Volvo Buses has just commenced trials of the Volvo 9400PX, India’s first multi-axle coach at 14.5m with steerable tag-axle, in Bangalore.
At a recent function got up for the purpose, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Home & Transport, Mr. R. Ashoka, flagged off the bus from the central office of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). It was attended by Mr. Akash Passey, Senior Vice President – Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation, and Chairman of the Board, Volvo Buses in India, Mr. Manish Sahi, Managing Director, Volvo Buses in India, and other senior State Government and KSRTC officials.
The Volvo 9400PX is a global introduction from Volvo Buses in India and was unveiled at Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi in January last. It is the first and the longest multi-axle intercity coach in the country at 14.5m.
Equipped with a steerable rear tag-axle it offers almost the same manoeuvrability as a typical coach, and the vehicle comes with a host of new features to make travel more comfortable.
The vehicle is built on the new light-weight Volvo PX platform, which provides even better efficiency 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 offering 370hp. A key feature is the steerable tag-axle for better road handling and manoeuvrability.
Mr. Akash Passey 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 and India together”.
He added: “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 and 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 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 spacious interior offers 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.
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 and breadth of the country connecting cities, big and small, and helping people reach their destination in safety, comfort and luxury.
The inter-city coach is built at the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant of Volvo Buses in Hoskote near Bangalore.