Volvo buses and coaches: books - history and construction
A book on Volvo buses and coaches? Explore here illustrated books on the history, types and construction of Volvo buses and coaches.
Volvo Buses and Coaches
It seems impossible to think that a company who imported their first passenger vehicle into Britain in 1972 would, less than twenty years later, take over what was once Britain's largest passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturer. It is a testament to the quality of Volvo's products that they are one of the most popular chassis on the road today.
Covering Volvo from their entry into the UK market, this book gives an overview of all the models to enter the UK market. With a brief description of each chassis type and 180 photographs, all in colour and with informative captions, it showcases Volvo's products in their operating heyday.
Author:
Howard Berry
Specs:
96 pages, 23.5 x 16.5 cm / 9.25 x 6.5 in, paperback
At the turn of the century Volvo found itself in a three-way tussle with Dennis and DAF to design and produce Britain's first low-floor double-deck buses. The resulting B7TL was later into service in London than its competitors, but quickly caught up to achieve parity with the Dennis Trident. Two lengths were available and three bodies, by Alexander, Plaxton and East Lancs.
Between them, London's TfL-contracted London bus operators took over two thousand Volvo B7TLs between 2000 and 2006, after which noise problems obliged Volvo to develop the B9TL and its later B5LH hybrid. The Volvo B7TLs saw sterling service in the capital for two decades, with the last leaving service in the first week of 2021.
Author:
Matthew Wharmby
Specs:
272 pages, 29.5 x 22.5 x 2.4 cm / 11.6 x 8.9 x 0.94 in, hardback
After the successful six-year production run of its B7TL low-floor double-decker had been curtailed in London by increasing noise problems, Volvo developed a leaner and quieter update which it dubbed the B9TL, and orders resumed in strength. As diesel-engined buses gradually gave way to battery-hybrid technology at the end of the first decade of the 21st century, Volvo unveiled the B5LH hybrid to immediate acclaim and even healthier London sales.
With most Transport for London-contracted bus companies operating Volvo B9TLs and/or B5LHs, bodied by Wrightbus, Alexander Dennis or MCV, this book offers a comprehensive account of the first ten years of one of London's newest double-deck bus types, whose career will span the rest of the 2010s and into the next decade.
Author:
Matthew Wharmby
Specs:
192 pages, 29 x 22.5 x 1.5 cm / 11.4 x 8.9 x 0.59 in, hardback
