Volvo Bus India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sweden's Volvo Bus Corporation, has announced the launch of the 9400 6x2 B9R luxury bus in India. The multi-axle configuration Volvo B9R comes in 4x2 and 6x2 configuration, with a powerful, nine-litre rear-mounted engine. The bus, which costs Rs 85 lakh, is being manufactured at Hoskote (near Bangalore), in Karnataka.

The 13.70 metre long coach can accommodate 53 passengers on reclining seats, and with its high level of ride comfort and fuel efficiency, Volvo indicates it is particularly meant for the long, inter-city routes in India. With its electronically controlled air suspension, disc brakes all around, and on-board computer that keeps a check on various vehicle functions, the Volvo 9400 6x2 is a high-tech vehicle. While Volvo has always manufactured its own bus chassis in India, the bodies were made till now by Jaico Automobiles. Now, Volvo bus bodies in India are being made by Volvo Bus Body Technologies India, in which Volvo holds 70% of the shares and Jaico Automobiles the remaining shares.

Volvo India, which is currently the market leader in the air-conditioned luxury bus segment in the country, is expected to start exporting buses to Middle Eastern and African markets by the end of next year.

Volvo Bus India plans for example to export about 200 complete buses to South Africa sometime next year, Volvo Bus Corporation Senior Vice-President Rune Lundberg told on the sidelines of the launch of the new 9400.