Double Volvo launch
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month VOLVO is launching two models at the Motor Show this the Ailsa 3 double-decker and the B1OM coach.
The Ailsa 3, which will be exported as the Volvo 855, features the TD7OH engine with better torque characteristics, cleaner exhaust (meeting ECE24 requirements), and "significant" improvements in fuel consumption.
The earlier model's Hamworthy hub-reduction axle has been discarded in favour of a Britishdesigned and assembled straight axle which uses Volvo differential and is based on the Volvo GV805E.
Ailsa 3 will be priced competi tively, according to Volvo Bus (Great Britain), and is also equipped with low-profile tyres, a modified frame to take a wider door, and a slightly lower floor height giving l.2 Sin more headroom towards the front of the lower deck.
The B1OM, which is being made available in Britain for bodying from this month, will initially be offered only as a 12m vehicle and it is being sold in addition to the B58.
It has a lighter all-welded chassis frame, and Duple and Plaxton are among the bodybuilders which have agreed to weld bodywork to the chassis.
The Volvo THD100 engine comes with Dunlop Metalastik mountings at the rear to eliminate vibration, and the ZF 12speed splitter gearbox is offered in addition to the six-speed box.
In addition, a special model is available to meet West German Tempo 100 specifications for use at up to 100km/h. It has the 12speed gearbox and an uprated THD100DD 262bhp engine.
Only approved bodywork can be fitted, and, for British operators, this means lrizar, Plaxton, Van Hool, and Jonckheere products.
All BlOMs will be more expensive than B58s, but prices have still to be announced.