The Safest Coach We've Ever Built - Volvo 9700
In 2009, Volvo Buses launched their 9700 coaches in the United States and Canada through the Prevost and Nova Bus network in the region. Volvo made some local adaptations to the North American version, including a split window shield and windowless rear. These 9700 coaches were manufactured in Volvo Buses’ plant in Mexico, and the engines were assembled in Hagerstown, MD.
Volvo described their 9700s as "The Safest Coach We've Ever Built". It featured a number of innovations in protecting drivers, passengers and occupants in other automobiles. On top of the preventive features, for example, the disc break with Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the bus manufacturer also put a lot of efforts to increase protective safety.
The 9700 structure was well constructed to comply with the R66 testing standard. Front Impact Protection (FIP) and Knee Impact Protection (KIP) were designed to absorb impact during collision, and thus reducing the injury of the driver. Volvo 9700s were also equipped with the pioneering Front Under-run Protection System (FUPS) to protect the occupants in automobiles in case of frontal collisions. FUPS also minimized the damage to the steering, reducing the chance of loss of control of the vehicle.
Other than safety, operation efficiency was also important to bus carriers. Volvo 9700s were power by the fuel-economic Volvo D13 engines. The 13,000 cc engines were able to deliver a maximum of 435 hp and 2,250 Nm of torque through the signature Volvo I-shift 12-speed semi-automatic transmission system.
50082 A Volvo B13R / 9700
CP88427 Volvo B13R / 9700