Customer News Magazine of Volvo Buses in India

Connecting airports the international way

Issue 1/2009

INtroduCtory Issue - 1 / 2009

Contents

04 - 07

Connecting airports the international way

08 - 11

12 - 13

Volvo 9400 6x2 Multi-axle Inter-city Coach

electronically Controlled Disc Brake system (eBs)

14 - 15

A transport revolution in the making

16 - 17

Volvo Buzz

18 - 19

The future is a safer and friendlier place

Bus stop

Customer News Magazine of Volvo Buses in India

Design - shilahar Associates, Bangalore For private circulation only.

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

Mds Letter Issue 1/2009

Continuing to build for the future

Together with your support and feedback over the past seven years we have been Driving the change in the Indian bus industry a process, wherein we learnt a great deal about customer needs, the value of partnerships & the importance of listening to our customers. At Volvo Buses, the driving force is our customer. We strive to see a satisfied smile on our customers face. With this passion we have been on an overdrive to make sure more citizens enjoy better mobility. As we look back, its clear that the number of Indians choosing luxury AC bus travel has increased significantly in both intercity and city bus segments. Our bus operators fleet size has increased. Our customers desire to enhance the value they offer to their passengers has increased. Overall, the luxury AC bus market has seen a tremendous change. Since October 2001, Volvo Buses have seen good growth year on year setting benchmarks in Quality, Safety and Comfort in the transport segment. The introduction of state-of-the-art luxury AC intercity B7R bus changed the way we experience inter-city and tourist travel, in-turn developing a market for luxury bus travel. 2006 marked another milestone in India with the first lot of Volvo City buses on Bangalore roads. Volvo City buses brought in a remarkable change by offering best in comfort and safety while hoping to move people with personal vehicles to economical and sustainable public transport thereby decongesting fast-growing cities. Volvo City Buses that have captured the imagination and daily lives of passengers in Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Mysore are now getting ready to do the same in Navi Mumbai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kolkata too. Subsequently, the launch of Volvo 9400 6X2 multi-axle saw a healthy response and a substantial market share. Our success in India has spilled over to other nations in the region like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Changing market conditions, increasing customer demands edged us on to establish a company with a singular focus on offering complete bus solutions. In the process we established a world-class complete bus manufacturing facility in India early last year. This bus factory today is the most advanced in the region, incorporating the best practises from Volvo Bus factories across the world and in just one year we have established a strong reputation for quality and industrial efficiency. In the time to come you will see new products, exports and new benchmarks being set here. Globally the Volvo Group is incredibly strong in terms of technical knowledge, engineering expertise and global experience. When we combine this with a better understanding of our customers needs, we develop soft product offerings. Today, we extend our consultancy services to work in collaboration with local STUs. Volvo buses in India will focus on the scientific and systematic approach in the urbanization of public transport with a primary focus on customers. With total product offerings from Volvo Buses and the excellent support and partnership of all our esteemed customers such as you we will drive the change together! Best Regards
Akash Passey Volvo Buses India Private Limited

Connecting airports the international way

The cityscape of Bangalore is now dotted with a steady stream of red. The red of the majestic Volvo City Buses, plying on Bangalore roads with a dedicated fleet connecting routes to and from the city and the international airport. Bangalore is a fine example offering efficient bus services to the airport an economical airport transfer system whose popularity continues to grow every day, since it started operations.

ITs A VeRY CoMFoRTABLe oPTIoN To TRAVeL BY VoLVo CITY Buses CoNNeCTINg THe AIRPoRT. ITs ALso AN eCoNoMICAL oPTIoN oNe CAN CHoose
Dr. Jenny - Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Bangalore

ts been a welcome decision by the Government of Karnataka, in providing a world-class facility to the commuters in Bangalore by introducing the concept of airport services a one-of-its-kind service in the country, with Volvo Buses. Bangalore Metropolitan transport Corporation (BMtC) has introduced exclusive Volvo city buses for airport services. this service, christened the Vayu Vajra, currently has forty luxury air-conditioned Volvo 8400 city buses connecting the airport with the entire city, with buses leaving almost every 30 minutes for each route, to and fro. Already popular within the city, the Airport version of these Volvo City Buses are designed specifically to accommodate passengers with luggage and consists of luggage racks and comfortable seats, with abundant standing area and wheel chair station area. the response has been encouraging and patronage of the service continues to grow every day. surveys show that the patrons include people who would typically take a taxi in any other city in the country. the reason are plenty. this is the most economical way to reach the city - almost 75% cheaper, in most cases when compared with a taxi. It is environment-friendly. Considering that a car has a typical occupancy of 1.2 passengers one bus can take the place of over 25 cars. that is a potentially huge saving on the environmental impact, not to mention the de-congestion possible on the road. Most importantly, the Volvo City Bus provides a drive and environment which is as good as a car along with the additional safety factor. even in the very first month, when the buses were new and people unaware, with just 20% occupancy, there was a reduction of over 1500 car movements per day which amounted to 45000 car movements in a month. today, these buses have a far higher occupancy, and it continues to increase and the overall impact on our roads, environment and fuel is positive. People using these buses are aware of these factors. Professor Chanakya from Indian Institute of science, Bangalore who uses this facility whenever he arrives at Bangalore International Airport says I use this facility to contribute to saving environment in my own small way this concept is environment-friendly and convenient in connecting to city than using a private car. However, logic is not always enough to change passenger behaviour. At the bare minimum, the bus must meet certain comfort levels that motivate people to drop the taxi or personal car in favour of the bus. And Volvo Buses achieve just that. the full air suspension offers a high level of comfort to commuters travelling to or from the city. electronically controlled suspension system provides extremely precise regulation of the ride height and kneeling. each air spring assembly is accompanied by a telescopic damper and an anti roll bar. Add to this the good driveability, acceleration and deceleration with the electronically controlled euro III Volvo d7e engine and the Volvo City bus provides a pleasant and peaceful experience.

For most passengers, its only in Bangalore that they opt for bus as a transport alternative. Mr. ramesh K Mestha an architect by profession from Bangalore and who is a frequent flier uses this airport service bus to and fro, comments In Bangalore I always find it very convenient whenever I am on a business trip to utilize this service. I feel this excellent and comfortable service has to be extended to other cities in India as well. BMtC is putting a lot of efforts to enhance this experience and one area of their focus is the driver. safety on road is the key element.

I FeeL THIs exCeLLeNT AND CoMFoRTABLe seRVICe HAs To Be exTeNDeD To oTHeR CITIes IN INDIA As WeLL
Mr. Ramesh K Mestha, Architect - Bangalore

the driver is the lone person owning the responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers on board. Volvo City Buses offer an excellent and comfortable driver environment designed meticulously with good road visibility, adjustable steering and driver seat while an electronically controlled dashboard provides diagnostic information to the driver and even to the service support centre. All wheels are equipped with Volvo disc brakes which are available only in combination with the new eBs5 electronic Braking system (eBs) with a pneumatic backup. the eBs control unit regulates the entire

braking sequence and includes dual circuit full air-disc brakes with eBs. the result drivers enjoy their job and are motivated to be ambassadors for their company. I am proud to be behind the wheel of Volvo city buses, says r Manjunath, a coach captain from BMtC. Volvo City Buses has been very well accepted and appreciated by all our passengers, he adds. Frankly there is no reason anymore for me to use any other means of transport but the bus. I wonder why others are still hiring a car, comments an avid user. Probably, its just a matter of time when bus transport would be a typical norm - for all.

Some Facts - Volvo 8400 City Buses:

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Volvo d7e engine offers 290hp power. It also offers broad torque range as well as low fuel consumption and long service life resulting in higher revenues to the corporation stage with built-in retarder and Neutral Bus stopping (NBs)

n Fully automatic transmission with torque convertor on the first n the economical drive program in electronic control unit, with

adaptation to vehicle and engine using load dependant shift points prevents operator errors and incorrect driving style
n electronically Controlled suspension with kneeling & lift facility n electronic

Brake system, built-in retarder

Volvo 9400 6x2

First multi-axle inter-city luxury coach in India

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mong its many firsts, Volvo Buses in India introduced the twin-axle coach - the first on Indian roads. the 13.7 metre bus has 53 luxurious seats which means 8 more passengers can comfortably be seated on the extended wheel base of 7,170 mm. this in turn leads to better revenues. sharma transports, Neeta tours &travels and Kesineni tours & travels expressed early interest and took the delivery of the first lot of buses in october last year. since then there are over 75 Volvo 9400 6 x2 multi-axles running with 15 leading operators across roads covering Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune , Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Being powered by a 6-cylinder, euro III compliant electronically controlled d9B 340 HP engine, the driver experiences an even better driveability. More so, for a torque of 1630 NM @ 1200 rpm and 6 forward fully synchronized gears, this offers a great drive, whether on flat roads or inclines. Whatever the acceleration, the steering remains agile. the bus gains momentum with minimal effort. even at high speeds the bus runs with absolutely no vibrations and a calm environment. the electronically controlled braking system is very effective as compared to conventional disc brakes and ABs. this feature avoids the bus from skidding at high speeds or on wet roads. However, the hydraulic retarder mounted on the

Volvo 9400 6x2 wins Automotive Technology of the Year Award

Volvo 9400 6x2 multi-axle inter-city bus was announced as the Automotive technology of the year at the NdtV Profit Car & Bike Awards 2009, held in Mumbai.

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I HAVe HAD A souND sLeeP oN THe LAsT seAT ALL THRougH MY JouRNeY FRoM MuMBAI AND WHeN I ALIgHTeD THe Bus AND goT INTo MY suV IN BANgALoRe THe CAR TRAVeL WAs quIeT BuMPY AND JeRKY AFTeR AN exCePTIoNAL TRAVeL oF oVeR 1000 KILoMeTeRs IN A VoLVo 9400 6x2.
Mr. Ashok Dubey, gM - operations, sharma Transports - one of Volvo Bus Key Customers gear box will ensure the right blend of driving pleasure and safety. safety comes first at Volvo. the driver comfort is an important aspect. the driver environment is designed with utmost care, offering high road visibility along with an electronic dashboard with easily accessible controls built upon a simple and logical design. the network of sensors warn the driver if a key aggregate is under performing and foresee the problem in advance and thereby reduce unplanned stops. the electronically adjustable rear view mirrors act as the extra pair of eyes that any driver would want. the adjustable steering with adjustable driver seat enhances driver comfort. to continue with the safety measures, the bus really holds its own even on very poor road conditions against roll-overs. the Volvo 9400 6x2 features an electronically controlled engine Management system. the engine control modules take in data from several sensors on the engine and the vehicle, compare current readings with stored parameters and thereby adjust fuel quantity and injection timing accordingly. Further it is integrated with the bus electronic system and permits advanced communication with the driver via information display on the dashboard. this helps in the management and scope for diagnosis and fault tracing. despite the length of the bus, it has a turning radius of 10.5 metre only, which is comparable with any modern 12 mtr. bus. the optimal engine power and electronically controlled braking system along with the hydraulic retarder, results in higher fuel-efficiency. the life of this bus is almost double the life of a conventional bus yielding high life-cycle cost. the net effect of higher fuel efficiency and higher life cycle cost is higher revenues to the operator. the field trials conducted recently received some excellent feedbacks from the passengers traveling on this bus. one passenger said It feels like traveling on air not on road. the bus was appreciated for its ride comfort offering even better comfort at the rear compared to the front rows - fatigue less travel and an excellent interior design.

Some Facts - Volvo 9400 6x2

n

Perfect for long-distance routes or routes with high-occupancies First bus to include electronic brakes, electronic air suspension 340hp d9B engine, with over 250,000 installations in the world 8 extra seats in standard configuration

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EBS

Electronically Controlled Disc Brake System

the quest for making safer products continues at Volvo and so does our commitment to bring to India solutions that set standards in this arena. our primary responsibility is ensuring that our products maintain a high level of safety for drivers and passengers. But a bus in traffic is part of a bigger picture. thats why we also try to improve safety for other road users, both through our product development and by sharing knowledge that will help make safer roads, safer drivers and safer bus stops.

DrIVErS pErSpECTIVE For A SAFE DrIVE

the driver should always be able to rely on the bus performing as expected. suspension, weight distribution and steering are a few of the factors that affect road handling. But the single most important accident prevention equipment onboard is the brake system.

ElECTronICAllY ConTrollED DISC BrAkES

Volvos electronically controlled disc brakes (eBs) provide excellent brake performance and rapid, comfortable and controlled braking, with braking power divided efficiently between the wheels of the bus. In an eBs system the electronic modulators present on the bus sense the electronic pulses generated from the wheel speed sensors in terms of speed, load and gradient. subsequently, only

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the exact amount of braking force necessary is applied on the wheelsthereby increasing passenger comfort during braking (avoids jerky braking) and also rationalizing the fuel consumption and brake liner wear as well. the sensors at wheels sense the wear of the Brake Pads and give an intimation as soon as the remaining life reaches 20% levels. this gives advance information to the driver to change brake pads and thereby avert any disaster due to worn out brake pads!

ADDITIonAl BrAkES AnD BrAkE BlEnDIng

In addition to the brakes there is the Volvo Compact retarder. the automatic gearboxes have built-in retarders. the additional brakes not only mean increased safety in themselves, they also help to reduce wear on the foot brakes. With the help of Brake Blending the additional brakes perform as much of the brake work as possible, without the foot brakes being engaged. Conventional Antilock Braking systems (ABs) use pneumatic or air signals to sense the braking force and wheel lock situations. Volvo eBs uses electronic pulses which travel at the speed of light, thereby making the response time faster and the braking more safer and effective. Globally the latest generation of eBs brakes also allow a number of other safety and comfort features. these features include Hill start Aid, which prevents the bus rolling backwards when starting on hills. the brakes do not release until there is enough power to the drive wheels to enable the bus to move forward. other safety features include the ability to engage the differential lock at low speed, continual monitoring of the condition of the brake pads and disc brakes temperature. our overall goal is to do as much as possible to prevent accidents happening. Because most accidents are caused by human error, our main task is to give the driver the best possible conditions for handling the vehicle safely in all situations. this is where Volvo Buses driver training provides a very sound base. In addition, the bus itself is built upon a series of systems that all contribute to a high degree of preventive safety.

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Volvo City Buses A transport revolution in the making

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Volvo Buses offers effective urban transport system solutions to the crowded cities of south America, efficient transport in the cities of europe and the new metropolis in Asia like shanghai and singapore.

ts important to note that behind the success of Volvo City Buses in the urban environment lies a strong foundation of years of innovations and establishing the values of quality, safety and care for the environment. since 80 years, Volvos continuous efforts have made major strides in these areas setting industry standards. With this foundation in place where a Volvo City Bus remains highly trusted, cities have the freedom to concentrate on the application of a Volvo Bus as part of their mid and long-term city plans. similarly, with the assurance that Volvo builds the safest vehicles, the focus today is also increasing on how to increase safety in an overall system, besides within the product itself for, the bus in traffic is a part of bigger picture. this is the foundation why Volvo is a market leader in urban transport systems including Brts. this is also why the company has almost 80% market share in the Latin American market. urban Bus transport systems, including Brt, can be set up at low cost, quick implementation and much greater flexibility. different solutions to localised problems can be adopted within a single system. the system also has the advantage of the investment costs that are just a fraction of a fixed rail systems. the system aims to encourage people to switch over to affordable and reliable public transport which in turn has a profound impact in decongesting cities; help reduce pollution; reduce stress on infrastructure and support a citys overall development plan for many years to come.. Gothenburg, Sweden At Gothenburg, the Volvo hub, the first one of three envisaged Brt routes began its operation in 2003. the system transports about 20,000 passengers per day. In 2005, Volvos 24-meter long double articulated buses with a capacity of 165 passengers went into operation. Presently, Volvo has introduced the world premiere -Volvos hybrid bus in Gothenborg. the Gothenborg sparvagar transit company is participating in a field test with the hybrid bus that provides major fuel savings as a result of electric drive and shutting off the diesel engine at bus stops. Curitiba, Brazil the city began its modern public transport system construction back in the 70s and continued to develop and improve the system. Curitiba was known for its modernization. Its public transport system has been the base for the citys growth. the Brt system of Curitiba includes more than 2,000 buses, 14,000 shifts per day, which transports two millions passengers a day. An articulated bus, (a bus with more than one body connected) on Curitiba highway can transport 270 passengers. All the articulated buses were supplied by Volvo Buses Corporation. Bogota, Columbia the Brt system of Bogota transMilenia, began into operation on 2001 which was successful. the Mayor of Bogota hoped the transMilenio project would standby for Bogotas socio- economical development. the project was a part of the citys growth and prosperity. the average speed of the bus touched 25 kilometers per hour. the system transports 40,000 passengers per hour unidirectionaly. With this system, there has been a

great decrease in road accidents and air pollution. Volvo participated in the research of the system and supplied more than 550 articulated buses. Now, there are around 800 articulated bus- transporting 1,500,000 passengers per day and 12,60,000 trips per day. Santiago, Chile the Brt system transantiago, began its manufacturing in 2005. the system includes five Brt routes and some sub-routes. the city considered this system to upgrade its environment and residential condition. there will be 1150 low floor articulated bus and 500 base-entry point buses in the first operation of the system, all of them supplied by Volvo. Leone, Mexico In 2003, Loene administration along with the cooperation of other public transportation operators constructed the Cptibus Brt system. the system includes 5 Brt routes, with a 26 km plying route and 15 km exclusive public transport route. the bus stations are located at shorter distance. Presently, there are 52 modern Volvo euro 111 articulated bus. Mexico - Brt - a tried and tested instance A city with 18 million inhabitants, where 20 percent people use private vehicles. the aim was to combat growing number of personal vehicles over crowded roads, traffic jams, safety for commuters and growing pollution. the solution was Metrobus created and in 2005. the first corridor was inaugurated in Avenida Insurgentes. the Brt along with Volvos Its4 mobility- the telematics system of Brt is set to create new benchmarks to improve public transport efficiency.

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VolVo BuZZZZ

Volvo buses for city of

guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara Mexicos second largest city with slightly more than four million inhabitants and the financial center for the countrys western region, suffers from increasing road congestion, air pollution, and an obsolete transit system. Guadalajara has chosen to invest in Bus rapid transit (Brt). the system has been named Macrobs and commenced operations in december 2008. the first bus corridor connects the northern part of the city to the southern part. the route is 16 km long, has 27 stops and is served by 41 articulated buses from Volvo Buses. the bus is an 18-meter articulated Volvo 7300, built on the Volvo B12M chassis. the bus seats 160 passengers, who can rapidly board and leave the bus due to the raised floor, which is on the same level as the floor in the specially built bus stops. the buses are manufactured at Volvo Buses plant outside Mexico City. the system is planned and controlled by the state transportation authority, while private operators purchase, maintain and operate the buses. this is the first of three corridors in Guadalajara planned for 2008-2012. the completed project will cover 77 kms and many more articulated buses.

Volvo Buses now offer

Consultancy Services in India

the Volvo Buses Consultancy services will bring together the Volvo experience and expertise from across the globe in creating projects that will provide sustainable solutions customized for a citys transportation needs. the team will create modern vehicle and transport management system so that state road transport Corporations can work towards streamlining operations, reduce costs and provide passengers better service. the service will partner with various stakeholders in the process, besides the customer organisation.

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the service will include manpower based in sweden and in India who will operate on project basis along with customers and also partner with allied local agencies in the development process.

Volvos Technology Award presented to the

100th Volvo Tipper for SV Engineering

sVeC took delivery of 100th Volvo FM 400 8x4, 18.7 cum tipper at the Hoskote factory, Bangalore. the Volvo FM400 8x4, 18.7 cum tipper delivered as the 100th vehicle to sVeC is an upgraded tipper with higher body capacity and with improved 14-speed splitter gear box. Mr. Vinod reddy, M d of sVeC said, the 100th vehicle to my fleet provides value that is far greater than the number it represents. He emphasized that the partnership with Volvo India represents the companys complete CoNFIdeNCe, FAItH & trust on the Volvo vehicles and the Volvo team behind it.

Team behind fuel-efficient Hybrid Solution

six engineers have been named the winners of Volvos 2009 technology Award for their development of the worlds first commercially viable hybrid solution for heavy vehicles. the award was presented by Leif Johansson, President and Ceo of Volvo, at the Annual General Meeting of AB Volvo on 1st April 2009. Volvos technology Award this year recognizes the work to develop I-sAM, Integrated starter Alternator Motor, a combined starter, generator and drive motor in a parallel hybrid that, in addition to an electric motor, also has a small compact diesel engine. the combination can reduce fuel consumption for buses by up to 30%, for trucks by 20% and, in a best case scenario, as much as 50% for wheel loaders. this reduces fuel costs and provides significant environmental benefits through lower emissions of carbon dioxide. the quiet and emission-free electric drive also improves environment conditions in the vehicles immediate surroundings.

Tech-savy King Khan has his Palace on Volvo Wheels!

one of the most powerful Bollywood star, shah rukh Khan has added another feather to his existing collection of hi-tech cars and gadgets. one cannot miss the sleek steel grey mansion on the move. shah rukh Khan has acquired the Volvo 9400 multi-axle coach and customized it into a 5-room home on wheels. It is equipped with a lounge bar, a state-of-the-art gym, an office, a bedroom and a wash room with a shower. All switches are mapped on to a touch screen facility increasing the comfort factor. the interiors are aesthetically done in simple chrome steel, black and white. Another specialty of the vanity van is that it reduces in size when in motion for easy navigation on roads and increases in size when stationary.

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s ranjith Kumar
Designation: Welder 20 A young and enthusiastic welder carries a lively smile on his face throughout the day at work. I dont realize how the day passes by at work says Ranjith Kumar. The structure on the work schedule is so well planned and we carry it out smoothly, keeping in mind our global quality standards he adds. Ranjith Kumar is with Volvo since Volvo Buses had set up its new complete bus manufacturing facility at Hoskote, Bangalore.