Volvo 9600: a real winner
Volvo 9600: a real winner
For over a decade, Unitrans Passenger has relied on Volvo buses and coaches to keep its operations running smoothly, and the Volvo 9400 has proven to be a real asset. Now, with the launch of the Volvo 9600, Unitrans Passenger’s divisional head of the technical department, Sean van den Heever, shares his insights into the 9400 and his thoughts on Volvo’s latest offering with CHARLEEN CLARKE.
Unitrans Passenger purchased its first Volvo 9400 in 2010 and, since then, the vehicles have demonstrated remarkable durability and efficiency. In fact, Unitrans Passenger’s first Volvo 9400 is still in operation today – a testament to its robustness and longevity. “It’s still running,” confirms Van den Heever. “It has already done over 2.5 million kilometres and it continues to perform reliably.”
Currently, the company operates 39 Volvo 9400s, with 10 of them running a daily commuter service between Bethel and Secunda. “One of these 70-seaters has clocked a million kilometres, and we have yet to replace its engine,” reveals Van den Heever.
The rest of the vehicles are used in the Northern Cape for personnel transport at a customer’s mine. “What’s remarkable is that many of these vehicles have crossed the two-million-kilometre mark,” he explains.
Van den Heever emphasises that many of the company’s buses are still running with their original engines, even at mileages of between 1.2 and 1.8 million kilometres. “The 9400 has given us service like you cannot believe,” he says. “It’s an incredibly robust vehicle, even when operating in challenging conditions such as on unmaintained roads or gravel surfaces, or within tight urban spaces.”
Initial reservations and proven performance
Reflecting on the company’s initial purchase, Van den Heever admits there were some initial reservations. “Initially, we had some concerns concerning the vehicle’s suitability for South African conditions. But the proof is in the pudding – you run the vehicle and assess its performance over time, and the 9400 has exceeded our expectations.”
Beyond reliability, the 9400’s distinctive design has made it stand out on the road. “It had a unique shape and model that set it apart from anything else at the time,” Van den Heever says. “Passengers and operators alike appreciated its appearance and comfort.”
Factory insights, quality assurance, and cost-effective maintenance and refurbishment
Over the years, Van den Heever has had the opportunity to visit Volvo’s factory in India twice. “I was very impressed with the quality and standards at the plant,” he says. “If you were to compare it to Volvo’s facility in Sweden, it would be a mirror image. The processes, cleanliness, and professionalism are exceptional.”
This experience reassured Unitrans Passenger that Volvo’s commitment to excellence extends across its global manufacturing locations. “There’s a clear focus on maintaining high standards across all the Volvo plants, which translates into the durability of the vehicles,” notes Van den Heever.
When it comes to upkeep, the Volvo 9400 has proven to be cost-effective. “We haven’t faced any major corrosion issues, even with our oldest buses,” says Van den Heever. “After a decade or more, you start seeing some wear and tear, but that’s expected. The key is that rust and deterioration haven’t been premature or excessive.”
The future: Volvo 9600 and its potential
Looking ahead, Van den Heever is optimistic about Volvo’s latest model, the 9600. “The combination of the trusted B11R chassis from Sweden and the refined bodywork from India is a winning recipe,” he says. “The B11 chassis is incredibly durable. It can take a punch! If well-maintained, it offers low operational costs; the 9600 builds on the strengths of the 9400 while introducing improvements in aerodynamics, comfort, and aesthetics.”
He believes the 9600 will be a compelling choice for fleet operators. “It’s based on the foundation of the 9400 but has undergone significant refinements,” he notes. “For anyone in the coach business, I think it will be a winner.”
Strong partnerships and exceptional support
Beyond the buses themselves, Unitrans Passenger values its relationship with Volvo. “There are three key factors in this industry: price, quality, and service,” Van den Heever asserts. “If any one of those fails, you can’t do business. Fortunately, our relationship with Volvo has always been strong. If there’s ever an issue, we sit down, discuss it, and find a solution together.”
He highlights Volvo’s responsiveness and commitment to customer support. “You can pick up the phone at any time, and Volvo is there to assist,” he says. “That’s crucial for us. When you’re managing a fleet of buses, you need a partner that supports you every step of the way.”
As Unitrans Passenger continues to expand its fleet and explore new vehicle options, Volvo remains a trusted name in the company’s operations. “Ultimately, any bus or coach is only as good as the service you provide,” Van den Heever concludes. “But, when you have a reliable product like the 9400 and an exciting new option like the 9600, combined with strong manufacturer support, you have a winning formula.”
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