Poised to enter service on a number of First London’s Transport for London (TfL) routes, the first Volvo B9TL Eclipse Gemini 2 Double Deck will today be formally presented to Leon Daniels, Customer Service & Communications Director at First Group plc at the industry’s annual trade show.
The highly specified vehicles are built on the Volvo B9TL platform, featuring the EEV compliant Volvo D9B 9.4 litre engine rated at 260 hp, coupled to the ZF Ecolife 6 speed automatic gearbox. The chassis features disc brakes front and rear with EBS control system, together with electronically controlled full air suspension.
Featuring the distinctively styled Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork, the new vehicle represents the culmination of a successful development project between Volvo Bus and the Wright Group to develop an optimised, fully TfL compliant Double Deck bus ideally suited for the particular demands of operation in London.
With innovative use of light weight composite materials and seating technology and close integration of chassis and bodywork to ensure full structural integrity, engineering teams from Warwick, Gothenburg and Ballymena have developed a new generation of Volvo and Wrightbus Double Deck bus for the UK’s capital city.
Speaking at the show, Leon Daniels said, “First has had a long association with Volvo and Wrights with significant numbers of this product combination in service in London and throughout the UK. These vehicles represent the latest standard in technology and design and I am certain they will be welcomed by passengers and staff alike.”
Volvo Bus Sales Director Phil Owen added, “Having already worked extensively with First Group operating companies throughout the country, we are delighted to now see 31 Wrightbus-bodied Volvo Double Decks entering service with First London this autumn, with further vehicle deliveries programmed for 2010.”
ENDS
7th October 2009
Image Caption: Pictured left to right Steve Dewhurst, Volvo Bus Managing Director; Leon Daniels, Customer Service & Communications Director, First Group; Mark Nodder, Group Managing Director, The Wright Group
