What Volvo started with the B7R changed the way we Indians looked at bus travel. Today we have players like Mercedes Benz, Cerita Motors, Swaraj Mazda Isuzu, Corona etc in the luxury bus segment. And now Turkish commercial vehicle maker, Temsa Global is looking to enter the Indian bus market too. The firm has undertaken a feasibility study on the commercial potential to set-up an integrated bus making facility in India. It has been eyeing India as the manufacturing base for Asian markets besides developing a sourcing base for automotive components for its global manufacturing operations.
Temsa is looking to introduce its long-distance inter-city coaches under the Safari brand for the urban markets. Such coaches dominate the 50,000 units-a-year Indian bus market. Currently Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are the top players in the product segment.
The Turkish firm is looking at high local content in its buses and its officials have met more than 30 Indian component suppliers to develop a vendor base in the country. It is scouting local vendors for major components like gears, engines, seats, glass, axles and metal parts.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Temsa Global to enter the India bus segment
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Volvo B9R wins the NDTV Car India award
Volvo 9400 6x2 multi-axle inter-city bus also known as the B9R was announced as the Automotive Technology of the Year at the NDTV profit Car & Bike awards 2009.
Volvo Buses has been bestowed upon this award based on the critical assessment by a panel of judges, comprising of leading experts in the Auto field. The award winning Volvo 9400 6x2, the market’s first coach with a multi-axle configuration was launched in India in October 2008. Since its inception, the Volvo multi-axle bus has succeeded in taking the inter-city luxury AC coach segment to its next level.
With a 9-liter rear engine and a 6x2 configuration, the Volvo 9400 6x2 helps achieve enhanced transport economy through higher occupancy levels and better fuel consumption per passenger km. The 8 additional seats in the standard layout offer greater revenue opportunities and the two axles in the rear provide a much higher ride comfort than before. Additionally, this new model brings in a host of new safety and technological features. This new model will cater to the long-distance, high occupancy routes and is already in service with many customers in the country.
Features present on the new model, like electronic braking and electronic suspension are a first in the country. With this model, the Indian Bus industry has now graduated to a new level and the company has already got excellent feedback from our customers on all aspects of the bus.
WORDS: WHEELSUNPLUGGED.COM
PIC : TEAM-BHP.COM
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Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Corona Ambari A/C bus
Some months back, the Pune based manufacturer rolled out its Corona sleeper buses. With a 160bhp rear engine, the bus has 32 comfortable sleeper berths. The company also rolled out its A/C seater for long distance routes now being used by various operators including KSRTC
Body and frame:
Corona bus is an all steel integral monocoque construction and has two important structural members:
a) Spines to carry load carrying member and
Exterior cage which is integrated with spine to have a unique single piece monocoque structure.
The entire structure is made up of rectangular steel tubes. The structure has comparatively high impact strength.
Engine:
The bus is fitted with 160 Horse power Cummins engine at the rear end so as to reduce noise pollution inside the bus saloon. The rear engine ensures reduced transmission loss. Larger flaps are fitted at rear end and at sides for better accessibility and maintenance of the engine.The bus can easily maintain speeds of 95-100km/h on the highways and returns around 4km to a litre of diesel.
Air suspension:
Fully independent front Air suspension are provided which carries double link wish bone at both left and right independently supported to the structure by silent bearings. The rear end is provided with an independent single wish bone structure which is pivoted to the body structural spines with rubber mountings for comfortable travel. The Air suspension provides bump free travel to the passenger
Passenger saloon:
The passenger saloon is provided with ultra modern interiors, ‘Happich’ imported hatracks to carry light luggage, comfortable reclining hi-tech passenger seats, imported floor carpeting, high mounted TV to have better viewing pleasure for passengers.
Air conditioner:
This bus is provided with good branded “carrier” make air-conditioner with excellent cooling effect to make the journey comfortable & cool.
Front show and wind shield:
The bus is provided with improved front show and wind shield to have better aero dynamics and fuel efficiency. Better visibility and safety. Single piece front cowl gives better insulation and avoids dust entry into the cabin and also help in reduction in noise pollution.
Luggage space:
The bus is provided with excellent under slung luggage space (approximately 11 cubic mtrs) to carry more luggages of passengers and also better road holding with lowered centre of gravity. Loading and unloading of luggage is very easy as the luggage space is much nearer to the ground.
Brakes:
The Braking system provides safe and reliable braking with dual circuit full air brakes. Condenser cum water separator is provided in addition to the air dryer to enhance life and performance of brake system. Automatic slack adjuster are provided to enhance the braking efficiency.
Seats Configuration:
Fitted with 44 passenger seats with 2x2 seating configuration. The seats are comfortable with reclining mechanism.
Exteriors:
The bus is provided with all aluminum doors and stretched galvanized panels. The panels are painted with polyurethane based premier high solid 2k paints with colorful graphics.
Cost:
The end rate for the Corona Ambari A/C bus is Rs. 36,81,563.00.12.
Brand Name:
The Bus is named as “AMBAARI” – means comfortable & luxurious journey on the top of an Elephant.
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Thursday, January 8, 2009
Akash Passey's exclusive interview for us!
1. How has the response to the new B9R been?
The response to the Volvo B9R, which we now term Volvo 9400 6x2 has been very good. We have been getting continuous feedback from our customers and our team. The feedback around the key aspects of comfort, long-distance drive, fuel efficiency and other aspects related to transport economy and passenger feedback is promising.
2. Have you thought about introducing a cheaper variant of the B9R with the same B7R engine?
The current choice of using the 9 litre engine was a considered decision when we weighed the product profile and its application. This includes various aspects – drivability, fuel, longevity, after-sales, our product strategies etc. Following its introduction we have no reason yet to consider changing this product profile. Also, the price, while important, is only one component in the entire Life Cycle Cost and we think we have a good solution for our customers here.
3. Volvo hasn’t penetrated the northern and eastern markets much. Any particular reasons for this?
Volvo Buses commenced its operations in India with a ‘step-by-step’ approach, starting in the South first, expanding to West and thereon moving our presence into the East and North regions of India. So, South and West did get a higher exposure to begin with. Private Operators in the North largely operate in the private tourism segment which is not as large as the inter-city coach segment that operators cater to in South and West. The inter-city segment in North is today mainly catered to by local state corporations who are relatively more focused on general segments rather than the AC segment, for now In East, the road network is a hindrance to development
4. Volvo’s policy of training drivers for running the buses has been positive. But are operators sticking to it?
At an overall level, yes. Driver training is one important support to protect their investment and customers realize that. A driver could account for 15 % of the fuel efficiency and any mature operator sees it in his own benefit to use a Volvo trained driver.
Also, the drivers operate within a motivating environment – a driver-friendly environment and with a driveline that is responsive. Everyone likes to give their best and these circumstances make the drivers want to do even better. With every bus we sell, we train 3 or more customer drivers and we now also have refresher training programs.
The aim is to make good drivers even better. And this aim is not a one-off effort. The culture of defensive, economic and safe driving will get deeper and wide- spread as we continue take these steps. We are aware that just as we seek to change the way people behave we must also work to change the circumstances they operate in. This of course, involves more stakeholders than only us. We will surely see the importance, status and value of a good driver increase in time to come.
We do our best to influence this through various means – service agreements, our support network and various other support solutions. This year we have also started with new offers on refurbishment of old buses and hope to attract more and more customers. On the other hand, starting this year, we established a new company – Volvo Buses India Private Limited, which is now the firstcompany singularly focused on bus transport solutions. Furthermore, we are now unique in India, building both the chassis and body within Volvo, and not outsourcing the body. In January, we inaugurated the Volvo Bus Body plant. As a complete bus company in India this also means new standards in terms of the total transport solution we offer and the quality standards we set in the industry. With one stop shop concept being reinforced now, we feel the general maintenance level on the body will improve even further now
These are efforts which will allow us be closer to our customers & influence the market. Of course, the more the customer and market demands the more we can & will deliver.
6. How has your stand been against non-Volvo operators using the Volvo logo to lure customers
We do not accept such practises. Especially where the use of Volvo logo or name is directed at misleading passengers. Our legal department is active in following up on these cases. We have successfully managed to stop many but are aware that this may continue. We will continue to pursue our efforts to protect the Volvo brand and our trademark to the fullest.
7. Do we see any new launches this year?
Unfortunately, we never will comment on forward looking figures and introductions. But Volvo has a wide global product program and we have a big role to playwith most successful city bus transportation systems around the world. So, you can expect us to continue to create, influence and respond to our customer demands and keep taking our next steps forward. But its not possible to say ‘what, when, how and if or if not’!
8. (this question is purely for enthusiast readers of our blog). The B7R’s company claimed top speed is 103. However we have seen these buses run at much higher speeds. How much can they actually do on the speedometer? And what about the B9R?
The speeds vary from country to country depending on local regulations.
Depending on the country the product can of course touch much higher speeds. In India we very much encourage operators to restrict speed as it adds to the fuel efficiency for the operator and most importantly adds to safety risks on the road
With the only company to introduce electronic engines in the bus segment in India , we are able to adjust speed limits on operators request at a short notice
9. What is the average fuel consumption for both the B7R and B9R on open highways (devoid of hills)
The average fuel consumption is a very difficult figure to define in a commercial vehicle in this case. One can witness figures around 3kmpl and you can hear of figures higher than this too. On the other hand if one picked up specific drivers, fleet managers and terrain you can witness some fantastic figures, either way. So, we will never give a specific figure yet but can only indicate so. With our customers, where we understand their specific circumstances, we would share this data, but rarely speak about it in general!
10. Websites like redbus.in have transformed the way we can book bus tickets. What is your take on these?
Eventually, the total solution to passengers and those affected by transportation lies in the hand of all stakeholders – manufacturers, authorities, customers, service companies, passengers etc. It’s very important that we see good quality initiatives and high degree of collaboration across the board. Initiatives like these are very good and most welcome.
11. Do you support new individuals with a passion for Volvo buses and would want to be a Volvo bus operator?
Passon is a very key component in anything one does and so does it apply to the transport business. But we would leave it to the individuals to gauge the viability and implementation of their business models in the market. It’s something which a fleet operator or the enterpeneur can estimate best. As advisors we of course, are always there to put together the pieces related to the application of our buses.
12. What have been the latest routes that Volvo buses have explored? What about the longest one. Is the Paulo’s Ahmedabad-Panaji route?
Volvo buses now run across all popular routes in India, the latest addition has been up North in Uttar Pradesh where Lucknow is connected to various destinations within and outside the state, through Volvo buses
There are many one of routes which are long enough but a well known stable route with a high population of Volvo buses is the Mumbai-Bangalore route in which operators cover over 1000 kms per day
13. Lastly, what is the base price for both the B7R and B9R (ex-factory)
At the present moment 9400 6x2 has an introductory price of 85.0 lacs ex factory and 9400 4x2 has a price of 72 lacs. These prices are based ex factory on our standard specification
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A Rs 75 lakh bus goes up in flame
Monday, January 5, 2009
Villagers torch up a 75 lakh rupee Volvo
A new Volvo B7R costs Rs 75 lakh and so.. gone up in flames... (seen here is Libra Volvo)This is the full news taken from Indianexpress
The death of a youth in a road accident triggered a massive protest in Bhankerpur village located on the Chandigarh-Delhi National Highway-22 on Friday.
The accident occurred around 7 pm when Jasveer Singh, a resident of Bhankerpur village, was run over by a Punjab Roadways Volvo bus, which was on its way from Chandigarh to Delhi. Within minutes, hundreds of villagers assembled on the highway and surrounded the bus.
Sensing trouble, the driver and the conductor of the bus fled the spot, while over 50 passengers were stranded midway.
Finding the bus crew missing, the angry villagers torched the bus and squatted in the middle of the highway, blocking the heavy vehicular traffic on the four-lane road.
While none of the passengers were inured as they had alighted before it was set on fire, most of them lost their luggage in the blaze.
As the irate villagers, numbering over 200, laid a siege to the expressway, the fire tenders from Dera Bassi, too, got stuck in the jam and could not reach in time.
Around 8 pm, a police team led by Mohali Superintendent of Police (Detective) R K Bakshi arrived at the spot and tried to persuade the protestors to lift the blockade.
When their repeated requests fell on deaf ears, the police resorted to the use of force to disperse the mob and clear the busy highway, which was by then clogged with long rows of vehicles stranded on either side.
It took a heavy police force to control the frayed tempers as traffic was restored around 8.15 pm.
Jasveer’s father Karam Singh said the failure of the authorities concerned to build a flyover on the expressway, which was recently made a four-lane stretch, at Bhankerpur resulted in the death of his son.
Jasveer, who worked with a private company in Dera Bassi, is survived by his wife whom he married six months ago.
Neena, who had boarded the bus for Delhi, was seen running for cover, leaving her belongings in the bus. “I want to save my life first,” she said.
Another passenger, Ankur, who had to reach the Delhi airport to receive a cousin coming from the US, lost his laptop and a bag containing important documents.
The bus passengers faced a tough time making alternate arrangements to continue their journey, that too braving the biting cold and after losing all their belongings.
By the time two fire tenders could douse the flames, a major part of the bus had been reduced to ashes.
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Eagle introduces Mercedes Benz buses for travel
Eagle Corporate, a very popular bus operator in Gujrat recently introduced Mercedes Benz buses for inter-city travel. The buses would run on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot route, taking just three hours to cover 210km as compared to more than 3.5hours taken by the Volvo buses. Eagle claims that the Merc buses are far more powerful and hence are able to run at higher speeds!
The operator is known for its long distance Volvo and non-Volvo buses and now joins the race for Mercedes Benz buses.
Here is the news from Indopia.in
A leading travel agency of Western India, Eagle travel agency introduced Mercedes Benz bus for public transportation.
Annoucing the launch of the Rs 84 lakh luxury bus last night, Gujarat Finance Minister, Vajubhai Vala, said this will set new standards in passenger transport in the country.
The private public transport operation claimed to be the first operator to offer customers entertainment through projectors in the bus and to launch sleeper coach for long journey, Jayendra Bavaria, Managing Director of the travel agency said.
The travel agency has introduced the imported bus"Volvo"in Gujarat and also introduce first in the country an inbuilt washroom in the bus, Bavaria said and added the agency was also first in the state to introduce non-stop fleet with in-bus services.
"We also offers E-ticket facilities where the commuters can buy their tickets from anywhere, anytime through their website," Bavariya said.
On the occasion, city mayor, Sandhya Vyas, Mercedes Benz senior official, Ashok Bhardwaj were also present.
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