Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The Wolverhampton operator purchased their new Volvo coaches earlier this year and took delivery immediately before the commencement of the London Games. The new vehicles include a 9700 tri-axle Prestige Plus, two B9Rs with Sunsundegui body and a B7R Sunsundegui Sideral 10.
Each of the four coaches has been specified with a unique Brazilian Olympic team livery, making them instantly recognisable and extremely eye catching whilst on the road.
“We’ve been with Volvo now for five years,” explained Darran Hill. “We have a fleet of 21 vehicles, 14 of which are built on the Volvo platform, so it’s a manufacturer that we know very well and that we trust.
“Of particular importance to us is the excellent back-up and support you get with the Volvo product. Our vehicles tend to cover quite a few miles over the course of a year, so we need reliable assistance if and when required.”
Darran Hill continued, “We’re absolutely delighted with all four of our new Volvos, but the key vehicle is definitely the 9700. It’s a 53 seater with everything you would expect from a coach of that standard.
“We dealt with Volvo Bus Coach Sales Manager, James Hyde, throughout the process and it’s important to us that we deal with people who we trust with a good knowledge of the industry.”
After initially being used for the Brazilian Olympic team, the next assignments for Hills Coaches’ new vehicles was at the NEC in Birmingham transporting invited guests to the launch of Volvo Trucks’ new FH truck.
Specified with a 12.8 litre D13C diesel engine connected to the proven Volvo I-Shift gearbox, the Volvo 9700 is a premium coach fitted with TS2000 Comfort Plus seating, demountable toilet, servery, GPS navigation and Volvo Sound & Vision.
The two new B9R coaches feature a D9 9.4 litre and engine and combine the driving qualities of the full-size B13R platform with the lightweight characteristics and versatility of the B7R. This provides Hills Coaches with two mid-range, economic and adaptable vehicles with excellent driving properties.
Hills Coaches’ final new vehicle is the robust and versatile rear engined 7.1 litre B7R coach. The low net weight of the coach means it provides low fuel consumption to add to low emissions and a long service life.
ENDS
25 September 2012
Caption for image:
Hills Coaches’ four new Volvos complete with Brazilian Olympic livery.