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Volvo Buses today announced the launch of a new multi-axle bus with automatic transmission, and expects to consolidate its India operations by expanding manufacturing facility and stepping up exports.
Showcasing the Volvo 9400 Multi-axle bus with its patented I-shift technology, the company said it has begun supplying it to South Africa and has secured repeat orders.
Fleet operators
The Managing Director of Volvo Buses India, Mr Akash Passey, said the new multi-axle automatic transmission buses would appeal to fleet operators, as they not only enhance driving pleasure, but also help save fuel costs due to the transmission efficiency. This is sure to appeal to bulk buyers particularly those who offer inter-city transport, including to State road transport corporations.
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Speaking to Business Line here today, Mr Passey said Volvo has entered its 10{+t}{+h} year of operations in the country, and is in the process of expanding its manufacturing facility at Hosakote from 600 vehicles a year to about 1,200-1,500 vehicles , at an investment of about Rs 200 crore.
“The current manufacturing capacity has made it tough for us to meet the demand in the market. With this expansion, we would be able to step up exports, which we started last year with about five per cent, to 25 per cent. This would be mainly to South Africa and South Asia regions,” he said.
The market for inter-city bus transport has changed in the last couple of years. Fleet operators and State transport corporations do not hesitate to make block bookings of about 50 vehicles at one go. This development has placed us in a tough situation, forcing us to take up expansion project. The whole year supplies are nearly booked, Mr Passey said.
“The bus with I-shift technology comes with 12 gears and alloy wheels, adding to driving convenience and fuel efficiency. These buses will cover about 40,000 km per month as against 30,000 km without such transmission. The low floor buses in city operations have also become popular with Volvo supplying nearly 90 per cent of the 600 we have managed to bag under the JNNURM scheme. We expect next round to offer opportunities,” he said.
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