Sunsundegui to build flagship Volvo coaches
Volvo Buses has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with coach and bus bodybuilder Sunsundegui, with the intention to produce bodies under license for the Volvo 9700 and Volvo 9900. Production is expected to start in 2024, with the first models on the market in 2025.
Volvo raised eyebrows when it decided to close its massive Polish coach factory, set up in 1996. Its Volvo 9700 and 9900 products were first built by Drögmöller before production transferred to Wroclaw in 2007.
Volvo’s 9900 is its own-brand flagship
“Sunsundegui is already a valued partner and in our experience a very professional company with excellent capabilities,” says Dan Pettersson, SVP, Volvo Buses. “It has the capacity to meet requirements and demands in many European markets, and its bodies are highly appreciated by our customers. Together, we are confident that we will develop a range of premium coaches that will lead the industry.”
Based in Spain, Sunsundegui has delivered bodies, primarily built on Volvo Buses chassis, for premium coaches for multiple customers across Europe. It has developed several different models, which are designed to meet the broad spectrum of customer needs across European markets. The agreement includes bodies for Volvo Buses’ new, fuel-efficient coach platform, for the Volvo 9700 and Volvo 9900, which was launched in 2022.
“We are looking forward to the partnership with Volvo Buses. Sharing their commitment to providing sustainable, safe and efficient coach travel creates a solid ground for a successful partnership,” says José Ignacio Murillo, CEO at Sunsundegui.
“Along with our partnership with MCV, working together with Sunsundegui will support us to develop a complete offer for premium coaches, city and intercity buses for our customers in Europe,” says Dan Pettersson. “Our business model will see us work closer together with some of the world’s leading bodybuilders and enable us to combine our expertise and capabilities in our respective fields. This in turn will enhance our ability to develop and adapt solutions to meet each customer’s unique needs.”
Under the new business model in Europe, Volvo Buses will remain as the customer interface and continue to provide uptime services and spare parts, both for upcoming new offers and for customers that already have Volvo buses in their fleet today.
The manufacturing of complete coaches in Mexico and North America are not affected by the change in Europe.