Volvo Buses has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Spanish coach and bus bodybuilder Sunsundegui with a view to producing bodies under license for the Volvo 9700 and 9900 coaches.
As part of a reorganisation of Volvo’s business model in Europe, production is expected to start in 2024 when bodybuilding at its plant in Poland is due to end.
Volvo’s focus will in future be on chassis production as it begins work with external bodybuilders. Last week the company announced a similar planned partnership with Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV) for the Volvo 7900 Electric and Volvo 7900 Electric Artic city buses.
Bodies for the Volvo 9700 DD will continue to be produced by Carrus Delta, while chassis manufacture will remain at Volvo Buses’ plants in Borås and Uddevalla, Sweden.
The 9700 and 9900 is already being sold in the UK and elsewhere and the first models to hit the market as a result of the Sunsundegui agreement are due in 2025.
“Sunsundegui is already a valued partner and in our experience a very professional company with excellent capabilities,” says Dan Pettersson, Senior Vice President of Volvo Buses. “It has the capacity to meet requirements and demands in many European markets, and its bodies are highly appreciated by our customers. Together, we are confident that we will develop a range of premium coaches that will lead the industry.”
Sunsundegui, which is based Alsasua, has delivered bodies, primarily built on Volvo Buses chassis, for premium coaches for multiple customers across Europe.
“We are looking forward to the partnership with Volvo Buses. Sharing their commitment to providing sustainable, safe and efficient coach travel creates a solid ground for a successful partnership,” says José Ignacio Murillo, Chief Executive Officer at Sunsundegui.
Mr Pettersson adds: “Along with our partnership with MCV, working together with Sunsundegui will support us to develop a complete offer for premium coaches, city and intercity buses for our customers in Europe.
“Our business model will see us work closer together with some of the world’s leading bodybuilders and enable us to combine our expertise and capabilities in our respective fields. This in turn will enhance our ability to develop and adapt solutions to meet each customer’s unique needs.”
Volvo Buses’ business models in Mexico and North America are unaffected the alteration in Europe.
