Volvo Buses announced the successful delivery of 90 units of the first ever Euro 6 double deck buses to Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana).
Volvo Buses Malaysia was awarded with the tender for the 90 units of double-deckers by Prasarana in 2017.
According to the President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, “The 12-metre Volvo B8L double-decker buses offer a great solution to our operational challenges. With more seating and standing room, including one wheelchair facility, each bus could hold up to 110 passengers at one time.”
“Now that we are in Phase 4 of the National Recovery plan, Rapid Bus expects an increase of 10% to 20% from our existing load factor during the peak-hour, as well increase capacity per trip.”
“More passengers can board the bus at one time, thus reducing the waiting time for our passengers,” he added.
The Volvo B8L chassis is manufactured in Boras, Sweden, and has already been widely tested in the demanding city environments of Hong Kong and UK.
Powered by Volvo’s proven D8K engine, the B8L delivers lower overall weight, a tighter turning circle and all new axles and suspension providing outstanding ride quality, improved driveability, and higher levels of vehicle performance.
Euro 6 vehicles reduce particulate matters, which are microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the Earth’s atmosphere, by 0.02 to 0.01. It also reduces the amount of nitrogen oxide released into the air from 2.0 to 0.4.
“Environmental Care is one of the Volvo Group’s core values. We believe in clean, silent and efficient transport solutions that offer our customers entirely new possibilities for modern city development and sustainable living,” shared Karen Tan, Country Manager, Volvo Buses Malaysia.
Facts about the Volvo B8L
- 350 hp D8K Volvo engine
- 1400 or 1600 Nm-rated automatic gearboxes
- New rear axle and driveline configuration
- Fuel-saving electrically powered auxiliaries
- Oil management system ensures the optimal oil level
- Up to 600 kg weight reduction
- Electrically powered hydraulic steering
Assembled locally in Malaysia by Pioneer Coachbuilders Sdn Bhd, these Euro 6 double deck buses deliver 350 horsepower and are built with 22-ton capacity, length of 12 meter and height of 4.2m, bodied by Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd, with a carrying capacity up to a total of 110 passengers. The buses are fitted with wheelchair ramps and mother-child seats.
The new B8L continues Volvo’s focus on safety with several features included as standard equipment, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) and acceleration limiter.
Also, the chassis is fitted with Volvo’s proven telematics system, which allows operators to access the vehicle data in real time.
