Prevost enjoys a Triumphant rollout at UMA Expo 2019
(February 5, 2019, St. Claire, Quebec) On the cusp of its 95th Anniversary, Prevost showed triumphant at the 2019 UMA EXPO, with its Big Reveal of refreshed styling, design enhancements and new componentry on its three coach products.
An all-new look for the X3-45, an opulent seating configuration available for the H3-45, and a second door on the Volvo 9700 topped an extensive list of new features that turned heads and drew high praise from owners and operators for the added safety and heightened experience these latest modifications bring.
“These improvements and enhancements were predominately driven by feedback we received from customer roundtables, meetings and focus groups, as well as many market visits,” said Prevost Vice President/General Manager, Francois Tremblay in his press conference opening remarks. “By pushing us to do more, our customers and industry professionals are making us a better company; and for this Prevost says thank you.”
Prevost X3-45® – new performance enhancements to reduce fuel consumption
“The totally redesigned X3-45 is our piece de resistance,” says Tremblay. “Its fresh look makes this popular coach a much more modern product and most importantly, the design changes improved fuel economy by up to 10%!”
The re-styled coach was unveiled in dramatic fashion before more than 300 customers and members of the press during the Expo’s Sneak Preview event. The video of the launch event has been viewed more than 6,000 times on Facebook alone.
The standout changes started with reshaping the entire front fascia to improve airflow and visibility. Added slant to the two-piece windshield and a flush windshield gasket are aerodynamic tweaks that also enabled the dramatic improvement in fuel consumption. Revisions to the rear cap closely match the front fascia with the addition of a peripheral upper lip.
Additional changes to the new X3-45 include a more rigid structure for safety, integrated headlamps for ease of maintenance, a roomier wheelchair lift area, and enlarged windows to improve passenger visibility. Visibility, safety, and comfort for the driver were also priorities in the redesign. The inward-slanted windshield and narrower posts expand front and side views and reduce blind spots. A front gutter catches dirty water from the wiper to keep the side windows clean and clear; improving the view of traffic and pedestrians from the side mirrors. A Scissor-operated sunshade completely covers the windshield to fully protect from glare of the sun without additional attachments or rods.
“As a member of the Prevost Customer Advisory Board, I am very excited to see these changes and enhancements to the X3-45 for the first time,” says Terry Fischer, president, TCS, Orange, CA. “When Prevost decides to make changes and upgrades it is never a superfluous decision. The finished product has always been carefully thought out and seems to be precisely what is called for at the time.”
“I realized immediately this is the first X3 with the curved windows,” says Alan Thrasher, president, Thrasher Trailways, Birmingham, AL. “I appreciate the closer resemblance to the H Series coaches. The changes are not as dramatic as we saw with the X1 becoming the X2, but enough that operators running H3-45s will now perhaps view the X3-45 as a good fit with their fleet. I also like that Prevost kept this model the X3-45 everyone knows.”
“I like that this new X3-45 is definitely more closely-related to the H3-45, but I am more impressed with what I don’t see,” says Jeff Arensdorf, president, Village Tours and Travel, Wichita, KS. “I also appreciate the matching undercarriage and suspension system. The changes to the front and rear fascia and side windows are subtle enhancements; not so drastic that they would make an operator’s older coaches look even older.”
The new X3-45 will be available in the third quarter of 2019.
The Prevost H3-45® further refined
The H3-45, admired for its stately curb appeal, was displayed with new options to further solidify its role as The Ultimate Experience for both passengers and drivers. An elegant, high-end seating option, configured in a spacious 2+1 layout and affixed to an adjustable slide track to accommodate 22 to 34 passengers, debuted at the Expo. Each seat offers a standard cup holder, personal table, 110v/USB outlets and foot rest. The reclining seats with optional leg support Prevost H3-45® further refinedare ergonomically designed and constructed to maximum width, which means first-class travelers and professional sports teams can now enjoy on an even more luxurious Prevost motorcoach.
Additional options showcased in the H3-45 were a Surround Camera System, to aid the driver in maneuvering in traffic and in tight spaces, Exterior Perimeter Lighting for improved visibility at the curb and luggage bays, and the Icomera onboard entertainment system that allows passengers to control their own entertainment content wirelessly.
The Volvo 9700 – new options add versatility
“The Volvo 9700 coach has always delivered affordable luxury and functionality,” says Tremblay. “Now new options are available to better serve commuter operations and group travel.” The addition of adjustable seat tracks and options for a second entry door and lower mirrors marked the 10th Anniversary of the introduction of the Volvo 9700 in North America.
Adjustable Seat Tracks - Unlike the traditional 56-passenger configuration with the seats bolted in place, the new tracks - standard beginning with the 2019 model - allow operators to configure the seats to accommodate a specific number of passengers at any time. Each seat slides easily in its track – or can be removed entirely to create more personal space and legroom.
Second entry door – With the option to purchase the Volvo 9700 as a two-door shuttle, Prevost has answered the call for a more expedient coach experience. Prevost says the second door evolved from companies in various business areas asking for a faster way move customers on and off a coach.
Fitted into the mid-section of the cabin, the second door allows passengers to board and deboard the coach with greater efficiency. Additionally, there is space for a wheelchair lift to fit beneath the stairwell; installed during production or as an aftermarket upgrade, while the onboard restroom with a two-tank freshwater flush system is situated off the mid-door entrance.
North American–style mirrors – European-styled rearview mirrors mounted high on the front panel are a standout feature on the Volvo 9700. However, beginning with the 2019 model, customers have the option for lower North American placement mirror – previously available only as an aftermarket switch-out.