Lowdown on Volvo B12
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• A new low-cab version of the Volvo B12 is one of the options being considered before launching the rear-engined top-of-therange coach on the UK market. The B12, currently available only in left-hand drive, was launched in October last year in selected European markets. But Volvo has indicated regularly that it will eventually be launched in Britain when it has an acceptable specification.
Volvo Bus UK director of product marketing Bill Russell said this week: "We are currently assessing the potential for three-axle BI 2s in Britain and discussions are already underway with leading bodybuilders with a view to offering models for exclusive holiday tours."
Since the B12 was launched, Volvo has insisted that it will not sell the two-axle version to British operators as it believes it will exceed the current 10.5 tonne drive-axle weight limit.
A three-axle version, while more expensive, is thought to appeal to operators of extended Continental tours who would also appreciate the high cruising speed achievable with its 2.62kW (350hp) TD122 engine.
Volvo is not saying which versions of the B12 will be sold in the UK, nor when it will be launched, but it is already being bodied here. Plaxton's 3.7 metre high Prestige body is built exclusively on the B12 and the first vehicles for the French market are now being built at Scarborough.
The announcement of the UK market study coincides with Volvo's announcement of the lowcab version of the chassis to accommodate bodywork with passenger seating along the full length of a 3.7 metre body. The cab is 470mm lower than on the standard B12.