Volvo Buses and Coaches: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Volvo MCV

In 2022, Volvo Bus UK marked 50 years of operations in the UK and Ireland. The first right-hand drive B58 chassis arrived in late 1971, followed by the front-engine Ailsa double-decker in 1973.
Over the next five decades, Volvo's bus models evolved through upgrades, redesigns, and more powerful engines. Since 2023, Volvo's electric single and double-deck buses have started operating on UK roads. Volvo Bus, a subsidiary of Swedish manufacturer Volvo AB, has a global presence.
MCV, based in Salheya, Egypt, was founded in 1994 and has the capacity to produce up to 6.000 buses and coaches annually, employing around 5.000 people. MCV and Volvo are working together to develop and manufacture electric buses for the UK market.

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The London Volvo B7TL

At the turn of the century, Volvo competed with Dennis and DAF to develop Britain's first low-floor double-decker bus. The B7TL entered service in London later than its rivals but soon matched the popularity of the Dennis Trident. It was available in two lengths and with bodywork by Alexander, Plaxton, and East Lancs.

Between 2000 and 2006, London's Transport for London (TfL) operators acquired over 2.000 Volvo B7TLs. Due to increasing noise concerns, Volvo later introduced the B9TL and, eventually, the B5LH hybrid. The B7TL served London reliably for two decades, with the last buses retiring in early 2021.

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Volvo Buses and Coaches

It is remarkable that a company that imported its first passenger vehicle to Britain in 1972 would, within twenty years, take over what was once the country's largest passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturer. This success highlights the quality of Volvo's products, making them one of the most widely used chassis today.
This book traces Volvo's journey in the UK market, providing an overview of all models introduced. It includes a brief description of each chassis type and features 180 color photographs with detailed captions, capturing Volvo's vehicles at their peak in operation.

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The London Volvo B9TL and B5LH

After six successful years of producing the B7TL low-floor double-decker, Volvo faced increasing noise concerns in London, leading to its discontinuation. In response, Volvo introduced the improved and quieter B9TL, which quickly regained strong sales.
As diesel buses began to be replaced by battery-hybrid technology in the late 2000s, Volvo launched the B5LH hybrid. It was well received and saw even greater success in London.

With most Transport for London-contracted operators using Volvo B9TLs and B5LHs, fitted with bodies by Wrightbus, Alexander Dennis, or MCV, this book provides a detailed account of the first decade of one of London's most important double-decker bus models, which continued to serve well into the next decade.

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