Volvo Buses unveils new 9400 coach range at Busworld 2016, Bengaluru

9400 single and multi-axle coaches get new engine compliant to BS IV norms.

Swedish coach maker Volvo has unveiled new 9400 range of buses at the Busworld 2016 show that started on November 10 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

The new range of buses include range topping 9400, 14.5-metre long coach powered by new 11-litre engine and 9400, 12-metre long, 7.7-litre engine equipped coach that will replace the popular B7R model.

The 12-metre long 9400 coach gets 7.7-litre engine sourced from the VECV's Pithampur facility. Volvo in association with Eicher started local manufacturing of this engine in line with Make in India initiative of government of India. The new engine replaces 6-cylinder 7-litre engine. BS IV compliant new engine will develop 333bhp and 1,200Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

On the other hand, the 9400 multi-axle features 11-litre engine in place of 9-litre engine. The 6-cylinder unit develops 410bhp of power at 1600-1900rpm and whopping 1980Nm of torque at 950-1400rpm mated to I-Shift 12-speed AMT transmission. The bus measures 14.5-metre long (up from 13.8-metre), 3.6-metre in height and 2.6-metre in width. It also has 8.35-metre wheelbase and 19,500kg gross vehicle weight. This coach has been showcased in 2+1 seating layout with dedicated USB charging points at the show. It comes with three-point seatbelt for each seat similar to cars. The coach also comes with optional chemical toilet, and pantry with fridge.

"Volvo Buses has always positioned itself to provide products that deliver the right value to our customers. The engine range is a good example of India's role in Volvo Group's global plans. The way forward for us is to offer in India the latest solutions that can provide the finest ownership experience," said Haken Agnevall, president of Volvo Bus Corporation.

The new range of buses will be manufactured at the plant near Hoskote, Bengaluru. Volvo has sold more than 6000 buses in India from 2001 in which 1,500 Volvo city buses currently operate in 34 cities. The company recently launched 8400 hybrid city bus in Navi Mumbai and it has a parallel hybrid system, which comprises a 5-litre, 4-cylinder, in-line diesel engine and an electric motor.