I attended the launch of Volvo Buses new chassis range for buses in Malaysia. It also marks the return of Volvo Buses (via the current Volvo Malaysia setup) to Malaysia after a number of years.
The B7R chassis comes in the normal flat top or high riding ladder frame chassis for normal long haul (express) buses as well as the B7RLE low entry chassis which allows for high passenger capacity and quick entry and exit for use in urban environments like those utilised by RAPID KL in Kuala Lumpur. It is powered by a 7 liter diesel engine that makes 290bhp and 1200Nm of torque. It also is quite clean even with our lower grade of diesel and its DPF filter cuts out 80% of the harmful particles emitted by the engine.
The B11R chassis is the heavyweight for buses. Meant for longer and more heavy duty trips, the B11R gets a 11 liter diesel engine that has a minimum of 330bhp and 1600 to 2150Nm torque depending on configuration. The best thing about Volvo Buses is that they are Euro 3 compliant at the very least and having them on Malaysian roads is a good thing.
The unique thing about the bus industry in most countries is that the manufacturer supplies a rolling chassis which are then brought to coachbuilders who actually make the bodies you see on the buses. Here in Malaysia, there are many. At least twenty of them competing for the business. The best thing about coachbuilding, like those used by luxury car manufacturers is that everything is customised according to the customer's tastes and preferences. So if you want a bus with yellow aircraft style seats trimmed in velvet you could do so. The sky and the budget given is the limit.
So aside from the new Volvo B7R,and the B11R chassis on display for us to view. Volvo Malaysia had also displayed a seven year old refurbished RAPID KL Volvo bus. One that is part of one hundred units that the company will refurbish for the urban transport authority. Quite a good job I must say. The refurbished bus is the work of Volvo Malaysia as well as local coachbuilders Quality Bus & Coach (M) Sdn. Bhd. (QBC)
QBC are also engaged by Volvo Buses to build complete buses for Volvo to be sent over to Australia - an achievement for a Malaysian company in my opinion.
PRESS RELEASE
Volvo Buses Launches New Chassis Range
Volvo B7R and Volvo B11R set to drive Malaysia’s public transport and travel to new heights
SHAH ALAM, 19 November 2014 – Volvo Buses Malaysia today proudly unveils its new chassis range
to the Malaysian market – the new Volvo B7R and Volvo B11R. Launched in the presence of the
Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, Volvo customers, partners and members of the media, Volvo Buses’
new chassis range are poised to offer the best solutions for next-generation public transport and travel in
Malaysia.
“The launch of the Volvo Buses Chassis Range today spells an additional significant advancement in the
operations of Volvo Malaysia. It also underscores our commitment and deep interest to play an even more
active participation in the country’s transportation industry,” said Mr Mats Nilsson, Managing Director,
Volvo Malaysia
Both the Volvo B7R and Volvo B11R are chassis models that were designed with versatility in mind and
made for efficient, safe, and profitable transport, both of which have enjoyed increased demand in other
David Mead, Vice President, APAC, Volvo Buses Corporation said, “This chassis range we are launching
today provides first-class driveability, outstanding fuel-efficiency and low on environmental impact. The
versatility of this chassis range allows our customers to customize according to their needs, as they are
easily tailored to suit school bus, long distance charter and touring coaches.
“Our customers choose Volvo for a reason – Volvo Buses is much more than a premium bus or coach. Volvo
customers can look forward to a complete solution, tailored to their reality. This solution includes the right
bus or coach, the right combination of leading support services, and our commitment and expertise
throughout the lifetime of the bus and beyond.
“Volvo Buses also has a City Mobility programme that addresses issues faced by the public transport
industry and we have worked directly with many major cities in solving their public transport challenges by
offering complete solutions,” said Mead.
Volvo vehicles are recognized for its renowned safety, high level uptime and efficiency in fuel consumption –
which are important features for a quality public transport system. An unmatchable safety feature in the
Volvo B7R and the Volvo B11R is its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and its Electronically-controlled
Braking System (EBS).
As a standard feature in all Volvo buses, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) reduces the risk of the driver
losing control over his vehicle in critical situations; for example in sharp curves or on slippery surfaces. The
Electronically controlled Braking System (EBS) on the other hand, has anti-locking disc-brake system
offering high braking effect and instant alertness thanks to electronic signal transmission.
All Volvo Buses models are also equipped with integrated retarder with additional Volvo Engine Brake, 4 disc
brakes with higher and constant braking, and separate front and rear brake air circuits for maximum safety.
“Customers moving towards new technology naturally also want security; and we are proud to say that Volvo
Group has undeniably one of the toughest safety standards in the world. Safety is not only encompassed in
our products; it is also incorporated in our entire production, supply, aftersales and value chain. We therefore
offer various business packages whereby we undertake all maintenance processes for the entire bus,” said
Mr Muralli Muthusubramaniam, Country Manager, Volvo Buses Malaysia.
“We have a network coverage of 11 dealerships across Malaysia, with an aftermarket service quality that is
on par with our global service standards. We also provide 24/7 road assistance where technical support will
be dispatched to our customers in case of a breakdown.
“Volvo also very much focuses on training for bus technicians for specific technical support to offer
customers a complete ownership experience when purchasing Volvo Buses. Volvo’s aftersales service helps
our customers’ bottom line over the entire lifetime of the vehicle” added Muthusubramaniam.
The Volvo B7R runs smoothly in service, maintenance and on the road. The flat top of the framework
permits efficient body construction and guarantees a long, productive life. Rigid front suspension in
combination with a compact and service-friendly driveline installation create a spacious and efficient vehicle.
The Volvo B7R is primarily intended for long-distance and tourist duties, but is also suitable for use as a city
bus. The low-entry version, Volvo B7RLE, allows for high passenger capacity and quick entry and exit. Its
kneeling function and wide centre aisle make for efficient passenger flow, and the chassis layout permits
Rear view of the 7liter diesel
standards. An output of 290 bhp and 1200 Nm of torque contribute to smooth handling in all situations. The
choice of automatic and manual gearboxes allows for combinations that will suit any need, and Volvo’s
single-reduction rear axle is available in a range of ratios. The benefits are the traditional Volvo hallmarks of
first-class driveability, outstanding fuel efficiency and low environmental impact.
The Volvo B11R’s highly fuel-efficient Euro 3 engine cuts operational costs, and Volvo’s quality standards
combine functionality with passenger comfort and lifecycle productivity. Rigid front suspension in
combination with a compact and service-friendly driveline installation extends the scope for creating a
spacious and efficient coach.
The B11R is available in a 2-axle chassis and possesses a stable and pleasant driving character with
passenger comfort. Its powerful engine is able to produce a power output of 370 to 430hp yet its high fuel
efficiency further adds low running costs and sustainability.
The B11R’s new 11-litre Euro 3 engine combines strength, reliability and economy in a right-sized but
equally powerful package. With 370 and 430 hp and massive torque from very low revs, the B11R is more
than capable in taking passengers to their destination swiftly and safely. The legendary Volvo I-Shift
transmission, which combines smooth and silent shifting with fuel efficiency, is also available in the B11R.
About Volvo Bus Corporation
Volvo Bus Corporation is one of the world’s leading bus manufacturers, with a strong focus on vehicles and systems for
long-term sustainable public transport. The product program includes complete transport solutions, city buses, intercity
buses and coaches, as well as services in financing, vehicle service, vehicle diagnostics and traffic information. Volvo
Bus Corporation is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction
equipment and drive systems for marine and industrial applications. The Group also provides complete solutions for
financing and services. www.volvobuses.com
About Volvo Malaysia
Volvo Malaysia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers
of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines and services. The company is the
distributor of commercial vehicles and construction equipment manufactured under the Volvo Group. Volvo
Malaysia offers a range of medium to heavy duty trucks under the Volvo and Renault umbrella as well as
construction equipment under Volvo Construction Equipment. The UD Trucks business is distributed via Tan
Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE). Volvo Malaysia aims to provide total transport solution to customers in
Malaysia. Volvo’s work is based on the core values quality, safety and environmental care.
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