Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The Welsh operator took delivery of the vehicle in early March and it is already hard at work servicing their National Express routes. “It is somewhat of a leap of faith for us as a company,” explained Llew Jones International’s Managing Director, Steve Jones. “We’ve had Volvos before, but they’ve always been pre-owned; this is our first new Volvo coach.
“National Express are extremely keen on the Volvo chassis with the Caetano Levante bodywork, so that’s undoubtly one of the key factors that has led us into buying this particular vehicle,” he continued. “Having said that, I’m very interested to see what this vehicle can do in comparison to some of the others we currently have in service. It’s certainly an opportunity for Volvo to try and impress us.”
Volvo’s 48 seat B9R coach is a popular choice with operators due to its flexibility and adaptability. The rear-mounted D9B engine delivers generous torque across a wide rev range resulting in excellent driveability, whilst the electronically controlled air suspension provides a high level of comfort for passengers.
Capable of achieving 380hp the diesel driven B9R features the highly acclaimed Volvo I-Shift 12-speed fully automated mechanical gearbox. It is fitted with an internal TV monitor, DVD player, sound system and a toilet.
“Duncan Crosby, Volvo’s Regional Sales Manager was extremely enthusiastic and thorough in his product knowledge during our recent purchase,” explained Steve Jones. “It does make a difference when somebody cares about his customers like Duncan does.”
“Llew Jones International has traditionally been a pre-owned buyer in terms of the Volvo product and this is their first new Volvo coach,” Duncan Crosby explained. “They’ve been led to Volvo by their contract with National Express, so this is a fantastic opportunity to make an impression, both in terms of our products and our services.”
ENDS
6 June 2012
Caption for Image 1: Llew Jones International of Llanrwst, Gwynedd have put a new Volvo B9R Caetano Levante coach into service on the company’s National Express contract