Volvo launches Signature series B9R (9400 6x2) bus

KOCHI: The Volvo on Thursday launched a special edition of the Volvo Ocean Race signature series - Volvo B9R 9400 - at the race village.The special edition bus was launched in connection with the Race. The company is planning to launch 80-100 buses in this series in the coming year.The company is planning to sell a total of 425 Volvo buses by the end of this year.Among this, 40 buses are in the multi-axle series.``The company is planning to sell 450 buses in 2009. Out of these, 80-100 buses will be in the multi-axle series,’’ said Akash Passeey, managing director of the Volvo Buses India Private Limited.He said that in the multiaxle category, 20 buses have already been delivered and the remaining will be out soon. The special edition buses launched in connection with the Race are priced at Rs 85 lakh. Theses buses will be available at the same price for one month in Kerala, he said.The Volvo has given training to 8,000 drivers across the country to handle these buses.The special edition buses have a number of specialties, including 340 hp engine, electronic braking system and added seating capacity. ``The electronic braking system ensures safety for passengers and drivers. There is an onboard computer display providing data for drivers,’’ he said.Answering a question, he said that the company was working out reduction in the cost due to the 4 percent decrease in Excise Duty.``Approximately Rs 50,000 will be reduced with the excise duty reduction. We are still working over it,’’ he said.