Redwing Coaches and Volvo Bus UK and Ireland have revealed details of the REL Capital operator’s order for six MCV Evotor-bodied B8Rs, which Redwing says is part of its work to return the business to its pre-COVID-19 fleet strength of 60.
Further new Volvo coaches are expected in 2025, with Redwing Director of Operations Tom Maidman saying that those will be a mix of more B8R Evotors and the flagship 9900 model. 2024’s B8R Evotors place Redwing among launch customers for the combination.
Those coaches will be PSVAR compliant and seat either 53 with a demountable toilet in place, or 55 without. Volvo first spoke about the B8R-based Evotor in late 2023, noting then that the body will receive various improvements as part of its transition to the B8R chassis from the now-discontinued B11R.
Redwing’s current fleet sits at 35 coaches, with REL Capital chief Andy Scott having previously articulated a desire to build the operator since its purchase by REL almost two years ago.
In a LinkedIn post, Mr Scott notes that the favourable capital allowance arrangement was a factor in ordering the Volvos and that for as long as such an incentive remains in place, he expects to place annual orders for coaches for REL Capital operators.
The B8R Evotors will carry Redwing’s trademark red and silver livery, and operate from depots in Croydon and Gravesend on a variety of work including school transport, commuter routes, and tours. Each is expected to cover up to 100,000km per annum.
Mr Maidman adds that Redwing believes the combination aligns “perfectly with what we are doing.” He has thanked Volvo Buses’ team for its support during the purchasing process.
“It is a pleasure to deal with our representative, but also with the experienced technicians at our local dealer point, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London South, which is across the road from our Croydon depot.
“We know that we can count on them to always be there, and when we need genuine Volvo parts, the arrive with us the next day.”
Power in the B8R is from the 7.7-litre D8K engine developing 350bhp. When beneath the Evotor is comes with the I-Shift automated manual gearbox as standard. Also fitted are USB charging points and a Bosch audio-visual entertainment system.
