The London operator will be one of the launch customers for the new Volvo B8R MCV EvoTor
London-based Redwing Coaches, backed by sector investor REL Capital, is to be one of the launch customers for the new Volvo B8R MCV EvoTor, launched in the UK and Ireland in November.
The six new Volvos will join a 35-strong fleet at the operator’s depots in Croydon and in Gravesend, Kent, and will feature the operator’s new red and silver livery. They will be used on a range of work across central London, including school transport, commuter services and tours, with each vehicle expected to cover up to 100,000km annually.
Director of Operations at Redwing Coaches Tom Maidman said: “We take pride in operating a premium service with vehicles of the highest quality – so when we saw this new model introduced by Volvo Buses we knew it would align perfectly with what we’re doing. Our recent success means we’re steadily expanding our fleet with an aim of getting back to pre-Covid levels, when Redwing operated 60 vehicles across its London depots. Next year that will include further additions of the Volvo B8R – MCV EvoTors, alongside luxury Volvo 9900 coaches.”
The six PSVAR-compliant coaches are built on the B8R eight-litre chassis using Volvo’s D8K engine producing up to 350hp and a peak torque of 1,585Nm, and driving through a 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission.
Tom added: “The team at Volvo Buses has been supportive throughout this process and made every effort to meet our needs. It’s a pleasure to deal with our representative, but also with the experienced technicians at our local dealer, Volvo Truck & Bus Centre London South across the road from our Croydon depot. We know we can count on them to always be there, and when we need genuine Volvo parts, they arrive with us the next day.”
The vehicles will have 53 seats and a centre sunken freshwater toilet, which can be removed to allow for an extra pair of seats to be added. Passengers will have access to individual USB charging points and a Bosch audiovisual system.
Redwing Coaches began as a small coach fleet based in south London’s Coldharbour Lane in 1987. It is now headquartered at its purpose-built facilities in Croydon with a further depot in Gravesend. The company operates commuter services across Kent and central London, alongside contracts with some of London’s major private schools. The company was acquired by REL Capital in February 2022, having previously belonged to Addison Lee.