Volvo’s new platform for tourist
and line-haul operations, introduced earlier this year, is now being unveiled
for the first time to the wider public at IAA, the leading transport and
mobility trade show.
The range encompasses two models: the
luxurious Volvo 9900 and the versatile Volvo 9700. Both feature a dynamically
designed exterior with crisp lines, smooth sides and rounded corners to give
low air resistance. The new “Z-shaped” side window line combined with the
sloping theatre floor of the Volvo 9900 marks a totally new design language for
coaches.
The new Volvo 9900 offers an
extra-high floor level and large glass panels to provide exceptionally good
views both to the front and sides. The interior roof is eight centimetres
higher than before, and a straighter transition between walls and roof creates
an airy feeling with a far greater sense of space. The versatile Volvo 9700 is
available with a wide variety of equipment alternatives for medium range
line-haul or premium tour and charter operations.
Inside the vehicles the design
team concentrated on both visual and tactile quality. Passengers encounter a
harmonic, well-balanced colour palette, and tasteful combinations of cloth and
leather with details accented in metal.
To give passengers a
high-quality travel experience Volvo Buses has also invested heavily in
comfort-enhancing solutions such as ergonomically designed passenger seats and
a well-insulated interior with a low noise level. The climate system has
undergone significant development to ensure a uniform and pleasant temperature
throughout the bus irrespective of outside conditions.
The integrated driver’s
environment, featuring a new steering wheel and instrumentation, gives the
driver the right preconditions for working efficiently and without disruption.
Driving is made easier thanks to the vehicle’s lower centre of gravity, which
ensures excellent stability and manoeuvrability – properties that are improved
still further with Volvo Dynamic Steering.
The new 9000 range stays true
to its Volvo heritage, with technology that makes it one of the safest coach
ranges on the market. Both the Volvo 9700 and the Volvo 9900 feature a
comprehensive suite of solutions for active and passive safety. Among the new
features are more robust front impact protection (FIP) and a Driver Alert
system that monitors the vehicle’s movements and issues alerts if the driver is
tired or not concentrating on the road.
The buses’ low air resistance
and lighter weight make it possible to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
by up to four per cent. And with the optional Dynamic Chassis Lowering and
Volvo I-See* the potential savings are even greater.
Volvo Buses’ electromobility
solution was represented at IAA by the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid (plug-in
hybrid) and an OppCharge station for quick-charging of the vehicle’s battery
pack. The Volvo Buses range of electrified models also includes all-electric
propulsion – the Volvo 7900 Electric – and hybrid buses. All told, Volvo Buses
has served as a pioneer in electromobility and has to date sold more than 4000
electrified buses globally.
At IAA Volvo Buses also
introduced Volvo Bus Care, a comprehensive solution encompassing vehicles,
services and financing, designed to make things easier for the customer’s
operations.
Source: Volvo Buses