Volvo has already sold five of its striking all-new 9900 premium coach in the UK, ahead of its official launch at next month’s Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Volvo Bus President, Håkan Agnevall told routeone, during a press briefing.
Speaking exclusively at IAA, the German truck and bus trade show staged in Hanover last week, he said that interest in the 9900 in the UK is strong.
“The new coach platform is key for us. It’s the biggest thing that we’ve done in 20 years and is the basis for the next 20 years.”
Referring to the premium 9900 variant, being shown in right-hand drive at IAA, he said it is a “considerable advance in all areas.”
Launched alongside the all new 9700, a touring model that is not coming to the UK, the two coaches, first seen in Sweden in May when launched to the press [routeone/30 May/Big Story] were the centrepiece of Volvo’s IAA stand.
Mr Agnevall confirmed that Volvo is “looking at” digital mirrors for the 9900 as a future development.
He added that a new electric double-decker bus for the UK is planned for early 2019.
A full briefing about Volvo’s presentation at Euro Bus Expo, to be made shortly ahead of the show, “will include a couple of surprises,” added Volvo Bus UK MD Nick Page.