Prevost Displays New Volvo 9700 Features
(January 7, 2019, St. Claire, Quebec) Prevost was proud to show a 2019 Volvo 9700 with exciting new features at the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Expo in January in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
As fresh and exciting as when the coach was first introduced to North American operators in 2009, Prevost celebrates these exciting product enhancements: standard adjustable seat tracks, an optional second-entry, a choice of factory-installed lower mirrors and a luxurious new interior option are features certain to catch the eye of discerning customers and create new markets for Volvo 9700 operators.
Adjustable seat tracks bring flexibility to group travel
Adjustable seat tracks for the Volvo 9700 make it easy for operators to customize and cater to customers’ varying needs. Unlike the standard 56-passenger configuration with the seats bolted in place, operators can now configure the plush and ample Amaya 800 seats to accommodate any specific number of passengers at any time. Each seat slides easily in its track – or can be removed entirely – to create more space and legroom.
“Rearranging the seats is relatively quick and worth the effort when passengers realize the cabin has been tailored precisely for their group,” says Roy Furo, national sales manager, Volvo 9700.. “This is certain to be a strong selling point that will increase revenue for operators who make use of this feature on their new Volvo 9700s.”
“In the case of the new seat tracks, we found we also gained an additional 10 millimeters to the gangway,” says Helene Gamner, product line manager for the Volvo 9700, “This slight adjustment is enough to ease the way for passengers passing through the cabin.”
Second door accelerates loading and unloading
The option of a second entry located in the mid-section of the 2019 Volvo 9700 allows passengers to board and deboard the coach with greater efficiency — and is creating a buzz in the industry, says Furo.
“It is incredibly important for us to be able to offer this option to our customers at this time,” he says. “We believe this two-door model will be a boost to scheduled service and shuttle operators who provide high-end transportation for large corporations as part of their employment package."
While Prevost says it developed the two-door shuttle coach with specific operators in mind, Gamner adds that the option of a second door is of interest to customers in many other markets.
“Everyone wants a more expedient coach experience,” she says. “It seems more than a few business groups have been wishing for a way to move customers on and off a coach faster.”
The two-door model also has space to house a wheelchair lift beneath the stairwell. It can be fitted during production or installed as a later upgrade. According to Prevost, this is the only two-door coach available in North America with this capability.
The onboard restroom with a two-tank freshwater flush system is conveniently situated in the mid-door stairwell.
Mirror placement is a choice
The European-styled rearview mirrors mounted high on the front panel are the standout feature on the Volvo 9700. However, beginning with the 2019 model, customers may now request the lower North American–style mirrors as part of the production order.
Gamner says the upper European-style mirrors remain standard as they are a distinct feature of the North American Volvo 9700 and more fuel efficient, adding the air-drag on the middle of the coach is significant enough to merit the higher placement of the mirrors.
“European law further specifies upon the placement of the mirrors to protect passengers and pedestrians walking beside the coach,” she says. “While there is so such law in North America, we are seeing transit agencies take it on themselves to elevate the mirrors and guard against accidents.”
The Volvo 9700 evolves to serve chauffeured operations
As motorcoaches gain more traction in the limousine livery sector, the Volvo 9700 is finding a new home driven by its smooth handling and a sophisticated all-black exterior complemented by a gray and black interior with leather seats and sparkly gray wood grain flooring.
“We have introduced a pure limousine treatment to best serve this growing market,” says Gamner. “This optional edition sends a more inviting message to limousine and livery operators who are eyeing motorcoaches.
In addition to the reasonable starting price point for the Volvo 9700, these additional features and options should appear very inviting,” says Furo. “We will have this model available for demos following UMA and taking orders throughout the year.”