Volvo Bus Australia has announced it has launched a new, medium size 10.8 metre Euro 6 school bus chassis equipped with an Irizar i6 3700 body becoming Volvo’s first model in the medium and small size bus market, and will add what Volvo says is a European advantage to the mix of existing manufacturers within this sector.
The new bus, called the Volvo B8R Short is available for immediate delivery according to the company and is the result of collaboration with Irizar.
“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new Volvo B8R Short Euro 6 chassis school bus with Irizar,” said Volvo Bus Australia’s general manager, Mitch Peden.
“For decades, Volvo Bus and Irizar have remained close business partners and we look forward to seeing our new school bus model on the roads ensuring safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transport for school students across the country,” Peden said.
“It has been decades since Volvo Bus has offered a product of this smaller scale, and the new B8R is part of VBA’s mission to continue to meet the everchanging needs within the industry,” Peden added.
The company says that the new B8R, combines the reliability and efficiency of Volvo’s standard B8R European driveline as well as offering Volvo’s most fuel efficient D8K Euro 6 engine, coupled with a ZF transmission as standard.
Volvo says the new bus also comes with a range of contracts and additional service offering options to ensure maximum efficiency, uptime and support for customers across Australia.
The company added that the new B8R also incorporates Volvo’s Driver Support System (DSS), offering a range of capabilities including Forward Collision Warning with Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Support and Driver Alert Support to collectively deliver enhanced safety and comfort.
“This Volvo and Irizar collaboration combines our strengths,” said Irizar Australia’s managing director, Daniel Castro.
“Both brands have unique technological advancements and a strong focus on service, with operators having access to Volvo’s largest dealership network in the country and the Irizar mobile workshops available across WA, Victoria, Queensland and NSW,” Castro added.
“The integration of services are combined for chassis, body and air-conditioning and customers have access to a one-stop-shop experience,” he said.