Customer News Magazine of Volvo Buses in India

Next big steps

Volvo Buses buys its JV stakes and announces ambitious future plans.

I s s u e 01/2011

Issue - 01/2011 Customer News Magazine of Volvo Buses in India

Contents
Making public transport the first choice

04

swedish innovations and Indian interpretation

06

KsRTC Leading by example

08

Volvo Buses India takes the next big steps

12

Alternate Fuel

14

The President visits Bangalore

17

electronically Controlled suspension system

18

Nothing succeeds like success

21

Volvo BuZzzz

22

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editor - sohanjeet s Randhawa Associate editor - sunanda Jaiprakash Technical editor - Brijesh Marwah Design - shilahar Associates, Bangalore Volvo Buses India Private Limited Factory: Yalachahally, Taverekere Post Bangalore 562122. Phone: +91 80 6712 1200 www.volvobuses.co.in

For private circulation only

MDs LeTTeR Issue 1/2011

Lets keep the momentum and be one-step ahead

s w e s t e p into our 10 th year of Volvo Buses operations in India; we c e l e b r a t e our partnership with our customers, associates, authorities a n d o u r c o lleagues. In a move to further strengthen the Volvo bus e x p e r i e n c e , w e c ontinue to t ake steps towards providing better mobility a n d d r i v i n g p r o g ress in a buoyant market. I n D e c e m b e r l a s t year, Volvo Buses in India became a 100% Volvo Bus C o r p o r a t i o n s u b sidiary, after we bought out the JV partner shares. Volvo B u s e s h a v e a l s o shared its ambitious plans for the future with respect t o e x p a n d i n g i n d u s trial est ablishment, after-s ales network and future product r a n g e s . A l r e a d y in this year, we plan to set up 5 Volvo Bus Centers acr oss key cities. We h a v e s e e n r o bust growth in 2010. Most import antly, we see the e s t a b l i s h i n g o f k ey concepts that will drive future progress. Longh a u l l u x u r y t r a v e l is getting segmented with higher demands and Volvo 9 4 0 0 X L m u l t i - a x le intercity buses are clearly the countrys best selling c o a ch e s . I n s t i t u tional customers like Karnat ak a s t ate Road Transport C o r p o r a t i o n ( Ks RTC) have placed breakthrough orders for these multi-axle c o a ch e s , m a k i n g it the first from a public sector and our private customer Vi j a y a n a n d R o a d lines (VR L) has reiterated the confidence with a bulk order o f 1 0 0 Vo l v o 9 4 00X L multi-axle buses, along with large orders from many e s t e e m e d c u s t o mers. Th e c o u n t r y i s c l ear about its ambition of making public transport a key t o o l f o r s u s t a i n a ble cities and we at Volvo have built a strong base through p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h every key private, public and institutional customer. In N o v e m b e r l a s t y ear, Volvo City Buses entered the 12 th city Mumbai when B e sT i n a u g u r a t ed Volvo City Buses to its commuters. M r. H a k a n K a r l s son, President, Volvo Bus Corporation along with Mr. Rune L u n d b e r g , sr. Vi ce President, Business Region International and Chairman, Vo l v o B u s e s I n d i a B oard, visited India in January this year and has a ck n o w l e d g e d I n dia as one of the key markets for Volvo Bus Corporation g l o b a l l y. I n t a n d e m w i t h o ur success, this issue of Bus s top features articles of c o n t r i b u t o r s a c r oss the spectrum dedicated to driving progress. We wish y o u e n j o y a b l e r e ading!

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Akash Passey Managing Director Volvo Buses, south Asia

Making Public Transport the first choice

The concept of urban mobility is fast changing in India. Though a sizeable percentage of people still insist on using personal modes of transport, today public transport offers far more comfort, safety and stress free travel that has never been associated with public transport before. It is over the last few years a new paradigm shift has taken place in this sector. Public transport organizations are working hard to make public transport the No.1 choice for its citizens. The launch of the low-entry, Volvo City Buses in India, has fast tracked many of these ambitious transport projects. Volvo City Buses were first launched in Bangalore. The initiative received quite an optimistic response. With an extensive connectivity, reliability, comfort and stress-free ride that Volvo Buses offer, the move to shift people from their personal vehicles to public transport is slowly but surely finding many takers. More and more people are enthused about using public transport. Today the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation has over 500 Volvo City Buses in their fleet catering to quite a sizeable population in the city. Today public transport is not merely shifting a set of people from one place to another, but also shifting people away from their private vehicles to buses. Following articles featured by news papers, reiterates these facts.

Bus Karo

Rising fuel prices, auto fares and pollution drive people in the city to board a bus.
I catch the bus to the Bowring Club and back to play my game of badminton every evening, rather than take my own car in this crazy traffic, revealed Salma Mashood from Infantry Road. Rather surprising considering taking a bus was never the done thing in Bangalore even until recent past. Today many Bangaloreans have begun to use public transport, as there has been a marked change in the quality of vehicles and also the service. In fact the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Traffic Police have been campaigning on the concept of reserving every first Thursday of the month as Bus Day in Bangalore. I personally only use the BMTC Airport Shuttle service since the airport moved and find it very convenient and comfortable. I heard about the Volvo Bus Service from my sister-in-law who has shifted from the US and needed a reliable and safe transport to her office in Electronic City. She put my fears of travelling by bus to rest. There are Volvos connecting almost every part of Bangalore, they are air-conditioned and there is always a seat available, reveals Namrata, a PG student in St .Joseph College. My husband and I drive our individual vehicles and are quite fed up with the traffic congestion, pollution and the stress that Bangalore roads offer! Autos fares have gone up and the rowdy attitude of drivers go unabated .We decided to try the Volvo, Namrata adds.

I personally only use the BMTC Airport Shuttle service since the airport moved and find it very convenient and comfortable

There are Volvos connecting almost every part of Bangalore, they are air-conditioned and there is always a seat available

Apart from a little walk to the bus stop, the Volvos seem to be the best thing to happen to public transport yet.

Net gains for commuters on Bangalore buses

Travelling by bus is an entirely new experience for Bangaloreans. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will provide internet access to commuters boarding the swanky Volvo buses operated by the department. And the service will come free. Commuters will be able to access their emails, surf the net and even enjoy video streaming . This service is already available on the some of the Volvo buses operating between the city and the Bangalore International Airport. In the next few days, more number of Volvo Buses will start offering internet service to commuters, particularly techies, travelling to Electronic City, Whitefield, C V Raman Nagar and Hebbal. Over the next one month more than 220 Volvo Buses will offer internet service to commuters. Bangalore being the technology hub of the nation, we wanted to take the lead in offering internet services to commuters. No other government- owned state transport undertaking in south Asia is offering this service, Karnataka Transport Minister R Ashoka, said. In the US, private tour operators offer internet service to travellers of luxury coaches. Some of them levy a fee. But we have decided against levying such a fee. We want more people to travel by buses to reduce traffic congestion in Bangalore. This is just one of the people-friendly services being offered to commuters, he said. A touche screen, connected to head phones is installed on the back of every seat. Commuters can access the internet straight away without disclosing any personal details. It is a secure connection, which cannot be misused. It is an up to-date informationcommunication-entertainment (ICE) application, Ashok informed. In a week that we tried travelling by Volvo, Im relaxed and stress-free. I dont worry about having to kick-start my vehicle every day. I dont even worry about dodging murderous cab drivers who get offended at the sight of a woman rider. Apart from a little walk to the bus stop, the Volvos seem to be the best thing to happen to public transport yet. Schonali Rebello, Head of Communications, BCK Group who has moved from Canada says, Ive used the regular BMTC buses and the new light blue ones. My experience is that they are very safe for women because the entire front section is reserved for women and there are some real tough ones who sit there, so nobody messes with them. The conductors are professional and helpful.
Excerpts from an article featured in Metro Plus, The Hindu

The BMTC has tied up with a private agency to offer internet service. The agency will provide the necessary hardware, software and high-speed wireless broadband network.
Article reproduced from Mail Today

rs. 1 Million AwArd

Volvo Buses announced the institution of a Rs.1 Million Award to an organization or group that does outstanding work in the field of sustainable public transport. This award will be applicable from year 2011 and will be presented by the Ambassador of Sweden to India. Nominations are invited from across the country.

A little Bit of sweden in our lives

Swedish Innovation, Indian Interpretations
A photo exhibition during the Sweden India Nobel Week Seminar
Commemorating the achievements of the illustrious Alfred Nobel, the second consecutive year of the sweden India Nobel Week seminar took place during Oct 23 and Oct 31 2010, across five cities in India. The programme included a series of seminars, lectures, roundtables and cultural events of music, food and dance. The week long activities were strung together by the Nobel Prize themes of creativity and innovation. In Bangalore, to mark the Nobel Week a seminar was on Making Public Transport the first Choicewas sponsored by Volvo Buses in India.

Acceptance of technology irrespective of age Photographer - M Barkath Ali Khan

Innovation - Bluetooth

RopeYarnRibbon Photographer - Sumeena Iqbal

Innovation - Computer Mouse

Enjoy! Photographer - Amitava Chandra

Innovation - Coca Cola Design

Shadow Talk Photographer - Mihir Misra

Innovation - Cell Phone Systems

Lord Krishna online Photographer - Joydeep Mukharjee

Innovation - Cell Phone Systems

God Abreast Photographer - Somenath Mukhopadhyay

Innovation - Zipper

Motion Mania Photographer - Somenath Mukhopadhyay

Innovation - Propeller

Agro Tech Photographer - Somenath Mukhopadhyay

Innovation - Adjustable wrench

Drilling Photographer - Bhabani Prosad Mondal

Innovation - Dynamite

Hide n Seek Photographer - Abhijit Chakraborty

Innovation - Position Indicating System

By Heart Photographer - Abhijit Chakraborty

Innovation - Pacemaker

The Surreal Rewind Photographer - Akshay Akkineni

Innovation - Computer Graphics

The occasion was graced by His excellency Lars Olof Lindgren, swedish Ambassador to India, along with senior Government officials from Karnataka. eminent panelists and speakers discussed the way forward in urban mobility. Photographers from across the country competed in the national

competition swedish Innovation, Indian Interpretations, to capture the presence of swedish Innovations in our everyday life. selected entries where showcased at a photo exhibition titled A little of sweden in our lives. Topics ranged from the cell phone to public transportation to the zipper.

Matched Despair Photographer - Akshay Akkineni

Innovation - Safety Match

Natural Milking Machine Photographer - Abdullah Qureshi

Innovation - Milking Machine

Lance Desi Armstrong Photographer - Abdullah Qureshi

Innovation - Ball Bearing

For crafting engines of progress Photographer - Sameer S Karmarkar

Innovation - Blowtorch

Ecstasy Photographer - Sudipto Das

Innovation - Cell Phone Systems

Innovation knows no barrier Photographer - Amitava Chandra

Innovation - Refigerator

Moving picture Photographer - Roy Sinai

Innovation - Sustainable Transport

Zipodhoti Photographer - Gunjan Gupta Innovation - Zipper

Mystery Man Photographer - Gunjan Gupta Innovation - Zipper

Light My Fire Photographer - Prachi Singh

Innovation - Safety Match

KSRTC Leading by example

Karnataka state Road Transport Corporation (KsRTC) is an sTu with a vision and a role model. At the helm of affairs leading this organisation from strength to strength is Mr. Gaurav Gupta, MD KsRTC. The Busstop team caught up with the man himself to find out what makes KsRTC a role model organisation

Interview with

Mr. Gaurav Gupta

Managing Director, Karnataka state Road Transport Corporation

Considering your customer needs and passenger demand, how has Volvo Buses helped in fulfilling these needs? KsRTC is focussed to provide better services to its customers. Initially when Volvo Buses were introduced in 2002 it was very expensive to buy and maintain. subsequently, as the time progressed we have studied that the customers are willing to pay higher cost for better services. This has created a niche category which was non-existent and not catered to by other manufacturers until Volvo Buses were introduced in 2001. Volvo Buses have been able to measure up to the mark and able to sustain the public demands. KsRTC will continue to try new products in the market. Drivers and other crew have been able to add value to the services offered by KsRTC. The recently introduced Volvo Multi-axle buses have created a new segment. We call it the Airavat Club Class. With superior exterior, attractive interiors and more comfortable travel experience, the Volvo multi-axle buses have raised the standards of luxury even higher. This premium category buses offer seats with calf support, tulip lighting, superior hat rack and many other features. These buses are introduced in important sectors such as Bangalore to Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and ernakulam. KsRTC also introduced newly designed 2X2, non-air-conditioned, comfortable buses for the lower segments to meet the demands of other passengers in the intercity segment. Since the introduction of Volvo Buses in 2001, the bus industry has seen a tremendous change. How do you see the future of bus transport evolving and also give reflections of this development with regard to your business model. KsRTC has given emphasis to an end-to-end experience for travelers. We have been upgrading bus stations. exclusive lounge development for premium category passengers is being created in key cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. We have certified the way-side amenities. The new stations have been given steel and granite exterior and modern infrastructure. We have planned a world class transit hub with seamless connectivity for city and Intercity Buses, Metro Rail and Railway passengers. It will be on PPP model and will create a new a mile stone in public transport. Another important factor is ticket reservations. Our on-line reservation service has won many awards. We also offer mobile ticket reservation service and have established over 400 franchisees across the state. Last but not the least is creating a better work force with quality employees. KsRTC has created 100% transparent recruitment programs developed with IIM Bangalore, which runs common test for medium to higher management carder as well as drivers. As a conscious corporate citizen, KsRTC has introduced initiatives such as alternate fuel usage, water harvesting and conservation at depots and bus stands. As India is changing fast, we at KsRTC are determined to bring in new initiatives to make bus travel more superior and comfortable experience for all travelers. What are the initiatives KSRTC has to improve its drivers performance? KsRTC gives more importance to its drivers. First of all, the KsRTC drivers are our employees and specially trained by Volvo Buses. Our drivers and crew add value to our services. emphasis on safety, driver concentration is important to us. We focus more on our drivers, who is the ambassador during the travel. The counselling sessions and life style development programs are organised for the drivers.

First among equals

The Karnataka state Road Transport Corporation (KsRTC) has emerged as a role model, heralding a new era in the transport industry. It is a pioneer among state Transport units - be it service, products or strategy. KsRTC is driven by innovation, and a commitment to provide superior means of transportation and infrastructure. When Volvo Buses rolled in on the Indian roads, KsRTC was the first sTu to induct the Volvo intercity coach into its fleet. With over 400 Volvo Buses in its fleet, it is one of the largest fleet of Volvos along with 7000 other buses covering the entire state and over 80 inter-state destinations. KsRTC also introduced the Volvo City Buses in the city of Mysore. These buses are air-conditioned, with a rear engine, low entry and built on a true bus chassis.

When Volvo Buses launched the first multi-axle inter-city coach, KsRTC again was the first sTu to place an order of 40 multi-axle coaches, the largest ever by a sTu. Five of these buses are already in operation. This has helped raise the bar in inter-city travel across all parameters of comfort, safety and economy. The induction of the multi-axle introduced a premier segment called the Airawat Club Class. The standards of luxury were taken to the next level with the elegant design and exterior, attractive interiors and comfortable seating. These buses are plying on high volume sectors like Bangalore to Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and ernakulam.

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Better infrastructure is the key to better travel experience

Along with the advanced buses comes the infrastructure and use of information technology to advantage. KsRTC has pulled out all stops to enhance the customer satisfaction, right from the time he books a ticket. KsRTC is the first to introduce Any time any where advance reservation (AWATAR), an online booking system and online vehicle tracking and passenger information system. The e-initiatives of KsRTC have won great acclaim and awards. KsRTC also has a mobile ticket reservation facility and has a wide network of over 400 franchisees across the state. Bus depots and terminus in the major towns have already been upgraded with convenient amenities for passengers. efforts are

on to improve bus terminal facilities on par with international standards and construction of satellite bus stations across the state. exclusive Lounge development for premium category passenger is on in key cities of Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. KsRTC has also certified amenities along the routes so that people get to use clean and hygienic facilities. The Corporation also understands the prerequisite of safety in every journey, along with comfort. The drivers are the face of the organization and they are chosen and trained with utmost care. Right from the day, they begin their service, they are constantly trained on the necessity of safe and stress free driving. Courses are conducted in yoga meditation and life style development. Above all this, a good number of initiatives have been taken to protect the environment. Water harvesting and recycling plants have been set up in all depots. KsRTC has taken to alternate fuel program, like bio-diesel and ethanol-blended diesel which help in reducing the emission levels and over 1000 KsRTC buses are being run on ethanol-blended diesel, which is cost-effective.

KSRTC - a leader in innovations

First sTu to introduce: Automated test to recruit drivers Web-based passenger reservation system Mobile ticket booking electronic ticketing machines Design and fabricate low-floor buses under the economic stimulus package GPs / GPRs based passenger information and bus related intelligent transport system Central control room to ensure commuter and employee safety

KSRTC Operations Statistics

7000 buses 122 bus stations 69 depots 14 divisions 33800 employees 25 lakh passengers / day 24.5 lakh kilometers / day 2 regional workshops

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Volvo Buses in India takes the next big steps

n

Buys out the share of the JV partner Azad Group in India Plans to achieve multifold growth in India and neighboring markets Capacity expansion to cater to future domestic and exports markets

F
Mr. Rune Lundberg, Sr. Vice President, B u s i n e s s R e g i o n I n t e r national, Volvo Buses and Mr. Akash Passey, Managing Director Volvo Buses India addressing the media

oraying into the future with a vision and determination, Volvo Buses India Private Limited bought out the entire share of Azad Group in the company. Azad Group has been Volvos JV partner in India since 2008. With the buyout, Volvo Buses has raised its stake from 70% to 100% in the company. The move will help Volvo Buses to put in place its growth plans for the country. Volvo Buses in India has been entwined with changing perceptions of road travel. Pioneering products and solutions for a decade, Volvo Buses has encouraged fleet operators, both private and institutional to constantly relook at their business models to keep pace with the growth and progress in urban mobility. The coming together of the Asian dream is seeing a promising demand and critical movement by key stakeholders and customers

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in India. Covering 12 cities with city buses in a short span of 2 years is an indicator of the fast changing pace. The buoyancy in the market got another shot in the arm when VRL a long standing customer of Volvo Buses from Hubli, placed a single order of 100 multi-axle buses. This order is a testimony to the confidence reposed by customers in Volvo Buses and the single largest order till date. The Volvo strategy to continuously re-invent and improve its product features saw the launch of the CNG Bus and introduction of the Volvo euro IV City Bus in 2010 with a face lift. The future includes an increase in production by close to 100% by 2012, also catering to export markets and to bring in products for new segments. The expansion will include establishments of new facilities for refurbishment operations, customer experience lounge, new

integral production principles, a competence development centre and expansions at the paint shop. The facility will thus expand resulting in a 30% increase in manpower in the next couple of years. Volvo Buses also plans to set up Volvo Bus Centers across key cities to provide a higher level of service experience to customers and drivers reenforcing its interest in complete bus solutions. Volvo Buses India as a global manufacturing facility will step up exports from 2011. exports will account for 25-30% of total volumes of India over the next few years, over the current 5%. Of course, expansion in future reflects the ambition of the market and our customers. Who knows, Volvo Buses could well replicate the shanghai city in India, which boasts of 14000 Volvo buses in its fleet which also includes buses produced by sunwin Bus Corporation - a joint venture of Volvo Buses in China.

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Alternate Fuel
The major factors that have contributed to the quest for alternate propulsion technologies in automobiles are growing concerns about exhausting non-renewable energy resources, cheap life-cycle cost of well-to-wheel, optimum fuel consumption, excellent energy content, low cost of installation of engine and aggregates, friendly to the environment, lowest costs of transportation, ease of distribution and safety of the fuel in use.

ased on these factors, the four best options of alternate resources that have captured attention are CNG/LPG fuelled vehicles, Bio-gas, Hybrids and Pure electrics in addition to the existing sources of gasoline and diesel. Apart from these, many new technologies are being developed like DMe (Di-methyl ether), fuel cells, Hythane (hydrogen blended with CNG), Cellulose (bio-diesel and bio-ethanol) and pure hydrogen.

B
CNG

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles are more energy efficient than their gasoline powered counterparts, but in comparison with diesel, the latter is inherently more fuel efficient. Worldwide, approximately five million vehicles currently use natural gas for fuel, many of them retrofitted and some others in bio-fuel modes. CNG is good in fuel efficiency and safer as an inherent gas characteristic to use than gasoline or diesel fuel since combustion requires the right mix of air and fuel at temperatures over 1100 degree Fahrenheit. Diesel has lower combustion temperature of 410 degree Fahrenheit. CNG vehicles have 90 to 97% lower CO emissions compared to other conventional fuels, CO2 are 25% less, NOx 30 to 60% lower and 50 to 75% fewer hydrocarbons. While CNG has historically an inherent emissions advantage, new clean diesel technologies now have challenged this. Further, the shortcomings associated with CNG are mainly, bigger investment of installation and adaptation, distribution limited to city limits, bulky high pressure CNG carriers resulting in heavier tare masses and safety concerns associated with high pressure gas.

sulphide need to be removed. The former, because it compromises the operating range of the vehicle since it does not burn and the latter due to its corrosive nature. Biogas for automotive application is called bio-methane. Methane within biogas can be concentrated via a biogas upgrader to the same standards as fossil natural gas, it is called bio-methane. Biogas is sometimes called swamp gas, landfill gas, or digester gas. A 2007 estimate suggests that worldwide, 12000 vehicles are being upgraded to biogas annually and predicts at least 70000 vehicles by end of 2010. sweden alone accounts for more than 11500 NG vehicles on biogas, while Germany and Austria have set roadmaps of 20% biogas vehicles. The benefits of biogas are similar to the benefits of natural gas: increasing energy security, paving the way for fuel cell vehicles, and improving public health and the environment through reduced vehicle emissions. Additionally, it is a domestic, renewable resource; using it offsets the use of non-renewable resources such as coal, oil, and fossil fuel-derived natural gas, with corresponding emission reduction and energy security benefits and it directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by preventing

Biogas 14

Biogas or renewable natural gas (RNG) is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide gases that is formed whenever organic materials decompose in the absence of air, a process known as anaerobic digestion. Biogas can be manufactured from almost any organic material but historically it has been produced from sewage sludge, agricultural waste, industrial wastes, animal slurries and animal byproducts and municipal solid wastes. At present energy crops such as grass maize and household waste are used for its production. Biogas can be used as a vehicle fuel. For this, carbon dioxide and hydrogen

Hybrid Vehicle Emissions Hybrid Vehicle emissions today are getting close to or even lower than the recommended level set by the ePA (environmental Protection Agency). Parallel hybrids are seen to be more efficient than series hybrids. In series hybrids, mechanical energy (engine) is used to charge a battery pack (electrical energy) and this electrical energy drives a motor that is again converted to mechanical energy (transmission). so in this 2 step process of energy conversions, the energy losses are more due to which net efficiency of such a kind of system may drop. On the other hand, in a parallel hybrid system, either the motor or the engine is directly connected to the transmission at any given point of time. From stop to start, only the motor runs with engine cut-off, but at higher speeds the engine is connected to the transmission. When the engine is running, it will also charge the battery pack. At very high torque demands, both engine and motor will assist in the drive. During braking, regenerative energy is used to recharge the battery. Alternately, there are series Parallel Hybrids systems too.

Considerations for Hybrid Vehicles methane release into the atmosphere (methane is 21- times stronger as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide) The major shortcomings for efficient usage of this type of fuel are lack of distribution networks (existing CNG networks have been proposed to be used), cost of manufacturing, processing to improve content of methane and storage and concerns on food security due to consumable crops used for biogas production. Allows downsizing the engine for the same power/torque since motor is utilized in different modes Considerable reduction in exhaust and noise emissions and fuel consumption, since motor operates in most of the regions of the driving cycles Life of battery pack and electrical components, motor-alternators and controllers serviceability and cost are major deterrents

Hybrids

A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move a vehicle. Power sources include on-board or out-board rechargeable energy storage system (Ress), gasoline or diesel fuel, hydrogen, compressed air, human powered, compressed or liquefied natural gas, coal, wood or other solid combustibles Fuel consumption and emissions reductions in Hybrids: The hybrid vehicle typically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICeVs), resulting in fewer emissions being generated. These savings are primarily achieved by three elements of a typical hybrid design: 1. Relying on both the gasoline (or diesel engine) and the electric motors for peak power needs resulting in a smaller gasoline or diesel engine sized more for average usage rather than peak power usage. 2. Having significant battery storage capacity to store and reuse recaptured energy, especially in stop-and-go traffic 3. Recapturing significant amounts of energy normally wasted during braking etc. (Regenerative braking)

Pure Electric Vehicles or Battery Operated Vehicles

A battery electric vehicle, or BeV, is a type of electric vehicle (eV) that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. As with other electric vehicles, BeVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of internal combustion engines (ICes) for propulsion. Allelectric vehicles are referred as BeVs (although a plug-in hybrid is also a battery electric vehicle). Battery electric vehicles store electricity from the grid in a large battery that is used to drive an electric motor, which gives drive to the wheels of the vehicle.

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several conversions are necessary, because electricity from the grid is in the form of alternating current (AC), and a battery can store only direct current (DC). When the battery is charged, the charger converts the AC to DC and supplies it to the battery at the correct voltage. some electric vehicles are powered by AC motors; in this case, the DC from the battery must be converted to AC again by an electronic device called the inverter, and it is also necessary to control the amount of power supplied to the motor and wheels of the car. Other eVs are powered by DC motors; in this case, the DC from the battery must be controlled to give the correct amount of power to the motor. This is done by an electronic device called the controller. The distance that an eV can drive before the batteries need recharging depends on the type and number of batteries installed in the vehicle and can range from 50 to 200 km. This limitation can be overcome in two ways: one is to install fast-charging facilities, which can recharge the batteries in 10-20 minutes, and the other is to improve battery technology. In the past decade, rapid progress has been made in battery technology. The lead-acid battery was surpassed in efficiency and power density by nickelcadmium and then nickel-metal hydride batteries. These newer batteries are already important in commercially available hybrid vehicles. Advanced technologies, such as lithium-ion and lithiumpolymer batteries show promise in vehicle propulsion applications. The costs of these newer technologies are still high, but they are decreasing steadily. eVs are categorized as PZeV (Partial Zero emissions vehicles) and except for battery acid fumes during operations life cycle and life of the battery itself; no significant emissions are established.

Considerations
The batteries, at least today, are heavy (compared to their range), so the vehicles are heavier than gasoline or diesel ones, trolleybuses etc, and dont go as far The batteries, at least today, are expensive, causing high vehicle costs Battery cars are considered as environment friendly or green but arent compared to bicycling or light rail Production of battery cars and roads are as polluting and requires as much if not more resources than any gasoline/diesel cars of the same size The usual battery charge takes around 5 hours, intended for overnight, fast chargers may reduce this to 45 or 30 minutes. Refilling a fuel tank takes only about 5 minutes Infrastructure is lacking; charge stations are not yet popular. A fossil fuel vehicle can go anywhere in most countries and find a pay to refuel station with ease, recharge stations for electric vehicles are rare, despite near universal electricity availability throughout most developed countries The range of a BEV will slowly decrease over time as the rechargeable batteries lose capacity. They will eventually need to be replaced Volvo, from its stables, manufactures and builds all of the above variants to suit different customers. The technological aspects and advantages have been rigorously tried and tested in various countries before the design commercialization. The 7700 Hybrid is the first viable hybrid to be supplied and run. It features a 5 litre MD5 engine and a IsAM motor-alternator with 160 kW peak power, lithium batteries with Battery Management unit and isolation resistance monitor.

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The President visits Bangalore in India

The recent strategic business moves by Volvo Buses India, reiterates the commitment to the region and builds on the aspirations of the company to be a key player in the global market. Recently Mr. Hakan Karlsson visited Bangalore - a visit that emphasized the emerging status of Volvo Buses in India.

The President speaks...

India is very important for Volvo Buses thanks to its large domestic market and as a base for export to other parts of the world. President of Volvo Buses, Hkan Karlsson Volvo is the strongest brand in the bus and coach industry in India and we anticipate a strong sales increase in the coming years. This is a result of countrys investment in increased bus traffic besides the strong position of Volvo Buses in India as a profitable & complete bus company and its new products.

The Indian market is expected to increase 8-9% in the coming years, but Volvo Buses also has plans to increase exports from the plant in India also to markets outside south Asia. export is currently 5% but is expected to increase to 25-30% in a few years, he said.

new paint shop, a refurbishing centre, a customer experience lounge and a competence development centre. Mr. Hakan Karlsson was present at the inauguration of a new depot facility by KsRTC dedicated to Volvo coaches and houses 170 coaches. The depot with its modern infrastructure enhances the customer comfort levels. The President along with the Minister of Home and Transport, Mr. R Ashok, inaugurated a bus terminal in the city for BMTC Buses in Bangalore.

The Guest of Honour

During his visit, he inaugurated the construction of a new facility under the purview of the expansion plans chalked out by Volvo Buses. The construction is for the manufacture of chassis, a

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Inauguration of the ground for Volvo Buses Indias upcoming facility.

Inauguration of Volvo Bus Depot of KSRTC

technology

Electronically Controlled Suspension System

The electronically controlled suspension (eCs) is a feature provided in all Volvo Buses.
An Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) system controls the air pressure in the bellows, to provide extremely precise regulation of the ride height and kneeling The ECS always maintains the same height above the road surface and does not lean to one side though the load is unevenly distributed ECS system constantly monitors the chassis height and maintains it at its normal height ECS system regulates and sets the suspension height as the load changes in the vehicle ECS is fully integrated in the Bus Electronic Architecture - 2 systems, which mean that its control unit can exchange information with the other control units in the bus and compatible to driver diagnostics Depending on the condition of bus standing still, cornering at speed, kneeling to take passengers, etc.; the control unit sends signal to solenoid valve blocks at front and rear of the bus to increase or reduce pressure in the appropriate suspension air bellows

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Description of System
eCs consists of a control unit, two solenoid valve blocks, 4 level sensors and a sensor to measure bellows pressure. The four level sensors consists of potentiometers, the voltage of which depends on the bellows height. The Control unit continuously reads signals from sensors and compares with the stored bellow height values in memory. If the values dont agree with the stored ones, the control unit sends signals to solenoid valve blocks located at front and rear axle. The valves inside blocks are activated either fills or empties the air bellows. When the values stored in the control unit agree with the ones from the level sensor, i.e. when the control unit decides the bus is at its normal height, the control unit will close the activated valves. The benefit of eCs is evident while driver experiences sharp turn, unevenness on the road, an increase in the passenger load, sudden application of brakes while driving on a highway or city roads. Also while the vehicle is stationary the front and side kneeling functionality of eCs ensures easy exit and entry in case of a low floor city bus. In conclusion, eCs always ensures easy maneuverability, offers high ride comfort, excellent road handling, kneeling function for easy entry-exit and above all safety of the complete vehicle and its occupant.

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speciAl feAture

Roll-over Protection
oll-over protection comes into role at the times of over driving or overestimating curve speed limit (e.g. closing curves, highway exits). Volvo Buses meets the R66 european standard requirements with quite a good margin offering best roll over Protection. ROP is one of the protective safety feature incorporated in Volvo buses.

Requirement: The superstructure of the vehicle shall

have the sufficient strength to ensure that the residual space during and after the rollover test on complete vehicle is unharmed. This means: No displaced part of the vehicle intrudes into the residual space No part of the residual space shall project outside the contour of the deformed structure Volvo performed an authentic test where the vehicle rolls down a slope. The 3-point seat belts work in an accident where the coach drives off the road and rolls over. The adultsized crash test dummies in the test were harnessed using 3-point seat belts, and the child-sized crash test dummies were also sitting on booster seats. After the test all crash test dummies remained in their seats. If people had been in the seats the injuries sustained are estimated to have been negligible or very minor. In Volvo buses Galvanized steel bus body is designed in a way that it absorbs energy acting on them because of roll over. The super-structure consists of a relatively stiff rear end that utilizes shear plates. The superstructures used in the vehicle are of sufficient strength and has met eCe R66 requirements with a good margin The B-pillar is also relatively stiff consisting of several tube sections welded together Specialized structures are used to distribute the energy absorbed throughout the body in order to ensure better passenger and driver safety By using suitable reinforcements on the A-pillar and cant rail joint drivers safety is enhanced

ECE R66: european regulation eCe R66 is in force to

prevent the catastrophic consequences of such rollover accidents from occurring and thereby ensuring passenger safety for buses and coaches. european Regulation eCe R66 deals with strength of bus superstructure and maintenance of a survival space in order to ensure driver and passenger safety in case of roll over.

Features:
n

Provide survival space for the passengers and driver via the strength of the superstructure Avoid the ejection of passengers and driver from the bus by means of safety belts Reduce or limit the bio-mechanical injuries

Benefits: n The risk of injury to the driver and passengers are avoided in case of accidents
n

enhanced bus & passenger safety

Steel structures of the Volvo Bus

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Roll over protection tests conducted by Volvo Buses (Test only)

Nothing succeeds like success

VolVo 9400Xl - The CoaCh of The Year

olvo 9400XL is the first multi-axle in India and has raised the industry standards again. In just an year since its introduction, it has become the bestselling coach in the country, leading across all elements - comfort & safety for passengers and offering the best in transport economy for the fleet operators. With advanced features like electronic suspension, electronic brakes, the latest generation engine management system among other industry-leading features, the Volvo 9400XL has set the standards once more. India is progressing and Volvo Buses will continue to ensure that the future is safer and friendlier for all - drivers, passengers, customers and everyone associated. Again and again.

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volvo BuZZZZ indiA

KSRTC, the first STU to induct Volvo 9400 XL coaches
Karnataka state Road Transport Corporation (KsRTC), the largest operator of Volvo luxury coaches in India, raised the bar of its services by inducting 16 of the 40 Volvo 9400 XL multi-axle inter-city coaches ordered.

VRL places the largest ever order of 100 Volvo 9400 XL

Volvo Buses in India received the largest order ever in India for 100 multi-axle coaches from VRL Logistics Ltd. Volvo Buses India commenced deliveries of this benchmark order in December 2010. Mr. Vijay sankeshwar, Chairman of VRL, took delivery of the first multi-axle in Bangalore. The keys were handed over by Mr. Rune Lundberg, Vice President, Volvo Buses. Mr. Akash Passey, Managing Director, Volvo Buses India was also present.

Volvo City Buses drive into Mumbai

After the successful launch of the city bus in Navi Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai electric supply and Transport undertaking (BesT) has ordered 50 Volvo 8400 City Buses to be introduced in its fleet. The ceremony was held at Bandra (east), with the shiv sena executive President uddhav Thackeray inaugurating the Volvo Bus services. With this, Mumbai becomes the 12th city to deploy Volvo City Bus for urban mobility in the country.

Namma Bengaluru Award for BMTC

After several months of expectations, the Namma Bengaluru 2010 awards, was announced here on Wednesday. From among the nominees in the individual public category H siddaiah, BBMP Commissioner, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bagged the award in the institutional category.

Exports to South Africa from India

Volvo Buses has got its first order of Volvo Bus India produced coaches to south Africa. It is an order for five Volvo 9400 to Greyhound to be delivered by end of May. Recently, Volvo Buses in south Africa launched the 3-axle Volvo 9400 at the annual operators seminar in Johannesburg. This is the first export from India outside the earlier export markets like sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

TTMC inauguration
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Mr. R Ashok, Minister Home and Transport, Karnataka Govt. along with Mr. Hakan Karlsson, President and CeO Volvo Buses Corporation inaugurated TTMC (Traffic and Transits Management Center) at Bangalore during his visit to India in early January 2011.

volvo BuZZZZ gloBAl

Volvo wins Australian order for 650 buses
Volvo Bus in Australia has won the prestigious order from Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) to supply of up to 650 low floor city buses over the next 10 years to Perth. Volvo will provide the units together with Volgren Australia, who will manufacture the bus bodies at its facility in Malaga, WA. The total value of the contract, including chassis and bodies, is approximately 2.65 billion seK.

Major order for Volvo Buses in Mexico

Volvo Buses has secured an order for 409 Volvo 9700 coaches in Mexico. Delivery has already commenced and is scheduled to be completed during 2011. The buses will be assembled at Volvo Buses plant in Tultitln, outside Mexico City.

20 new Volvo hybrid buses for London

Volvo Buses has officially handed over 20 Volvo B5L hybrid Double Deck buses to Arriva London. The new vehicles mark another significant investment in the support of green friendly transportation by Arriva and Transport for London Volvos hybrid bus is a parallel hybrid, where a smaller diesel engine and an electric engine can be operated dependently or jointly. The electric engine operates on a battery that is charged by recycling the brake energy.

Volvo secures order for 463 buses in South America

Volvo Buses has secured an order for 463 bus chassis for Curitiba in Brazil and Quito in ecuador. All of the buses are to be deployed in the efficient transportation solutions known as Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) systems. All 463 chassis are to be manufactured at Volvo Buses plant in Curitiba commencing in January with deliveries scheduled during 2011.

Innovation Award for Volvo 7700 Hybrid

Volvo Buses in Austria received the innovation award for the Volvo 7700 Hybrid, which operates in the city of Graz. The award was presented by the Federal Procurement Corporation in Austria (BBG), which coordinates the countrys public procurements.

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Quality is a core value in Volvo and I am proud to be part of it. It gives me a great pleasure to ensure that every Volvo Bus that leaves the plant carries our commitment of quality and safety.

Ravikumar s R
Department - PQA Ravikumar has been with Volvo Buses for over 3 years now.