Volvo Buses today commenced trials of the Volvo 9400PX – India’s first multi-axle coach at 14.5m, with steerable tag-axle in Bangalore. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Home & Transport, Government of Karnataka, Shri. R Ashoka flagged off the bus from the KSRTC central office. Akash Passey, Senior Vice President – Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation & Chairman of the Board, Volvo Buses in India and Manish Sahi, Managing Director, Volvo Buses in India were present on the occasion. Senior officials from the State Government as well as the senior management of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were also present at the ceremony.
The Volvo 9400PX is a global introduction from Volvo Buses in India and was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi in January. It is the first and the longest multi-axle intercity coach in the country at 14.5m but equipped with a steerable rear tag-axle it offers almost the same manoeuvrability as a typical coach. The Volvo 9400PX comes with a host of new features to make travel even more comfortable.
The Volvo 9400PX is built on the new light-weight Volvo PX platform, which provides even better grade ability and acceleration as well as enhanced stability & larger luggage space. The new coach also offers a much higher performance like never before with the new Volvo 11-litre engine that offers 370hp. A key feature is the steerable tag-axle for better road handling and manoeuvrability.
Akash Passey, Senior Vice President – Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation and Chairman of the Board, Volvo Buses in India said, “The Volvo 9400PX is an important milestone for Volvo Buses in India. Since 2001, each year, we have introduced a new concept or product in India. We keep this momentum and take an important step forward. The introduction of the Volvo 9400PX is even more special. First, because it is a global introduction from India, and has been developed keeping in mind the evolving customer, passenger and driver needs in India. Next, it is a continued sign of our local product development capabilities, where the Volvo 9400PX has witnessed a very close collaboration between our engineers in Sweden & India together.
“This coach continues to raise the standards of technology and features that further enhance the safety, comfort and performance. With additional capacity it offers attractive transport economy to the customers alongwith a list of features to help improve fuel efficiency, drive comfort and the overall passenger experience. The Volvo 9400PX can easily navigate tight road conditions thanks to the steerable tag-axle. KSRTC is the first operator in India to conduct these trial operations and we are confident that drivers & passengers will experience a new standard in inter-city bus transport with the Volvo 9400PX.”
Another key feature of the Volvo 9400PX is the Volvo I-Shift gearbox. This automated gear changing system provides high drive & ride comfort, better fuel economy and offers high braking power of 400 to 600 kW. In fact, the Volvo I-shift since its operation has been the most popular option for both Volvo Trucks and Buses in Europe, The Volvo 9400PX’s spacious interiors offer a range of opportunities for customers to incorporate a variety of passenger conveniences from pantry, toilet, VOD and a range of other features – for smooth long-distance travel.
This intercity coach offers an all-new dimension of comfort in road travel as you glide on for miles. It is in its own class and an inspiration to travel, like never before.
The Volvo 9400PX is part of the successful 9400 range of coaches in India. From the first coach introduced in 2001 to the Volvo 9400XL multi-axle coach launched in 2008, Volvo Buses has changed the way people experience bus travel in India. Today, Volvo coaches traverse the length & breadth of the country connecting cities – big & small – and helping people reach their destination in safety, comfort and luxury.
The Volvo 9400PX intercity coach is built at the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant of Volvo Buses in Hoskote near Bangalore. The factory and overall profile of being a complete transport solutions provider, gives Volvo Buses a unique ability to be in the best position to understand the needs of the Indian market and configure products accordingly.
September 4th, 2012
For further information, please contact...
Sridhar Chari sridhar.chari@volvo.com
Nilanjana Nangia +91 9986074334, nilanjana.nangia@bm.com
Volvo Buses India Private Limited
Volvo Buses has been in India for over 10 years and has the richest experience when it comes to high-performing bus applications. This, coupled with its state-of-the-art factory and overall profile of being a complete transport solutions provider, gives it a unique ability to be in the best position to understand the needs of the Indian market and configure products accordingly. Volvo Buses today operates across 13 cities in India, besides Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It is the second largest European brand with a strong presence in key markets in Asia. At present, there are about 5,000 Volvo buses operating in the SAARC region, both in the city and inter-city segments.