330 Volvo coaches to be delivered in Mexico

Three major orders totalling 330 Volvo 9800 coaches, of which 140 are double-deckers, have been secured in Mexico. Deliveries are due to take place in 2023.

The significant orders follow the global launch of Volvo Buses’ new coach platform for its premium coach range in June 2022, offering power ratings up to 500hp and what the manufacturer describes as significant fuel savings. Seven Volvo Euro VI demo coaches – single- and double-deckers – were tested by leading coach operators in Mexico, and resulted in fuel savings between 9% and 13%, compared to the previous Euro V technology. This, coupled with other benefits, including longer maintenance intervals, new security systems, greater comfort for drivers and passengers, and the reduction of emissions, noise and temperature, also helped to secure the large orders.

The new coach platform features the Volvo 9800 for Mexico, the Volvo 9000 range in Europe, and the Volvo B13R for chassis markets. At its core is a new Euro VI version of Volvo’s 13-litre engine.

“Volvo Buses will soon provide the largest fleet of Euro VI coaches in Mexico, just as we do currently in the city buses segment” – Rafael Kisel, Senior Vice President of the Volvo Buses Mexico Business Unit

Rafael Kisel, Senior Vice President of the Volvo Buses Mexico Business Unit, said: “Volvo Buses will soon provide the largest fleet of Euro VI coaches in Mexico, just as we do currently in the city buses segment.

“Although Euro VI technology is not mandatory in Mexico until January 2025, three of our partners have confirmed these significant orders based on the benefits that the new Volvo technology guarantees, the performance of the units and the efficiency of their operation.”

All 330 coaches will be produced in Volvo Buses’ plant in Tultitlan, Mexico.