(UK, News) New Volvo Coaches For Lochs and Glens [10July2013]

 

VOLVO PRESS RELEASE: New Volvos for Lochs and Glens

 

Scottish-based coach holiday specialists, Lochs and Glens have taken delivery of eight new Volvo B13R, 14 metre, tri-axle, Jonckheere bodied coaches as part of an ongoing upgrade to their all Volvo fleet.

 

The Gartocharn registered company operates 16 coaches in total, all of which are specified on the proven Volvo chassis. “Lochs and Glens has always been a traditional Volvo operator,” explained Transport Manager, Steve Nicols.

 

“Five of the new vehicles are being operated by us, the remaining three are in our livery and are working on our holiday programme, but are actually owned and operated by Leeming Bar based Procters Coaches,” he explained.

 

“Obviously we’ve had Volvo B13Rs before so we knew what we were getting. The key factors for us in determining vehicle selection were fuel economy, reliability and engine power,” he continued. “We need the extra torque up here in Scotland, because the vehicles are regularly travelling over steep terrain to reach any one of our seven idyllic hotel locations.

 

“The Jonckheere bodywork also played a part in our decision. The styling combined with the Volvo chassis really does give us the complete package.”

 

Lochs and Glens new 57 seater vehicles are specified with Volvo’s fuel efficient, 13-litre, diesel engine rated at 460hp, coupled to the Volvo I-Shift gearbox. Each of the eight new coaches feature an eye-catching light Ivory paintwork and includes the company’s logo on the livery.

 

An ergonomic driving position, with easy-reach controls, adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel means the B13R is a popular choice with drivers and makes it ideal for long journeys, such as those undertaken on the Lochs and Glens holiday tour programme.

 

The Volvo B13R is equally suited to the needs of its passengers with carpet throughout, three-point safety belts, leather headrests, two TV screens, CD & DVD capability, as well as an on-board toilet. Additional features on the vehicles include a fridge, hoover and CCTV system.

 

“We deal with the Volvo Bus dealership North and Scotland at Cardonald,” continued Steve Nicols, “they’ve been a good support to us and of course we’ve traditionally worked with Volvo Bus Regional Sales Manager, Duncan Crosby.

 

“I was sorry to hear Duncan would be changing position within the Volvo Group as I enjoyed working with him, however we’re now working with another top Volvo Coach Sales Manager in James Hyde and we’ve already put in another order ready for next year.”

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Matthews take more Volvo coaches

from the Volvo Press Release files

Co Monaghan based Matthews Coach Hire have taken five Volvo B9R coaches with Plaxton Panther bodywork, just weeks after taking their first ever new Volvo – the B12B with Plaxton Elite body which was exhibited at last year’s Euro Bus Expo 2008.

Noel Matthews, Fleet Manager of Matthews Coach Hire explained, “There are a number of reasons for choosing Volvo products this time, not least because the Volvo name is associated with reliability. When we demonstrated the B12B tri-axle Plaxton Elite it returned excellent fuel figures, along with the outstanding driveability of the I-Shift. The fact that the B9R is lighter and the driveline incorporates the I-Shift will hopefully give us even better fuel returns.”

Noel continued, “Volvo coach products come with competition beating warranty terms – two years, plus third year driveline – and the products benefit from superb support through Volvo’s aftermarket, which, where we are based, means that we can utilise both Irish Commercials and Dennison Commercials.

“A quarter of our 24 vehicle fleet is now Volvo and we will be closely monitoring the six new vehicles’ performances, but from what we have seen from the B12B we are very optimistic for them all.”

The B9Rs are specified with Volvo’s 9.4 litre D9B engine rated at 380hp and I-Shift combination. In a theatre-style configuration, the 57 seats have leather headrests and three-point seat belts, climate control air conditioning, audio/visual system, a seven camera CCTV system, GPS tracking and fleet management system, Wi-Fi capability and are fitted with electronic destination equipment.

Matthews Coach Hire are proud of their 100% safety record. So committed are they to promoting road safety that they were the first operator in Ireland to introduce Alcolock starter inhibiters, which immobilise the vehicle on detection of alcohol, and they are now fitted across their entire fleet.

The Volvo B9R comes with safety as standard, with all round disc brakes, ABS with ASR and their latest generation of Electronic Braking System incorporates Hill Start Aid, Emergency Braking Assistance and Brake Blending, whilst Volvo’s VR3250 compact retarder offers very powerful auxiliary braking, resulting in considerably reduced brake wear too.

James Hyde, Regional Coach Sales Manager commented, “We’re delighted to have our first B9Rs in operation in Ireland. The product has obvious benefits such as the weight advantage and the clean and efficient driveline, making it a versatile option for operators for a number of applications.”

Matthews Coach Hire was founded in 1995 by Paddy and Mary Matthews and remains family owned and operated by them, their three sons – Noel, Paddy Jnr and Gerard – and a team of 45 employees. The company specialises in private hire, daily commuter services and their own tour programme throughout Ireland and Europe.

Halpenny stick with Volvo for coaching needs

Halpenny's new Volvo B12B (photo: Volvo Bus)

(from the Volvo Press Release files)

Halpenny Travel of Dundalk has just taken delivery of another Volvo B12B Jonckheere to join its all-Volvo fleet.

The new vehicle will be used for touring around Ireland on behalf of a number of operators and Halpenny are confident it is ideal for the task in hand. “We love the new Jonckheere bodywork. Not only does it create a really strong first impression, the interior boasts high levels of passenger comfort – two essential factors in this business,” explained John Halpenny, General Manager of Halpenny Travel .

Specified with Volvo’s fuel efficient DH12E 12 litre engine – rated at 420hp and coupled to the I-Shift gearbox – the 12.2m  51/53 seater vehicle features full climate control, toilet, CD/DVD player with two monitors and facilities for hot and cold drinks.

“We know from experience that our customers will love it, but the B12B Jonckheere is just as popular with the drivers,” continued John Halpenny. “It’s a pleasure to drive. But also, the back up we receive from Volvo through Dennisons at Newry and Irish Commercials at Naas is excellent – one of the major reasons we keep coming back to them.”

Volvo’s Regional Coach Sales Manager, Duncan Crosby commented, “We are delighted by Halpenny’s continued loyalty and satisfaction with our products and services. We’ll be working hard to ensure that both live up to their high expectations!”

Established back in 1920, Halpenny Travel is a third generation family-owned operator specialising in luxury private hire. Its customers range from local organisations and community groups to corporate clients and international travel operators.