Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
As one of the largest coach hire companies in Scotland, AAA Coaches pride themselves on providing a safe, comfortable and affordable travelling experience and as Transport Manager, Linda Sutherland explained, it was important that their new Volvo coach met those exacting standards.
“We saw the 9700 demonstrator model a while ago and we loved everything about it. So when the opportunity arose to purchase a fully integrated Volvo 9700, it was something we were very keen to do. With an all Volvo vehicle we know the quality we are getting and even more importantly – that we can rely on the vehicle”.
Linda Sutherland also paid tribute to the local Volvo Bus team at Broxburn, “They are our local dealer and they couldn’t have been more helpful – they’ll do anything for you and because of that we have an excellent ongoing relationship with them”.
AAA Coaches are certainly no strangers to the Volvo chassis having previously operated various Volvo vehicles, including B7Rs and various Volvo Sunsundeguis. With the addition of their new 9700 Prestige Plus the AAA Coaches fleet now numbers an impressive 26 vehicles.
Their new 9700 features Volvo’s horizontal rear mounted 12-litre diesel engine, which combines high torque and excellent driveability with good fuel economy and low emissions. The driveline couples the engine to the latest generation 12-speed Volvo I-Shift gearbox, providing the operational reliability of a manual gearbox with the comfort and ease of use of an automatic transmission.
Other features include Alcoa Durabright alloy wheels, a stainless steel exhaust with a SCR catalytic converter and Volvo’s BEA2 electrical system, which allows continuous communication between the vehicle’s electronically controlled components and warning systems.
Internally the 9700 offers superior passenger comfort. Fitted as standard with 49 Volvo TS2000 Comfort Plus seats with integral 3-point safety belts, adjustable squabs, headrests, footrests, armrests and grab handles – every effort is made to ensure the best possible ride for passengers.
Aircraft-style spacious luggage compartments provide ample room for passengers personal belongings. All of the windows are fitted with sunblinds, whilst theatre style flooring ensures excellent views throughout the vehicle – an essential component for a summer tour operator such as AAA Coaches. The vehicle also includes the Volvo Sound and Vision package including high resolution, flat screen monitors, GPS, CD and DVD facilities.
Although AAA Coaches are a long standing Volvo customer, it was the first time that Jim Newman, Volvo Bus Regional Sales Manager had personally dealt with Linda Sutherland and the team. “They were a pleasure to do business with,” he explained. “Having seen the demonstrator model they liked the features it offered, so it was just a case of doing the right deal, which I’m delighted to say we did and I certainly hope we can work together again in the future”.
ENDS
24 December 2010
Caption for image: AAA Coaches of Edinburgh have taken delivery of a new Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus