Volvo Buses has started the global launch of its latest chassis powered by the 8-L Volvo engine. The Volvo B8R and B8RLE replace the top-selling Volvo B7R and B7RLE, which saw a production run exceeding 40,000 units and sales in 65 countries. Higher power output, the same low fuel consumption, longer oil-change intervals and a high safety level are some of the features that characterize the new chassis models.

Marketed in Europe since 2013, Volvo Buses’ B8R and B8RBLE will continue in 2017 to roll out the new models globally. Buses on the Volvo B8R chassis are already being built in India. This summer, several Asian markets are in line such as Malaysia and Thailand, along with Australia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

“With the introduction of the Volvo B8R/RLE, we are reinforcing our global offer with a modern and flexible product range that gives our customers even better scope for operations that boost life cycle cost-efficiency,” said Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses, in a release.

As with their predecessors, the Volvo B8R and the low-entry Volvo B8RLE version are designed to form the foundation for both city buses and intercity buses, as well as tourist coaches and school buses. A robust structure using tried-and-tested components in the chassis and driveline create the prerequisites for high reliability and availability. The buses are also equipped with the Volvo Bus Electronic System, meaning they are factory-prepared for future software upgrades.

The chassis is equipped with the Volvo D8, an 8-L common rail diesel producing 330 hp (246 kW) and up to 1200 N·m (885 lb·ft). Despite a 40 hp (30 kW) increase in power, the new engine is at least as fuel-efficient as its predecessor, Volvo claims. The oil change interval has been extended from 30,000 to 40,000 km (18,640 to 24,855 mi) in city traffic, and from 50,000 to 80,000 km (31,070 to 49,710 mi) for buses in long-distance operations.

Designed to meet high demands on driving properties, comfort and safety, the Volvo B8R and B8RLE’s standard equipment includes features such as Volvo’s electronically controlled disc brakes and ESP (Electronic Stability Program). The Volvo B8R can also be specified with I-Coaching, a system that helps the driver drive more safely and fuel-efficiently by providing continuous feedback.

The company says the chassis will be built in the Volvo Buses factories in Borås, Sweden, and Curitiba, Brazil, for local final assembly and bodybuilding.