Volvo’s hybrid technology buses to ply in Navi Mumbai

Volvo's hybrid technology buses will now ply in Navi Mumbai. The first Volvo hybrid city bus pilot is set to start in Navi Mumbai under the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), a major transportation service in Navi Mumbai and its surrounding areas.

The Indian government aims to promote environmentally-friendly vehicles, and to that end has recently launched the FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India) scheme, offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles.

''Volvo has a leading position in hybrid technology and electromobility. Hybrid bus is an important solution for cities that want to reduce vehicle emissions. I am very proud that Volvo is the first bus manufacturer to introduce hybrid buses in India'', said Håkan Agnevall, president Volvo Buses.

The manufacture of the hybrid buses would be undertaken at the company's facility in Bangalore.

''The unveiling of the first Volvo hybrid city bus in India is contextual given the impetus from the central government to popularise public transport, while supporting the adoption of clean technology. Volvo has played a key role in redefining urban commute for millions of passengers in Indian cities. Now, with the Volvo hybrid city bus, we are confident of transforming the public transport landscape further, by inspiring more cities to adopt this solution,'' said Akash Passey, senior vice president, Region International, Volvo Buses.

Volvo has sold more than 2,300 hybrids in 20 countries. The vehicles consume 39 per cent lower fuel than regular diesel buses and also help in cutting carbon dioxide emissions by the same amount. Further they also reduce nitrogen oxides and particles by 50 per cent, according to the statement.

The company's electric hybrid buses offering a fuel saving of up to 75 per cent are running in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Hamburg.

Volvo has sold over 5,000 hybrid and full electric buses across the world. In India, the company has sold over 5,300 buses since 2001 and about 1,500 of its buses are plying in 34 Indian cities.