The 12.6m B8R MCV eVoTors are the first of their kind for the business, as it looks to replace older vehicles with Volvo’s newest competitively priced full-size coach. With these latest arrivals, 80% of Commonwealth Coaches’ fleet will have been supplied by Volvo Buses.
Ajay Sandhu, sales and business development director for Commonwealth Coaches, said: “The most important thing for us when selecting a new vehicle is the aftersales support, and no one does it better than Volvo. We primarily work with Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East’s London Heathrow team and they are fantastic; plus, we have the added peace of mind in knowing we can access the full nationwide dealer network.
Commenting on the new product, he added: “Even though the service is our priority, the new eVoTor product itself is great, and as a bonus we’ve already received wonderful feedback from our drivers and customers alike. It’s really important to us that both groups are happy.”
The first vehicle is fitted out with 53 high quality seats and a centre sunken fresh water toilet, whilst the second coach to follow extends passenger capacity to 57 seats – each offering generous luggage capacity. The MCV eVoTor bodywork stands out for featuring clean lines and sleek surfaces, with passengers kept connected on the go with individual USB charging points and a premium Bosch audiovisual system. Driver comfort is also maximised, thanks to a seat offering great ergonomics and a wide range of adjustments.
Both coaches are built on the proven and successful B8R eight-litre chassis, delivering maximum reliability and uptime. The D8K engine offers exceptional fuel-efficiency and produces up to 350 hp and a peak torque of 1,585 Nm. The 12-speed, push button I-Shift automated transmission combines smooth and precise gearshifts with high average speeds and outstanding driveability.
Commonwealth Coaches opened in 1963 and is a family-run business serving corporate and tour customers, as well as schools, hotels and airports. With a mixed fleet of 12 vehicles, ranging in size from 8 to 91 passenger seats, it is able to accommodate a wide variety of customer requirements.
