Volvo Buses India, a part of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has announced the launch of the B8R 13.5-metre 4x2 coach in India.
According to the company, the rear-engine bus has been developed on the modular Volvo 9400 platform, which also includes the 12-metre 4x2 and 14.5-metre 6x2 configurations.
Powered by Volvo’s 300HP, D8K six-cylinder, direct injection diesel engine, the vehicle is certified for a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 18 tonne, assuring best-in-class power to weight ratio. The company said that ride quality is optimised through the Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) system, while safety is bolstered by the Electronic Braking System (EBS).
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 synergised way of working.”
The B8R coach offers up to 10% extra seating and over 20% additional sleeper berth capacity with about a 25% increase in passenger luggage space. In addition, it is fully compliant with prevalent CMVR norms.
Akash Passey, President, Bus Division, VECV, said the Volvo 9400 B8R 13.5m 4x2 coach is part of the company’s track record of offering market-leading bus-based mobility solutions in India. In addition, the customers can look forward to a broader range of innovative market adapted offers from VECV’s Bus division, including an Eicher front-engine coach range in the near future, he added.