Volvo Buses has successfully handed over 90 units of the first ever Euro 6 double deck buses, Volvo B8L, to Prasarana Malaysia Berhad.
New BBL Euro VI Double Deck Bus Continues Volvo’s Focus on Safety
“On behalf of Volvo Buses, we are extremely excited to introduce the Euro VI technology to Malaysia. The current vehicle emission regulation in Malaysia is Euro III, but our partner Prasarana made a commitment to reduce emission level in Malaysia by purchasing the Volvo’s B8L Euro VI double deck buses beyond the local regulation requirement,” said Mats Nilsson, Director of Volvo Buses Region APAC Central.
According to the President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Prasarana Malaysia, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, “The 12-metre Volvo B8L double-decker buses offer a great solution to our operational challenges. With more seating and standing room, including one wheelchair facility, each bus could hold up to 110 passengers at one time.”
“Now that we are in Phase 4 of the National Recovery plan, Rapid Bus expects an increase of 10 per cent to 20 per cent from our existing load factor during the peak-hour, as well increase capacity per trip. More passengers can board the bus at one time, thus reducing the waiting time for our passengers,” he added.
Late 2017, Volvo Buses Malaysia was awarded a tender of 90 units double-deckers, which have been delivered to Prasarana and put into operation by Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd for public transport in Kuala Lumpur.
The Volvo B8L chassis is manufactured in Boras, Sweden, and has already been widely tested in the demanding city environments of Hong Kong and UK.
Powered by Volvo’s proven D8K engine, the B8L delivers lower overall weight, a tighter turning circle and all new axles and suspension providing outstanding ride quality, improved driveability, and higher levels of vehicle performance.
Euro VI vehicles reduce particulate matters, which are microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the Earth’s atmosphere, by 0.02 to 0.01. It also reduces the amount of nitrogen oxide released into the air from 2.0 to 0.4.
“Environmental Care is one of the Volvo Group’s core values. We believe in clean, silent and efficient transport solutions that offer our customers entirely new possibilities for modern city development and sustainable living,” shared Karen Tan, Country Manager, Volvo Buses Malaysia.
Assembled locally in Malaysia by Pioneer Coachbuilders Sdn Bhd, these Euro VI double deck buses deliver 350 horsepower and are built with 22-ton capacity, length of 12 meter and height of 4.2m, bodied by Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd, with a carrying capacity up to a total of 110 passengers. The buses are fitted with wheelchair ramps and mother-child seats. The new B8L continues Volvo’s focus on safety with several features included as standard equipment, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) and acceleration limiter. Also, the chassis is fitted with Volvo’s proven telematics system, which allows operators to access the vehicle data in real time.
