Meet your Moneymaker: The New Volvo B8F

Designed and built for Southern Africa, the new Volvo B8F is a rugged, eight-litre front-engine chassis crafted for the region’s toughest conditions, delivering durability, efficiency, and operator-focused performance where it counts most.

Developed in close collaboration with local operators, drivers, and technicians, the B8F represents the next generation of durable, high-performance transport solutions tailored specifically to the realities of Southern African transit.

Built with South African operators in mind

The Volvo B8F is not just another bus chassis – it is what Volvo Buses terms “a co-created solution”. From commuter networks and scholar mobility to workforce transportation, this platform is the result of extensive engagement with those who understand the daily demands of the job. The outcome is a robust, cost-efficient vehicle that delivers where it matters most: on the road, in the workshop, and at the fuel pump.

“This marks a bold return to a segment where durability, uptime, and efficiency matter most. Developed with direct input from operators, it’s a robust, front-engine platform designed for demanding conditions and low-maintenance performance. It is exactly what our customers asked for,” notes Tiago Dias, national bus sales & business development manager at Volvo Buses Southern Africa.

Key product highlights

The new Volvo B8F is powered by the D8F Euro 3 engine. The bus chassis boasts numerous highlights, including:

• Rugged suspension: Handles all road conditions while maintaining superior ride comfort.
• Class-leading fuel efficiency: Achieved just 26.64 litres/100km with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 17,700kg across 50,000km of real-world operation.
• Transmission options: Available with an Allison T325R six-speed automatic with integrated retarder for enhanced braking and smoother control.
• High ground clearance: Perfect for steep inclines, uneven terrain, and congested urban routes.
• Simplified electrical architecture: Streamlined for quick diagnostics and maintenance, ideal for large fleets.
• Optimised hybrid braking: Front disc brakes for performance; rear drum brakes for durability and cost-effective maintenance. Other features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), separate circuits for front and rear wheels, brake assistance – Hydro Dynamic Retarder (HDR), brake pedal-controlled retarder and an automatic slack adjuster.

Proven performance in the field

Before its official release, the Volvo B8F underwent rigorous testing across South Africa – from bustling metros to remote rural towns. The test programme covered over 50,000km across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Mbombela, Polokwane, Kimberley, and Rustenburg.

Results that matter

The test programme delivered impressive results, including:

• Zero major defects or breakdowns
• Real-world fuel economy of 26.64 litres/100km
• Consistently positive driver feedback on handling, comfort, and load capacity
• No performance issues, even at full loads of up to 17,700kg

Designed for uptime, built for business

With the Volvo B8F, operators can expect reduced downtime, simplified servicing, and a lower total cost of ownership – all backed by Volvo’s world-class safety and support.

“Whether it’s moving workers, learners, or commuters, the B8F is simply engineered to keep fleets running and businesses growing. It is the bus operators’ new moneymaker,” concludes Dias.