Volvo Buses India has announced the supply of 100 Volvo 8400 city buses with the 330 hp, 8-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine manufactured at the VE Powertrain facility, Pithampur. UBS II compliant, the buses are fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, and an integrated retarder and optimised rear axle ratio. This is the first instance when the locally made 8-litre engine has been deployed in a Volvo city-bus according to sources close to Volvo. Optimised to ply on congested routes with frequent start-stops, the 8400 city bus, claim Volvo sources, provides quick acceleration, and supports rapid transit time. Promising optimal power-to-weight ratio, which translates in instant acceleration, air-conditioning performance and gradeability, the 8400 city bus is designed to do 17-hour duty shifts. Easy to drive, and comfortable to travel in, the 8400 city bus is air-conditioned. It is rollover protected, has powerful disc brakes on all wheels, roll stabilisers and a bus oriented suspension. The doors are equipped with sensitive edge to prevent passenger injury during accidental door closure. Said Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO, Volvo Group, “Volvo Buses has been at the forefront of introducing new technologies in India. Our partnership with BMTC has been integral to this journey. We delivered the first city bus in 2006, and are proud that BMTC has over 700 Volvo buses in its fleet. The order for next generation city buses is the start of the next phase of our shared drive to promote sustainable mobility.” With entry height of just 350 mm, the 8400 city bus is passenger friendly, for those with impaired mobility. It also features a kneeling feature. The clear door width at front and rear is 1200 mm.