Volvo Buses has successfully delivered 90 units of Malaysia’s first-ever Euro 6 double deck buses to the Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana). Transport operator Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd is now running the buses in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
“We are extremely excited to be the first to introduce the Euro 6 technology to Malaysia. The current vehicle emission regulation in Malaysia is Euro 3, but our partner Prasarana made a commitment to reduce emission levels by purchasing the Volvo B8L Euro 6 double deck buses, thereby exceeding the national requirement,” says Mats Nilsson, Director of Volvo Buses Region APAC Central.
The President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, Encik Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, says: “The 12-metre Volvo double-decker buses offer a great solution for our operational challenges. With more seating and standing room, including one wheelchair facility, each bus can hold up to 110 passengers.”
“Rapid Bus expects an increase of 10% to 20% on our existing load factor during peak times, as well as increased capacity per trip. More people can board the bus at the same time, thus reducing the wait for our passengers,” adds Encik Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah.
One major benefit is that the Euro 6 buses reduce particulate matter – microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the atmosphere – by 0.02 to 0.01. It also reduces the amount of nitrogen oxide released into the air from 2.0 to 0.4.
“Environmental Care is one of Volvo Buses’ core values. We believe in clean, silent and efficient transport solutions that offer our customers entirely new possibilities for modern city development and sustainable living,” says Karen Tan, Country Manager, Volvo Buses Malaysia.
The Volvo B8L chassis is manufactured in Borås, Sweden, and has already been widely tested in the demanding city environments of Hong Kong and in the UK.
Powered by Volvo Buses’ proven D8K engine, the Volvo B8L delivers lower overall weight, a tighter turning circle and all new axles and suspension providing outstanding ride quality, improved driveability, and higher levels of vehicle performance.
Assembled locally in Malaysia by Pioneer Coachbuilders Sdn Bhd, the Euro 6 double deck buses deliver 350 horsepower and are built with 22-ton capacity, a length of 12 metres and height of 4.2 metres. They are bodied by Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd, with a carrying capacity of up to 110 passengers. The buses are fitted with wheelchair ramps and family seats.
With this delivery, Volvo Buses continues to focus on safety with several features included as standard, including Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) and acceleration limiter. The chassis is also fitted with Volvo Buses’ proven telematics system, which allows operators to access the vehicle data in real time.
(Volvo Buses)
