further. For example, we imple- against a background of snowy Alps or presented its parallel hybrid in autumn mented a particle filter on our buses flowering fields. This image was cre- 2008 and announced that it was not already ten years ago.” ated from 1906, when PostAuto was only well suited for urban traffic but “If we can contribute to reducing founded. Today, it is the largest bus also for stops that were further apart, energy consumption and emissions of company in Switzerland, with more we did not hesitate to promptly order the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, than 2,000 buses in its fleet. a bus,” says Werner Blatter. and further reduce other hazardous “We regard our history fondly, but emissions by using hybrid technology, a bus company does not survive for Environmental model this will be entirely in line with the 100 years on nostalgia alone,” says He foresees two major advantages mandate given to us by politicians and Werner Blatter, Head of Logistics. “We with hybrid technology; improved fuel residents of Switzerland.” must constantly be innovative. economy and reduced environmental “As Switzerland’s largest bus com- impact. For PostAuto, the two are Naturally positive pany, we have a responsibility and the equally important. However, PostAuto also has profit- resources to lead the way in terms of “In many regards, Switzerland is a ability requirements. The company testing new solutions, particularly in model country in the environmental annually consumes 35 million liters the area of technology.” area,” says Werner Blatter. “Despite not of diesel and it would be important if being a member of the EU, we comply hybrid technology could contribute to No hesitation The company has closely monitored developments in the hybrid area, and “There are two major advantages with has seen evidence that hybrid buses hybrid technology; improved fuel economy can function well in congested urban traffic. However, PostAuto has most and reduced environmental impact” of its routes in rural areas and the Werner Blatter, Head of Logistics, PostAuto hybrids available in the European

4 On The Move #1 2010 reducing that cost. This is particularly ing ten to 20-year period. After which had the bus a few days but he and applicable since the price of diesel is we will probably have to identify solu- about 15 of his drivers had already ultimately expected to rise. tions in which we can manage without driven the new bus and the first “If hybrid technology can reduce diesel oil. Whether this turns out to impression was positive. fuel consumption by 20 to 30 percent, be hydrogen buses, electric buses or “It is not difficult to drive, but has it would naturally be positive,” says another solution is as yet unknown.” to be driven somewhat differently, Werner Blatter. “However, we must slightly more gently, to really capitalize take into account such factors as the Regenerative capital on the regenerative brakes.” higher price of the bus and mainte- PostAuto has contracts with a con- nance costs. This is among the aspects siderable number of bus companies, Bigger savings than expected that we want to assess by operating the who operate routes independently. When Volvo Buses launched its hybrid first bus on our daily routes.” Steinerbus AG in Ortschwaben outside project, the company expected to He is convinced that the hybrid Bern will use the new Volvo 7700 reduce fuel consumption by up to 35 buses will ultimately comprise a major Hybrid. percent in congested urban traffic and share of bus fleets, although he does “It is incredibly exciting to be the by about 20 percent in exclusively not know the exact size of the share. first to have this new hybrid bus,” says inter-city traffic with stops that were However, he does not believe that this owner Dominik Steiner. “My drivers, far apart. However, the field tests that is the technology of the future. mechanics and I all enjoy testing new were conducted showed that inter-city “I view hybrid technology as a tran- technology and continuously learning.” traffic generates savings of as much as sitional solution for perhaps the com- At the time of writing, he had only about 25 percent. “We have only been driving it a few days to date, but initial calculations “initial calculations indicate that our fuel indicate that our fuel consumption consumption is about 25 percent lower than is about 25 percent lower than with normal diesel buses,” says Dominik with normal diesel buses” Steiner. “If we can maintain this level, Dominik Steiner, owner of Steinerbus AG it would be very positive.”

On The Move #1 2010 5 Sikkens Autocoat BT: the shortcut to paintshop profitability Our high performance, cost saving, VOC compliant system

AKZO NOBEL CAR REFINISHES www.sikkenscv.com More substantial fuel savings than anticipated The first of Volvo’s hybrid The buses currently in service have recycled. However, in Volvo’s parallel buses have now been in ser- a saving of up to 35% in fuel con- hybrid, it is only part of the explana- sumption in congested urban traffic tion for the very low fuel consump- vice for about a year. The and a 25-30% saving in other traffic. In tion. buses have functioned well some cases, the saving is even higher. Due to the parallel hybrid, the and fuel savings have been diesel engine and electric engine can even higher than anticipated. Reliable technology be used independently or jointly. This The operations for the first year also means that a five-liter diesel engine Text Per-Martin Johansson Photo Volvo demonstrate that the technology is is sufficient, which contributes to the About one year reliable and the buses function as low fuel consumption. ago, the first field expected. Volvo’s proprietary and highly tests commenced “Of course, the field-test buses efficient l-shift transmission also con- with one Volvo have experienced some initial pro- tributes, as well as the function whe- 7700 Hybrid in blems with all the new technology,” reby the diesel engine switches off at Gothenburg and six says Edward Jobson. “But, they were bus stops. It restarts when the electric of Volvo’s hybrid mostly minor problems, for which engine has accelerated to about 20 double-deckers in Edward Jobson, our engineers were able to find excel- kilometers per hour. London. In addi- Environment lent solutions. “Another key contributory reason tion, two versions Director of Volvo “We currently have a finished is that several of the auxiliary sys- Buses of the Volvo 7700 product, which we have started deli- tems are electrically operated,” says Hybrid were used vering to customers on a commercial Edward Jobson. “This applies to the as demonstration vehicles for custo- basis. To date, we have orders for air compressor, air conditioning and mers during short test periods in some 60 hybrid buses and serial pro- the steering-servo pump.” Europe and in more formal compari- duction commenced in the spring.” Increasingly, scientists and envi- son tests. The first buses ordered by A main reason for the low fuel con- ronmental authorities throughout the customers for commercial purposes sumption and reliability of the buses is world are advocating the importance have also been put in service. that Volvo decided to develop a pro- of reducing our total energy con- prietary hybrid solution using its own sumption. It is no longer enough to Highly positive well-tested components as the basis. only reduce consumption of fossil To date, the experience has been “It was necessary, since there were fuels if we are to overcome the envi- highly positive, particularly with no key components such as electric ronmental problems. respect to fuel consumption. engines and battery systems that “The low fuel consumption offe- “Our goal was to achieve about corresponded to our demands for red by Volvo’s hybrid buses will 30 per cent saving in congested reliability and fuel savings. When we make a contribution to global energy urban traffic and about 20 per cent eventually decided to develop the reduction,” says Edward Jobson. in intercity traffic, where bus stops key components ourselves, we did are fewer,” says Edward Jobson, not have to eliminate any features. Environment Director of Volvo Buses. “Now we know that we can Recycled energy achieve the goal in general and will The basis of the fuel savings in a even surpass it in most cases.” hybrid bus is that the brake energy is

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On The Move #1 2010 7 The new 13-litre engine “Fuel consumption reduced with more than five percent”

“I think the new Volvo 9900 will be a big seller, attracting new customers to the brand.” This strong acknowledgment comes from Mikael Hellberg, the first buyer in Sweden of the Volvo 9900 with the 13-litre engine. “As far as I can tell, the fuel consumption is reduced by more than five per cent and the driving abilities are fantastic.”

Text Håkan Hellström Photo Stefan Svensson

8 On The Move #1 2010 The coach is equipped with wireless network. Mikael Hellberg, the first Swedish owner of the new Volvo 9900.

The Volvo 9700 and Volvo 9900 have It must have something to do with the “In combination with so many been relaunched in upgraded versions, transport,” ha says and laughs. other Volvo features, such as the including a new, more powerful and I-Shift, I think that Volvo Buses will fuel-efficient 13-litre engine, D13, that Strength in service network find many new customers with the replaces the previous 12-litre engine. In 2003, Mikael Hellberg bought his 13-litre engine,” says Mikael Hellberg. The new diesel engine offers improved first Volvo, a Volvo 9700. “It is very smooth and easy to drive.” power and driveability, but also consu- “This was also the first brand new mes less fuel than the 12-litre engine. It coach I bought since I started my busi- Design with exclusivity lowers fuel consumption up to five per ness,” he says. “Today, I have nothing “I also really like the new interior cent compared to the 12-litre engine. but Volvo coaches, and would never design in the 9900; very comfortable consider buying anything else. The with a feeling of exclusivity compared Crazy about buses strength of Volvo is not only the coach to other coaches,” Mikael Hellberg says. Mikael Hellberg was crazy about buses itself but also the service network. We “The sloping window line also gives already as a child; he couldn’t get have a very good relationship with the the coach a more luxurious look. The enough of them. The interest stayed service centre in Skövde.” only thing I think is unnecessary is the with him until he finally decided to Two years after his first Volvo, he separate driver door, but perhaps other make a business out of it. In 1995 he purchased his first coach with Volvo’s drivers appreciate it more than I do.” bought his first bus, a used 22-seat automatic gear shifting system I-Shift. Mikael Hellberg equips his coaches Renault. “I-Shift produces an incredible soft with the latest in home entertainment, “I started to run a bus service for driving. There is nothing on the market and the new 9900 fits right into that local football teams, taking them to that can compare to it,” he says. ambition. and from matches,” he says. “I did Mikael Hellberg has experience “We have for example added a the driving myself and I still do, but of both Volvo 9700 and Volvo wireless microphone for the guide, today with the help of staff and fill-in 9900 with the old 12-litre engine. In a modern DVD and sound system drivers.” February 2010 he became the first in where it’s easy just to plug in your In the coming years, he invested in Sweden to get the new Volvo 9900 iPod,” he says. bigger, but still used, coaches. In 1999 with the 13-litre engine. And of course, there is wireless net- he decided to put more effort into his “During the first few months, work onboard every coach. bus company. we have only driven the new 9900 The driver-sleeping compartment “At this time, I began to transport about 6 000-7 000 kilometres, but it in the 9900 is more spacious than the local handball teams from Skövde, is obvious that the fuel consumption usual, giving the driver a well-deserved who have been very successful in the is considerably lower. I would say it is chance to rest during stops. top Swedish divisions. During the more than the five per cent that Volvo “There are many details on the seven years that we have been driving is claiming. It will be very interesting 9900 that gives it an edge over its the women’s team, they have at least to follow the development of the fuel competitors,” says Mikael Hellberg. reached the final each and every year. consumption of the bus in the future.”

On The Move #1 2010 9 A well-planned journey

In 1976, Queensland husband and wife, Reg and Yvonne Clark, “The Volvo B12BLE chassis was noticed a need for a local school bus service and purchased a very appealing and had more capacity than any other bus we’d seen, but it single bus. 34 years later, Clarks Logan City Bus Service has one was a gamble because it was untried in of Australia’s largest privately-owned fleets and a staff of 176. Australia at that stage. We decided to Text Samantha Lenton Photo Cassy Eather purchase five buses and see how they went,” said Reg. “Volvo promised to sup- “Reg saw the opportunities – he was When the opportunity arose in 1987 port us completely through the trial and the visionary in the early days and I to purchase another local company, we have continued to do so throughout our supported him completely. Pretty soon jumped at the chance as this created relationship. We’ve never looked back.” we both shared a strong vision for our the platform to provide city services company,” said Yvonne. “There was – for EXPO88 and then on an ongoing Fleet modernisation and still is – a huge demand for relia- basis. The acquisition of that company When the Queensland transit autho- ble public transport in this area and not only jumpstarted the enormous rity, TransLink, was established to inte- the challenge has always been to keep business growth that we still expe- grate fares and ticketing systems, pro- ahead of the growth. rience today, but also more than dou- vide better public information about bled our fleet in one step. This growth transport options and guarantee service Urban focus meant that, in 1997, we decided to levels, the Clarks applied for a contract “We always planned to expand our focus solely on urban transport.” immediately, knowing it was the key services to include travel to and from to continued growth. the city instead of purely local services. More capacity “Our TransLink contract drove our Urban transport requires a different fleet modernisation while our service type of bus – one that can stand up delivery skyrocketed,” said Reg. “The “There are new challenges to the rigours of urban routes and as company acquisition in 1987 and the facing bus operators, inclu- many as 60,000 kilometres per year. TransLink contract are the two main “We needed to move to a heavy strategic moves that have seen us ding managing emissions and duty chassis with low floor accessibility, maintain growth at between 10 and ensuring easy access for disab- urban-style seating and better flow for 13 per cent year after year, constantly led customers whilst expe- passenger movement. These new buses adding new services.” would need to be far more durable as Frequency is the first aim of a new riencing significant growth” well as powerful and fuel efficient,” service, followed by capacity, according Graham Davis, General Manager said Yvonne. to Yvonne.

10 On The Move #1 2010 The growth trend continues

“We manage frequency by conti- Volvo Buses has had impressive growth in the Australian mar- nuing to add more buses to our fleet ket over the latest five years. Unit sales have increased by a – next year we’ll have 98 B12BLEs remarkable 121 per cent in the five years from 2005 to 2010. in our fleet including two two-door “From 2009 to 2010, it looks like we will almost double our articulated buses and two three-door ‘super buses’. The regular B12BLE sales so the industry and Volvo Buses sales have never been units seat 55, while the articulated and stronger,” says David Mead, General Manager at Volvo Bus super buses seat many more, increasing Australia. capacity,” said Yvonne. Australia was Volvo Buses’ eighth lar- “In the last two to three years, New challenges gest country market in 2009. we have invested time and resources Much has changed since the first “The big increase in unit sales is into training bus technicians within in school runs in the 1970s. From a due largely to a number of new cont- our dealer network, an initiative that single, privately operated bus with 20 racts, with both private and govern- is now yielding great results”, adds passengers that first day, the company ment customers,” says David Mead. David Mead. now carries more than 25,000 pas- “Our business has changed to a point The sales aim for 2010 is now sengers a day. where there are definitely more custo- 600 buses, more than double the sales The Clarks remain active business mers tendering their business and of 2009. managers, although they have passed Volvo Buses has been more successful “We are well on our way in reach- much of the day-to-day running of the than ever before in winning them. ing our goal,” says David Mead. “We company to General Manager, Graham This shows that Volvo Buses have have a fantastic team and extremely Davis. a complete solution right now with strong culture at Volvo Bus Australia. “There are new challenges facing very competitive products that are This results in a very strong focus on bus operators, including managing delivering efficiency and productivity our customers that is delivering extre- emissions and ensuring easy access for to customers, great after sales support mely high levels of customer satis- disabled customers whilst experiencing and a dedicated and committed team faction and most importantly, repeat significant growth,” said Graham. “We of bus specialists.” business.” take these challenges very seriously and look forward to another 34 years of Focus on aftermarket prosperity.” The aftermarket and our ability to utilise the retail network has been a real focus in recent years.

On The Move #1 2010 11

Volvo Buses wins prestigious safety award

Volvo Buses has been awar- The prestigious Swedish Traffic Safety sible for faster changing of the driver ded the Swedish Traffic Award, “Stora Trafiksäkerhetspriset” in traffic. The technology allows Safety Award for 2010. The is awarded by a number of Swedish the engine to be started without a trade magazines reporting on bus traf- breathalyser test, but the brakes will company won the award fic, transport and logistics. The main remain locked until the new driver for introducing an alcolock, partner is the Swedish Motor Vehicle passes the test. especially designed for buses. Inspection Company. Volvo Buses The Alcolock breathalyser is one received the award in one of the three of many innovations within the field main categories; the category for com- of safety from Volvo Buses. The panies that actively develop products company was the first to launch an and services for transport of passenger enhanced front end structure on its and/or goods by road, an area where buses to protect the driver in a collisi- safety is very important. on, and to introduce a front underrun The jury’s motivation was that protection that prevents a car from Volvo Buses was recognized for pro- wedging under the bus in a collision. ducing an alcolock especially designed for meeting the requirements of the bus industry, including making it pos-

Big coach order in Mexico

Volvo Buses has secured The order is for the Volvo 9700. involved in identifying the solutions an order for 323 coaches in Half of the coaches will be equipped required by IAMSA for its business. Mexico. Most of these will be with Volvo’s 12-liter engine and half These included the specifications for with the new, more fuel-efficient the coaches, financial solutions and delivered in 2010. 13-liter engine. The latter meets the aftermarket support. strict new environmental require- The buses will be manufactured The order for 323 coaches is from ments of Euro 5, which was introdu- in Volvo Buses’ plant in Mexico City. the customer IAMSA, which has ced in Europe in October. In Mexico, the largest bus fleet in Mexico, with only Euro 4 is the requirement today. about 10,000 buses and coaches, Volvo and IAMSA have a close of which approximately 2,400 are cooperation and, prior to this order, Volvo coaches. a number of work groups were

On The Move #1 2010 13 “When the bus workshop is extremely busy we will take advantage of the resources of the truck centre to minimize our customers’ downtime” John E Nielsen, After Market Manager, Volvo Buses Denmark

“Volvo makes a big effort to learn about our specific demands at every service event and gives us fast feedback.” Michael Mikkelsen, Technical Manager of Nobina Denmark

14 On The Move #1 2010 A new level of knowledge – Volvo Buses’ successful way to more effective service

Volvo Buses has made a worldwide effort to raise the level of skills needed,” he says. “But it also education and training among its service personnel. provided you with the tools needed to find new information and knowledge, The company’s facilities in Denmark have been very successful in because you constantly have to keep creating an environment for effective service of exceptional quality. improving yourself. Somehow, the “A fully booked workshop shows that the customers have training forces you into a new way of responded very positive to our training initiative,” says John E thinking that is very healthy.” “The training programme has been Nielsen, After Market Manager of Volvo Buses Denmark. a success, and we will continue to Text Håkan Hellström Photo Tomaz Lundstedt work in this manner,” says John E Nielsen. This particular workshop is the Volvo “The next step was to select those Bus Center in Taastrup in the south- with the highest rating to become Bus Satisfied with the service from Volvo ern part of Copenhagen, situated next Key Technicians, “ says John E Nielsen. Michael Mikkelsen is the Technical door to the local Volvo Truck Center. Five technicians from Taastrup Manager of Nobina Denmark, pre- The Bus Center is part of an extensive went on to the Key Technician train- viously known as Concordia and the network of Volvo Bus service facilities ing. During the programme, self-studies biggest personal transport company in across Denmark, including a Volvo Bus were mixed with team training in dif- the Nordic countries. Today, Nobina Support Center that provides training ferent areas, such as troubleshooting Denmark operates city bus traffic in for both customers and Volvo Bus strategies, service information systems Copenhagen, intercity and regional personnel. and technical knowledge. In total, 15 bus traffic in Northern Sjælland and “The proximity to the Volvo Truck Volvo Bus technicians in Denmark left Central Jylland. Center provides a great advantage for the training programme with a Key “We operate about 144 buses, of us,” says John E Nielsen. “When the Technician diploma. which 58 receive service from Volvo,” bus workshop is extremely busy we “The training not only benefits the he says. “As we don’t have any work- will take advantage of the resources Bus Key Technicians, but also the rest shop of our own, we are dependent on of the truck centre to minimize our of the workshop personnel,” says John a reliant and effective service provider. customers’ downtime.” E Nielsen. “I think the experience has We are very satisfied with the service boosted the confidence and lifted the we receive from Volvo.” High know-how standard of the entire workshop – and Michael is a familiar face at the The level of know-how proved to be will continue to do so. Many realize Volvo Buses workshop, the visits are generally very high at Volvo Buses’ dif- that they are not too far behind those frequent and they are in contact practi- ferent facilities in Denmark, when the who became Key Technicians.” cally on a daily basis: technicians’ skills were surveyed two “If not in person, at least by telep- years ago. Forces you thinking in a new way hone,” says Michael Mikkelsen. “We “It became obvious as their know- Anders Jacobsen has worked at the have an excellent dialogue, as they ledge were rated in a number of dif- Volvo Bus Center in Taastrup for 12 have a very open attitude – both the ferent categories,” says John E Nielsen. years, a tenure not at all uncommon managerial staff and the mechanics. “The categories included general at the workshop. He is also one of the Volvo makes a big effort to learn about product knowledge about body and five appointed Bus Key Technicians. our specific demands at every service chassis, as well as specific knowledge, “The training definitively made me event and gives us fast feedback.” for example about the I-Shift gearbox, feel more confident when talking to engines and suspension. It also inclu- customers,” he says. ded knowledge of the different work- Bus Key Technician Claus Hansen shop information systems.” has been working in the workshop for The technicians were rated from 1 16 years. to 5 in each category, where the vast “The training was a confirmation majority was given 4’s and 5’s. of your knowledge, that you have the

On The Move #1 2010 15 One of the strongest service offers on the market

Volvo Buses is one of the “It is obvious that Volvo Buses not “In North America, the Prevost world’s leading manufacturers only is a leading bus manufacturer, but Service Centers and Prevost service of buses and coaches. But the also a leading supplier of transport and providers also offer a full service to all service solutions,” says Tore Bäckström, Volvo coaches,” says Tore Bäckström. success is not only due to the Senior Vice President for Volvo Buses’ Volvo Buses has a wide-ranging bus itself, as more and more North and South America business distributor network for aftermarket customers discover what Volvo area. “As in other parts of the world, services with servicing and spare parts Buses can offer in the after- Volvo Buses has strengthened its after- distribution at 1,500 workshops locat- market position in North and South ed in over 80 countries. market. America, and is today providing a wide Volvo Service Contracts and Volvo Buses can provide range of aftermarket services.” Genuine Volvo Parts are two more a wide range of aftermarket ”One example is Volvo Action examples of Volvo Buses’ service offer. services in the areas of finan- Service, that offers round-the-clock “Volvo Service Contracts are roadside assistance to drivers anywhere increasingly popular in Latin America,” cing, servicing, vehicle diagno both in Europe and North America. says Tore Bäckström. “Genuine Volvo stics and traffic information This unique service will maximize our Parts is the best way to ensure that systems. customer’s uptime by quickly managing your Volvo bus continues to produce service, repairs or any other issues out top results.” Text Håkan Hellström on the road.”

Service network across North America The Prevost service network services for coaches, buses and motor ses each of its service providers. All in USA and Canada is an homes. The services are available for all service providers are specially trained models and makes. Shop capabilities by the Prevost team in order to meet important part of the Volvo range from routine maintenance and the requirements of the customers. Buses aftermarket services. mechanical repairs to cosmetic upgra- “Both Prevost Service Centers and “Prevost Service Centers des and major accident repairs. service providers follow the Prevost is a full-service provider to “We are in an expansion stage at Red Carpet Policy, ensuring that all the moment, and hope to reach ten customers receive the highest quality all Volvo coaches,” says Guy service centres within five years,” says service in the industry,” says Guy French from Prevost. Guy French, Director of Service at French. Prevost. “We also have a large network Prevost, owned by Volvo Bus of approximately 100 service providers Corporation, is a leading manufacturer Seven Prevost Service Centers are in North America, and it accommo- of premium intercity touring coaches spread across the North American con- dates all Prevost vehicles, including and the world leader in the production tinent, from coast to coast. The service Prevost and Volvo brand coaches.” of bus shells for high-end motor homes centres provide a complete range of Prevost qualifies and carefully choo- and special conversions.

16 On The Move #1 2010 ITS4Mobility – a flexible traffic control system The world’s largest at bus stops that show when the next ITS4Mobility telematics system bus will depart, while on board, there is presently being installed in are electronic displays and automatic loudspeaker announcements of the the Brazilian city of Goiânia. next stop. The system will provide pas- “ITS4Mobility has the advantage sengers on 1,400 buses with that the system can be used for all real time information. makes of buses,” says Per Gabell, Head of Volvo Buses in Latin America. “In Goiânia for example, none of the ITS4mobility is Volvo Buses advanced 1,400 buses is a Volvo bus.” technological platform that supports “It also means that the system the bus operators’ control of bus ope- is very flexible and the telematics rations and provides passengers with solution is highly adaptable for each information at bus stops and on buses. customer’s needs and demands,” he The system gives traffic controllers says. “There is a big interest in tele- the opportunity to monitor all of the matics solutions at the moment, and The project in Goiânia shows that we buses in real time. For passengers, Volvo Buses has the strength to sup- have the skill and capacity to imple- ITS4mobility features electronic boards port customers of all sizes and types. ment even the largest systems.”

Refurbishing gives your bus an upgraded, longer life

The Volvo Buses costs,” says Hugo Gallo. “There are a Refurbishment Centre in great variety of requested jobs, from a Mexico City has become an new paint scheme and upgraded entertainment centres to a new bus layout. instant success within three There have been requests of instalment years of its creation. of a second toilet to a coach, which is “Many of our customers just one example of an upgrade to a refurbish their bus or coach higher standard.” Most of the buses that come in for to an even higher standard a refurbishment are 6-7 years old, at a Before refurbishing. than before,” says Hugo Gallo, time when most operators downgrade After Market Manager of their buses to a lower service segment. Volvo Buses in Mexico. But with the refurbishment, the bus gets an extension of life. “Our customers are companies of What started as a small workshop next all sizes, from single-bus operators to to Volvo Buses’ factory in Mexico has big companies that refurbishes 70 now become a large refurbishment buses at the same time,” says Hugo centre, with 45 employees and several Gallo. “This is a part of Volvo buses hundred buses and coaches refurbished complete service offer, and the custo- each year. mers have been very positive about After refurbishing. “We are really benefitting from this cost effective way of increasing the proximity to the factory and can the life span of the bus and we are provide an unique service to customers recognised for our level and standards all over Mexico. A refurbishments of work and the quality of the end offer significant benefits at much lower product.”

On The Move #1 2010 17 SOUND DAMPING & RUST PROOFING

Auson AB • +46 300 562000 • www.auson.se Volvo delivers buses for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Laser cutting Prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, several South African cities are investing in building Edge bending intelligent bus-based transport systems. Two of the three cities have selected Volvo as its Welding supplier of buses. South Africa is currently the country with the largest

Established 1968 establishment of Bus Rapid Transit, BRT. This is being done now due to the needs brought on by the World Cup in soccer, but this is just the beginning. “Many South African cities have highly ambitious Telephone +46 (0)532-123 60 www.asab.nu plans to solve the current, often chaotic, traffic situa- tion,” says Marius Botha, Head of Volvo Buses in South Africa. åmåls_stålkonstr 54399.indd 1 09-10-02 08.45.45 Two of the three cities that are now building BRT systems, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, have decided to When looking for a partner capable place their orders for of manufacturing motor vehicle seats, the buses required Volvo B9SLA delivered to Port Elizabeth. for the 2010 FIFA boat seats and special seats, as well as World Cup with Volvo Buses. upholstery, look no further than Khimaira Ltd. In Port Elizabeth, the city selected Volvo Buses as its total supplier. This includes the buses – gold contracts As the manufacturer of bus seats for Volvo, Khimaira Ltd has know-how in producing motor vehicle seats that meet even the toughest criteria. that involve Volvo taking responsibility for all service and repair work on the vehicles, and the ITS4mobility traffic-information system. Port Elizabeth has ordered 25 articulated buses of the Volvo B9SLA model with bodies from Marco Polo. Cape Town has ordered 43 Volvo buses for its system with specifications for high floor systems with elevated platforms at the bus stops. This order pertains to eight articulated Volvo B12M buses and 35 12-meter Volvo B7R buses. Marco Polo will also manufacture the bodies for these buses. Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, is intelligent bus-based transport systems with separate bus lanes, buses with high passenger capacity, efficient bus stops and information systems for guiding traffic.

+358 2 8457000 | www.khimaira.fi

18 On The Move #1 2010 On the road with Sky Cycling Volvo Bus have supplied two reclined to provide optimal relaxation selves. This marks a pleasing double 9700 Tri-axle coaches to Team for the riders. achievement for Volvo being associa- Some of the other special features ted with the transportation of riders Sky Pro Cycling, carrying onboard the revolutionary new vehicle and their bikes. riders to destinations throug- include a kitchen, with microwave and Head of Special Projects for Team hout Europe. fridge, two shower units and toilet Sky Pro Cycling team Gwilym Evans facilities. The back office area can be explained how a recommendation led Photo www.teamsky.com turned into a massage suite and there to them specifying Volvo “DHL are a Team Sky Pro Cycling is a British pro- is also ample storage facility. close ally and put in an extremely good fessional road bicycle racing team that To ensure that the vehicle is com- recommendation. We contacted Volvo was formed last year, and began racing pletely geared for rider comfort and and they were extremely accommo- in January 2010. The team has now wellbeing the coach has an inbuilt dating and worked fast to provide us been awarded a place in this year’s radio mast and full Internet access with with the vehicles”. Tour de France. Wi-Fi connections. Mood lighting and “We believe that these vehicles raise Volvo initially supplied two iden- a high efficiency air conditioning unit the bar in the cycling world, they are tical 42-seat coaches that were strip- ensure that the environment is perfec- state-of-the-art and quite revolutionary. ped back by JS Fraser, a specialist tly suited towards rider recovery, whilst We think that having the right sort of vehicle converter based near Oxford, the floor of the coach is reinforced to environment for our riders gives them almost to the skeleton and refitted facilitate the additional facilities. the best chance of success when they specifically for the purpose of car- Also supporting the 25 riders and take to the roads”, added Gwilym Evans. rying and conditioning riders. The 37 staff, combining 13 nationalities, coaches have nine specially designed is Volvo Truck who are providing the The team progress can be followed at Esteban seats, which can be fully vehicles to transport the cycles them- www.teamsky.com.

On The Move #1 2010 19 Discover fuel efficiency

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AD_GreenEfficiency_9700_A4_2009.indd 1 2010-05-19 13:56:02