Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
First to be revealed on the opening day of the show will be the new Volvo Double Deck Electric Hybrid B5LHC chassis – the global launch of this latest addition to the Volvo Electromobility range.
Volvo has been progressively introducing its Electromobility range of vehicles throughout Europe in recent years, which initially began with Double Deck Hybrids entering service in London in 2009, followed by the 7900 Single Deck Hybrid. 2014 saw the launch of the 7900 Electric Hybrid, with the full Electric 7900 bus making its debut in Gothenburg in 2015.
The new Volvo B5LHC - which has been built to Transport for London (TfL) specification and features the SRM body style developed by Wrightbus – is scheduled for evaluation in London during 2017. Certified with a passenger capacity of 86, the new Electric Hybrid Double Deck has 43 seats on the top deck with 17 seats in the lower saloon to a two-door specification.
Also new and featuring prominently on the Volvo Bus stand is the new Jonckheere JHV2, which is being showcased on a Volvo B11R chassis. This is the latest version of the popular body choice in the UK and Ireland. Displayed in Travellers Choice livery, this is the first time the JHV2 been seen on these shores, and is one of eight B11R vehicles ordered by the long established Carnforth operator.
James Hyde, Retail Sales Director, for Volvo Bus explains: “The new look Jonckheere is the result of a significant investment and commitment from one of our key bodybuilder partners and we are delighted to have it as a key exhibit on our stand at this year’s EBE. It is particularly exciting that we are also announcing two significant B11R orders which will feature the new JHV2 body, from two the UK’s most successful coach operators – Travellers Choice which can be seen on the stand, as well as Park’s of Hamilton.
“Offering a fantastic new and stylish appearance, the JHV2 offers many additional and improved features and benefits for drivers and passengers alike.
“With the B11R Euro 6 chassis, operators know that today’s diesel powered vehicles are the most environmentally-friendly ever built and as well as keeping emissions to a minimum, the fuel economy performance is highly impressive.”
In addition to the new exterior look, JHV2 includes a completely redesigned ergonomic dashboard with improved layout and an integrated I-Shift lever, as well as better access to the storage spaces. Access to components on the front and driver side has also been improved with the reversing camera monitor now fully integrated into the dashboard.
The third vehicle to be featured on the Volvo Bus stand is an open top B5TL Euro 6 Double Deck vehicle for Lothian Buses, one of 30 delivered to the Edinburgh operator. These are the first open top buses with Wrightbus’ Gemini 3 styling and include several adaptations to the body to meet the specific requirements of sightseeing operations in and around the Scottish capital.
Phil Owen, Commercial Sales Director for Volvo Bus, said: “The Volvo B5TL chassis is equipped with the latest generation of Volvo’s electronically controlled braking system which features a number of important safety and comfort-enhancing functions. These include brake blending, hill start aid and emergency braking assistance, which are all vital for passenger comfort and safety on these very busy routes around Edinburgh.
“Specifically commissioned for their sightseeing operation, they have been specified to Lothian’s exacting standards including dedicated wheelchair and buggy areas, coloured LED destination information display equipment, Wi-Fi and a CCTV system.”
The project has involved a redesign of the Wrightbus Gemini 3 bodywork from the ‘waistline’ upwards to provide the natural light and panoramic viewpoints that customers seek from an open bus experience.
Each vehicle is built to an overall extended length of 11.5 metre chassis with single door and a passenger capacity of 95. Featuring under seat lighting in the upper deck, a glazed front section provides an all round view for passengers in the front section.
In addition to the vehicle exhibits inside the hall on stand D50, a Volvo B8R Sunsundegui SB3 and an integral Volvo 9700 B11R can also be seen on the demonstration park outside for the duration of the show.
ENDS
1 November 2016
Captions for images:
Volvo’s new Double Deck Electric Hybrid B5LHC
The Volvo B11R with new Jonckheere JHV2 bodywork in Travellers Choice livery.
Volvo’s open top B5TL Euro 6 Double Deck vehicle for Lothian Buses
Volvo B11R 9700
Volvo SB3
Andy Kunze
Service Delivery Director
+44(0)1926 414462
e-mail: andy.kunze@volvo.com