On the 6th of December 2021, Volvo Buses announced the successful delivery of 90 units of the first ever Euro 6 double decker type buses to Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana), and the momentous occasion was marked by an official vehicle handover ceremony. This is quite special as this event actually marked the first time Euro 6 specification buses are officially in use in Malaysia.
Volvo Buses Malaysia was awarded a tender of 90 units double-deckers by Prasarana and put into operation by Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd for public transport in Kuala Lumpur in late 2017. However, it seems that along the way, the emissions specification of these buses have changed to the latest gloally accepted standard. So within a few months after the adoption of Euro 5 and above diesel fuel, commercial vehicle manufacturers have started bringing in Euro 6 levels of vehicles. This actually means the adoption of AdBlue urea additive to make them Euro5 and above compliant.
“On behalf of Volvo Buses, we are extremely excited to introduce the Euro 6 technology to Malaysia. The current vehicle emission regulation in Malaysia is Euro 3, but our partner Prasarana made a commitment to reduce emission level in Malaysia by purchasing the Volvo B8L Euro 6 double deck buses beyond the local regulation requirement,” said Mats Nilsson, Director of Volvo Buses Region APAC Central.
Volvo Buses are also extremely grateful to Prasarana for the continuous support and trust and congratulate the passengers of Malaysia for a pleasant journey on their daily rides
According to the President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, Encik 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 (1) 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 the 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 Benefits Malaysia
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. As stated, the addition of AdBlue additive makes this happen as it helps assist in keeping the sensitive catalytic converters in working order.
While this does mean an additional cost of topping up the AdBlue tank (usually 1 AdBlue tank per 2 tanks of fuel), I hope that more companies and carriers will adopt this new standard even with the extra cost of the additive as it will actually help the country in terms of keeping emissions levels lower than what it is today. It is after all a global standard. Malaysia should aim to be global leaders actually. This means keeping up to standards.
Furthermore, Malaysian cities need to be smog free with cleaner air. As Prasarana is a government agency, they should definitely lead the way. So kudos for them in introducing these new Euro6 buses. It will go a long way in helping Malaysia's emissions targets.
“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.
The PRASARANA Specced Volvo B8L Double Deck Bus
The new Volvo B8L buses are assembled locally in Malaysia by Pioneer Coachbuilders Sdn Bhd, These Euro 6 double deck buses deliver 350 horsepower and are built with a 22-ton capacity. They have a length of 12 meters and height of 4.2m. The buses have a coachbuild body 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 telematics system, which allows operators to access the vehicle data in real time.
• 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
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