Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The impressive vehicle, which made its official debut for DJ Thomas at the April UK Coach Rally in Peterborough, is the second new Volvo 9700 that the Welsh operator has purchased. Indeed, it was the company’s experiences with their first new 9700, which persuaded them to specify Volvo again.
“We liked the simplicity and fuel economy of our first 9700,” explained DJ Thomas Managing Director, Richard Thomas. “It performed well on our tour operations and our drivers liked it because of the handling and the accessibility of the dashboard controls.
“Volvo’s dealership at Wales and West provide us with excellent back-up and support and we’ve dealt with Volvo Bus Regional Sales Manager, David Stevenson, over the course of a ten year period, so we have built up a great trust and understanding.
“As a company we like the Volvo product,” he continued, “we’ve got a fleet of 27 vehicles; 18 of which are now built on the Volvo chassis. We’ve implemented an exciting new business venture in terms of our international holiday tour programme and we were looking for a stylish, reliable coach to support our operations and the 9700 certainly met those requirements.”
The tri-axle Volvo 9700 is specified with a 13-litre D13C diesel engine, capable of 460hp and connected to the proven I-Shift gearbox. Fitted with 53 passenger seats, with leather trim and three point safety belts, the coach is finished to a high specification.
Other onboard features include a sunken toilet, two TV monitors, a DVD player, sound system, air-conditioning and a reversing camera. The new vehicle also features a specifically requested “DJ12 DJT” personalised registration plate.
“DJ Thomas were pleased with the performance and reliability of their first 9700,” explained David Stevenson, Volvo Regional Sales Manager. “This no doubt played a highly significant role in them specifying Volvo again on this occasion.
“The challenge was making sure the vehicle was all ready for delivery in time to make it to Peterborough for UK Coach Rally,” he continued. “We delivered on time and I believe the vehicle received some really nice compliments at the show.”
ENDS
8 June 2012
Caption for Image 1: DJ Thomas have recently purchased a new tri-axle Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus coach