Volvo Buses fill up on bus orders in Scandinavia
Good, or rather excellent news for Volvo Buses, the subsidiary of the Volvo Group that deals with the production of buses and coaches, since it has managed to secure two large bus orders in the Nordics nel 2022-23. In fact, Global transport operator Keolis has purchased 114 buses, and mid-sized Norwegian operator Setesdal Bilruter L/L […]
Good, or rather excellent news for Volvo Buses, the subsidiary of the Volvo Group that deals with the production of buses and coaches, since it has managed to secure two large bus orders in the Nordics nel 2022-23. In fact, Global transport operator Keolis has purchased 114 buses, and mid-sized Norwegian operator Setesdal Bilruter L/L has confirmed its order of 52 units.
In this regard, Ulf Magnusson, SVP Business Unit Europe commented: «Our ability to adapt to different types of operations across the Nordic nations has enabled us to secure the best solutions for both Keolis in Sweden and Setedal Bilruter in Norway. To receive two significant orders is very positive and welcome news as we slowly start to put the effects of the pandemic behind us» .
Keolis’s order
Keolis has ordered a combination of 11 Volvo 7900 LH hybrid buses and 103 Volvo 8900RLE diesel buses. Delivery will take place in the summer of 2022 for operations north of Stockholm. To meet Keolis requirements, the buses are designed to allow the use of biofuels including RME and HVO. The key factors in signing the deal were the reliability of the buses, in particular the Volvo 8900RLE model and the flexibility of Volvo Buses in providing vehicles and services for operations in other regional areas.
Karl Orton, Technical Director, Keolis, said: «We wanted a flexible and reliable solution to suit a variety of operations. It is also important that our buses are able to run on renewable fuels. Ultimately it means our customers can enjoy a high quality, customised and sustainable service when they travel with us».
«Our wide range of products has allowed us to customise the buses to suit Keolis specific needs. Our close partnership with them and Volvo Buses strong dealer network in the Uppland and Stockholm region will ensure smooth operations when the buses enter traffic in 2022», statements by Jurong Li, Area Director, Volvo Buses Nordic region.
The needs of Keolis, the answers of Volvo
Norwegian bus operator Setesdal Bilruter L/L has ordered a combination of 11 Volvo 8900R, 13 Volvo 9700 Select and 28 Volvo B8Rs, with delivery to traffic in Agder Vest, the southern region of the country, set to take place in Summer 2022. Innovative solutions for depot and service contracts were an important criterion for the operator; again, Volvo Buses wide product range, which allowed for the selection of three different bus models to suit varying requirements, helped to secure the order. The strong dealer network in the region was also a contributing factor. About that, this is the comment of Svenn-Åge Lökken, Marketing Director, Volvo Buses Norway: «We have adapted our service solution to suit Setesdal Bilruter’s specific operational needs. This new partnership promises comfortable, safe and punctual journeys for passengers in Southern Norway»
