SWEDEN
166 more new buses will be delivered to operators in Sweden and Norway in 2022-23, thanks to large orders from Keolis which has purchased 114 buses, and mid-sized Norwegian operator Setesdal
Bilruter which has confirmed its order of 52 vehicles.
Ulf Magnusson, Volvo’s SVP Business Unit Europe said: “Our ability to adapt to different types of operations across the Nordic nations has enabled us to secure the best solutions for both Keolis in Sweden and Setedal Bilruter in Norway. To receive two significant orders is very positive and welcome news as we slowly start to put the effects of the pandemic behind us.”
Keolis, the second-largest bus operator in Sweden, has ordered a combination of 11 Volvo 7900LH hybrid buses and 103 Volvo 8900RLE diesel buses. Delivery will take place in summer 2022 for operations north of Stockholm. To meet Keolis’s requirements, the buses will be specified to enable the use of biofuels, including RME and HVO.
Volvo said that key factors in securing the contract were the reliability of its buses, particularly the 8900RLE and its flexibility when providing vehicles and services for operations in other regional areas. Karl Orton, Technical Director at Keolis, said: “We wanted a flexible and reliable solution to suit a variety of operations. It is also important that our buses are able to run on renewable fuels. Ultimately it means our customers can enjoy a high quality, customised and sustainable service when they travel with us.”
Jurong Li, Area Director for Volvo Buses’ Nordic region, added: “Our wide range of products has allowed us to customise the buses to suit Keolis’ specific needs. Our close partnership with them and Volvo Buses’ strong dealer network in the Uppland and Stockholm region will ensure smooth operations when the buses enter traffic in 2022.”
Norwegian bus operator Setesdal Bilruter has ordered a combination of 11 8900Rs, 13 9700 Selects and 28 B8Rs, with delivery to Agder Vest, in the southern part of the country, set to take place in summer 2022. The operator said that Volvo Buses’ innovative solutions for depot and service contracts were important criteria along with its wide product range to suit varying requirements and the strong Volvo Buses dealer network in the region. Svenn-Åge Lökken, Marketing Director for Volvo Buses Norway, said: “We have adapted our service solution to suit Setesdal Bilruter’s specific operational needs. This new partnership promises comfortable, safe and punctual journeys for passengers in Southern Norway.”
