Volvo Buses India launches India’s First 13.5m 4x2 Coach

New Delhi: First 13.5-metre 4x2 coach has been launched in the country by Volvo Buses India. They have become the first manufacturer of coaches of this type. The rear-engine bus has been developed on the modular Volvo 9400 platform that also includes the 12-meter 4x2 and 14.5-meter 6x2 configurations. Volvo Buses India is a part of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV).

Commenting on the launch, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VECV said, “The goal of forming our bus division, by integrating Volvo Buses India into VECV is to transform public transport. I am happy to highlight this development as the first fruit from our synergized way of working”.

The Volvo 9400 B8R 13.5m coach is certified for a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 18 tonnes. It is powered by Volvo’s proven 300HP, D8K six-cylinder, direct injection diesel engine. This assures customers of a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio. Ride quality is optimized through the Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) System, while safety is bolstered by the Electronic Braking System (EBS).

The rear-engine Volvo B8R 13.5m coach maintains industry-leading safety, fuel economy, performance, and passenger comfort that Volvo Bus operators and passengers have come to expect in Volvo buses. It offers up to 10% extra seating and over 20% additional sleeper berth capacity with an almost 25% increase in passenger luggage space. Fully built buses delivered from VECV’s Hosakote facility are fully compliant with prevalent CMVR norms.

“The Volvo 9400 B8R 13.5m 4x2 coach is part of our pioneering track record of offering market-leading bus-based mobility solutions in India. I can assure our customers that they can look forward to a broader range of innovative market adapted offers from VECV’s Bus Division, including an Eicher front-engine coach range shortly”, concludes Akash Passey, President, Bus Division, VECV.

Since Volvo Buses established its presence in India in 2001 it has been driving change in the industry, introducing various firsts in India – including the true bus chassis concept, the low floor city bus concept, multi-axle coaches and India’s first commercialized hybrid bus. Over 7,500 Volvo buses operate on Indian roads, providing the best travel experience in terms of safety, luxury, and comfort to people. Pre-pandemic, nearly a million people commute on a Volvo Bus every day – with the bus population having covered more than 3 billion kilometers. Since 2020, Volvo Buses India is a division of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd.

VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV) is a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited. In operation since August 2008, the company includes the complete range of Eicher branded trucks and buses, Volvo Buses, exclusive distribution of Volvo Trucks in India, engine manufacturing and exports for Volvo Group, non-automotive engines and Eicher component business.