Volvo Buses unveils 9600 platform

Volvo Buses Southern Africa is poised to redefine luxury and comfort with the introduction of the Volvo 9600 platform.

This bold new offering, available in 15-m configurations, marks the next step in luxury travel, combining sleek Scandinavian design with cutting-edge technology and advanced safety features.

Platform for success

At the heart of the Volvo 9600 is the B11R Euro 3 chassis, a robust and versatile platform designed by Volvo for long-distance coaches and buses.

“Our highly reliable and durable B11R Euro 3 chassis is manufactured in Volvo’s Boras plant in Sweden. Seamlessly merged with the 9600 platform, coupled to an award-winning coach design, superior technology, and manufacturing processes, it is truly a formula for success,” says Leon Nelson, director of Volvo Buses Southern Africa. “This cost-conscious offer creates an opportunity for coach operators to continue relying on us to deliver solutions that address the aspirations of inter-city passengers for safe, luxurious, and globally contemporary coaches.” 

The Volvo 9600 is powered by the D11K engine, an 11-litre powerhouse that delivers a formidable 430hp at 1,150r/min and torque of 1,980Nm, ensuring smooth and powerful performance even on challenging terrains. The coach is also equipped with the proven I-Shift automated gearbox, which enhances fuel efficiency.

Comfort meets functionality

Passenger comfort is at the core of Volvo’s design philosophy. The Volvo 9600 offers two seating configurations: a 2×2 configuration seating 60 passengers with a rear WC, and a 3×2 configuration seating 74 passengers. The 15-m version also provides a generous 11.6m³ of luggage space, ensuring ample storage for long-distance travel.

The driver environment has also been carefully considered. An ergonomically designed dashboard provides easy access to controls, while the air-suspended driver’s seat with an adjustable headrest reduces fatigue, allowing drivers to stay comfortable and alert during long journeys.

Inspired design

The Volvo 9600 takes cues from Volvo’s award-winning European designs, offering a tall-boy structure that provides more space and aesthetic appeal. Every detail has been crafted to enhance both form and function: from the distinct front end, which creates a powerful visual impression, to the aerodynamic lines that reduce air resistance, leading to greater fuel efficiency and a quieter, smoother ride.

The Volvo 9600 platform will be produced at the state-of-the-art Hosakote plant in India, a facility that has been building premium Volvo buses since 2008. “This plant ensures that every coach meets the high standards expected of Volvo, from quality control to the integration of the latest technologies,” reveals Nelson.

Safety features galore

Volvo has long been synonymous with safety, and the Volvo 9600 is no exception. The coach is equipped with an array of safety features designed to protect both passengers and drivers.

For the driver, Volvo offers rigorous driver training programmes, including health checks, safety training, and practical tests to ensure that only the best-qualified individuals are behind the wheel. The adjustable steering wheel, wide windscreen, and strategically placed mirrors provide optimal visibility, while features like cruise control and a vehicle speed limiter help reduce driver fatigue and ensure compliance with speed regulations.

Passenger safety is a top priority. Volvo’s traction control system ensures smooth acceleration even on slippery roads, while the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) reduces the risk of rollover by braking wheels individually. The Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) alerts other drivers with flashing brake lights during sudden stops, and the coach boasts an Electronic Braking System (EBS) for quicker, safer stops. The Hill Start Aid prevents rolling on slopes.

Future of inter-city travel

Nelson believes that the Volvo 9600 is not just a coach; it is a new chapter in the evolution of luxury, comfort, and safety in long-distance travel. “Passengers can rest assured that they are travelling in a vehicle that prioritises their safety, while also offering unparalleled comfort and style,” he elaborates.

With the launch of the Volvo 9600, the future of inter-city travel in Southern Africa looks brighter and more luxurious than ever before.