Volvo expands premium coach range in India with new 9600 Seater-Sleeper

Volvo Buses India has taken the opportunity of Prawaas 5.0 exhibition last week to showcase the Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper, expanding its premium coach portfolio with a factory-built configuration combining seating and sleeper accommodation on a single platform.

At the same Prawaas 5.0 expo, EKA Mobility has launched a new 9-metre electric school bus, Tata has introduced the new Ultra Prime and Starbus Prime bus range, Switch Mobility unveiled a 9-meter e-bus, JBM presented a luxury electric coach from Galaxy family. Also, SUN Mobility presented a modular solution for battery swapping based on Tata Starbus EV.

Organizers of Prawaas 5.0 reported attendance of more than 20,000 visitors at Prawaas 5.0, alongside 227 exhibitors, 20 startups and delegates representing 11 countries.

Volvo Buses India expands 9600 coach range

The new Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper was presented at Prawaas 5.0 in Gandhinagar by Volvo Buses India, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV). According to the manufacturer, the coach has been developed for both short- and long-distance operations, targeting intercity, tourism and pilgrimage services in India.

The launch adds a new configuration to the Volvo 9600 range by combining premium seating and sleeper berths within the same vehicle. Volvo Buses states that the coach is designed to offer operators greater flexibility while addressing evolving passenger expectations for long-distance travel.

In brief

• Where was the new coach unveiled? The Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper debuted at Prawaas 5.0 in Gandhinagar, India.
• How many passengers can it accommodate? The 15-metre coach carries 51 passengers through a combination of sleeper berths and premium seats.
• Which safety systems are included? The vehicle features a 360-degree camera system, electronic mirrors, TPMS, driver state monitoring, alcohol interlock and telematics.
• Who manufactures the coach? The model is produced by Volvo Buses India, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), the joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors.

The 15-metre coach is powered by Volvo’s VEDX8 engine coupled with the I-Shift automated transmission. The vehicle accommodates 51 passengers through a layout comprising 21 upper-deck sleeper berths, three rear sleeper berths and 27 premium lower-deck seats with calf support. It also offers 6 cubic metres of luggage capacity.

Passenger amenities include refreshed interior styling, mood lighting, integrated entertainment provisions, mobile charging points, privacy features, a kitchenette and an onboard toilet.

Volvo 9600 coach: what about safety?

Volvo Buses says the new model is equipped with a suite of driver assistance and safety systems that includes a 360-degree camera system, electronic mirrors based on a Camera Monitor System, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a driver state monitoring system and an alcohol interlock system.

The coach also features an integrated telematics platform providing operators with real-time information on vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, vehicle performance and operational alerts to support fleet management.

S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “India’s bus industry is evolving rapidly, with rising passenger expectations for premium travel experiences and operators seeking higher productivity and operational efficiency. At Volvo Buses India, we continue to shape the future of mobility by combining globally proven engineering with innovations that address evolving needs of the Indian market. The Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper expands our premium coach portfolio with a flexible solution that meets customer expectations for safety, comfort and luxury.”

Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President – Bus Division, VE Commercial Vehicles, added, “The Volvo 9600 platform has been widely appreciated for setting new standards in luxury, safety and passenger comfort. Building on that success, we are introducing the Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper to meet the growing demand for more flexible premium travel solutions. Featuring 24 upper sleeper berths and 27 premium lower-deck seats with calf support, the new coach enables operators to efficiently cater to both short- and long-distance routes while delivering an elevated travel experience for passengers. “