Volvo launches multi-axel coach luxury buses

Bangalore, Oct 13 (UNI) Volvo Bus Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers of heavy buses and coaches in the world, today launched Indian market's first coach with a multi-axel Inter-City luxury bus Volvo 9400 6x2.

Speaking after announcing the launch of the multi-axel coach here Mr Rune Lundberg, Senior Vice President Volvo Bus Corporation said the new multi-axel coach designed in line with the 'Coach of the year 2008' Volvo 9400 6x2, brings the state-of-the-art European styling to India.

The vehicle which costs about Rs 85 lakhs per unit is being introduced for the first time in the Indian market, with an additional pusher axel at the rear. The 13.7 meter length coach contributes higher revenue and profitability for the customers can accommodate 53 seats, eight seats more than its earlier version Volvo 8400 4x2.

''The new model will offer a new standard in performance-economy ratio among all the vehicles in this segment'' he said.

He said the Volvo 9400 6x2 had been developed to provide passengers a higher level of comfort and the bus operators a tool to achieve even better transport economy through higher occupancy levels and better fuel consumption per km.

Outlining the unique features that comes with the new coach Mr Lundberg said the vehicle is equipped with an electronic architecture, which offers greater benefits to operators.

''Drivers now have on their on-board computer display providing data on dozens of information about the engine, brakes and suspension'' he added.

He said the high capacity new version coach produced at Volvo Buses plant in Hoskote, near Bangalore offers a higher capacity of 53 luxury, reclining seats, the best in class offered in luxury coaches.

Responding to a question he said company which enjoys over 25 per cent of market share in the luxury segment coaches in India, have an order of 40 coaches for the year and already 50 per cent of the demand was met.

UNI MV AKM 1843