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MOTORINDIA
l
February 2012
53
Volvo Buses unveiled the world’s
first commercially viable hybrid bus
– the Volvo 7700 Hybrid – at Auto
Expo. Also on display in Volvo’s
green-carpeted pavilion was the
New Volvo bus range, including
the Volvo 9400PX coach, the Volvo
9100 coach and the Volvo 7400XL
multi-axle city bus.
Volvo commenced the serial pro-
duction for Europe of the Volvo
7700 Hybrid in May 2010. This bus
was developed following several
years of research & development of
the hybrid technology.
Since its launch, the Volvo Hybrid
solution has emerged as a commer-
cially viable bus and has been adopt-
ed for regular use in countries in the
Americas and Europe. Eight out of
10 customers have thus far returned
for repeat purchase of these buses.
In December 2011, Volvo Buses
had secured orders for over 450 hy-
brid buses from Mexico, Brazil and
Europe.
Mr. Akash Passey, Managing Di-
rector & CEO, Volvo Buses in South
Asia, said: “At Volvo we have what
is considered today as the world’s
most efficient hybrid solution. It’s
not a concept, it’s a reality because
it’s been out there running on the
roads around the world in over 20
countries for over 2 years now. This
product is available on road and can
be brought into India as and when
the market or customers desire.”
The Volvo 7700 Hybrid is
equipped with a smaller diesel en-
gine and an electric motor, which
can be used independently or joint-
ly. The electric motor is driven by
energy from a battery that is charged
when the bus brakes. At bus stops,
the diesel engine switches off com-
pletely. This creates a silent and ex-
haust-free environment at bus stops.
auto expo 2012
“The Volvo 7700 Hybrid has been unveiled to showcase our intent
and readiness for India.”
– Mr. Akash Passey, Managing Director & CEO, Volvo Buses in South Asia