The Evolution of Volvo Buses in India: From Past to Present
Volvo Buses is a leading manufacturer of buses and coaches globally. The company has a rich history of providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation solutions to people around the world. In India, Volvo buses have been operating for over two decades and have come a long way since their launch in 2001. In this blog, we will take a look at the evolution of Volvo buses in India, from their early days to the present.
History of Volvo Buses
Volvo Buses has a long and rich history, dating back to 1928 when the first Volvo bus was produced in Sweden. Since then, the company has been at the forefront of innovation, introducing several groundbreaking technologies to the bus industry. In 1947, Volvo introduced the first rear-engined bus, which provided better stability and comfort to passengers. In the 1960s, Volvo introduced the first articulated bus, which allowed for greater passenger capacity without compromising on maneuverability.
Over the years, Volvo Buses has continued to innovate, introducing several new technologies and products. In the 1980s, the company introduced the Volvo B10M, which was the first bus to use electronic control systems for its engine and gearbox. In 1992, Volvo introduced the Volvo 7000, which was the first low-floor bus, providing easier access to passengers with reduced mobility. Today, Volvo Buses has a wide range of products, including city buses, intercity buses, and coaches, designed to meet the needs of different markets and segments.
Early Days
The journey of Volvo buses in India began in 2001 when the company introduced the Volvo B7RLE in partnership with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The bus was an instant hit, and passengers were delighted by the high levels of comfort and reliability it offered. The B7RLE featured advanced technology, such as the electronically controlled engine, which made it a preferred choice among operators. Following the success of the B7RLE, Volvo introduced other models, such as the B7R, which were designed to cater to different market segments.
Also Read : List of Top Light Commercial Vehicles in India
Growth Years
The mid-2000s saw a significant increase in the use of Volvo buses in India. State transport corporations, such as the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), and private operators, such as the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), started using Volvo buses on their routes. The Volvo 8400 and 9400 models were particularly popular during this time, thanks to their reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable interiors.
Volvo buses were also preferred by passengers who had to undertake long journeys. The company introduced features, such as air conditioning, comfortable seating, and entertainment systems, to ensure that passengers had a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The introduction of the Volvo 9400PX, with its larger luggage space, made it a preferred choice among tourists and travellers.
Present
Today, Volvo buses are a common sight on Indian roads. The company has introduced several new models, such as the Volvo 8400 Hybrid and the Volvo 9400PX, which are designed to cater to the specific needs of Indian passengers. These buses come with advanced features, such as GPS tracking, air conditioning, and comfortable seating, making them the preferred choice for long-distance travel.
The company has also been focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of its buses in India. In 2016, Volvo introduced hybrid buses in Navi Mumbai, which run on a combination of diesel and electricity. These buses emit 50% less carbon dioxide compared to conventional buses and have been a hit with passengers and operators alike.
Product Range
Volvo Buses has a diverse range of products, designed to cater to the specific needs of different markets and segments. The company's product range includes:
Volvo City Buses: Volvo's city buses are designed for urban environments, providing a comfortable and efficient transportation solution for passengers. These buses come with advanced features, such as low-floor designs, air conditioning, and GPS tracking.
Volvo Intercity Buses: Volvo's intercity buses are designed for long-distance travel, providing passengers with a comfortable and safe journey. These buses come with advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning systems and electronic stability control.
Volvo Coaches: Volvo's coaches are designed for luxury travel, providing passengers with a premium travel experience. These coaches come with advanced features, such as reclining seats, entertainment systems, and onboard washrooms.
Also Read : Top Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers in India
Some Popular Models of Volvo Bus
Volvo is a well-known brand in the world of buses and coaches, with a long history of producing high-quality vehicles for various applications. Here are some of the popular models of Volvo buses:
-
Volvo 9700: This is a luxurious coach designed for long-distance travel, with features such as comfortable seating, entertainment systems, and climate control.
-
Volvo 9400: This model is designed for inter-city transportation and is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low operating costs.
-
Volvo 7900: This is a hybrid-electric bus that is designed for use in urban areas, with features such as low-floor entry, efficient engines, and regenerative braking.
-
Volvo B9R: This is a high-capacity coach designed for long-distance travel, with features such as a powerful engine, comfortable seating, and advanced safety features.
-
Volvo B11R: This is another high-capacity coach designed for inter-city transportation, with features such as a powerful engine, spacious interiors, and advanced safety systems.
-
Volvo 9800: This is a premium coach designed for luxury travel, with features such as comfortable seating, advanced entertainment systems, and climate control.
Why buy Volvo Buses?
Volvo Buses is a popular choice for many operators and passengers because of its strong commitment to innovation, safety, reliability, and sustainability. The company has a long history of introducing new technologies and solutions to improve the performance and comfort of its buses. Here are some reasons why Volvo Buses is a preferred choice:
Innovation: Volvo Buses is a pioneer in introducing new technologies to the bus industry. The company has introduced several groundbreaking technologies, such as the rear-engined bus, the articulated bus, and the low-floor bus. Today, Volvo Buses continues to introduce new technologies, such as electric and hybrid buses, to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Safety: Volvo Buses is committed to providing safe transportation solutions to passengers. The company's buses come with advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning systems, electronic stability control, and emergency braking systems. These features help to reduce accidents and ensure the safety of passengers.
Reliability: Volvo Buses is known for its reliable and durable buses. The company uses high-quality materials and components to ensure the longevity of its buses. Additionally, Volvo Buses has a global network of service and support centers to provide maintenance and repair services to its customers.
Comfort: Volvo Buses is committed to providing a comfortable travel experience to passengers. The company's buses come with advanced features, such as air conditioning, reclining seats, and entertainment systems, to provide a pleasant travel experience.
Sustainability: Volvo Buses is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its buses. The company has introduced several new technologies and solutions, such as electric and hybrid buses, to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, Volvo Buses uses recycled materials in its buses and optimizes its production processes to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Volvo buses have come a long way since their launch in India in 2001. They have played a significant role in transforming the public transport landscape in the country, providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation solutions to millions of passengers. As India continues to develop its public transport infrastructure, Volvo is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of mobility in the country. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company is set to continue leading the way in the Indian bus industry.