Volvo Buses India, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has launched the country’s first original equipment (OE)-built Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper coach at PRAWAAS 5.0 in Gandhinagar. The new premium coach combines seating and sleeper facilities on a single platform, offering operators greater flexibility while providing passengers with a comfortable and safe travel experience.
The Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper has been developed for both short- and long-distance travel, making it suitable for intercity services, tourism and pilgrimage routes. The launch comes as demand for premium bus travel continues to grow in India, with passengers looking for higher levels of comfort and operators seeking better fleet utilisation and operating efficiency.
Built on Volvo’s globally proven coach platform, the new model is designed to deliver reliable performance, improved passenger comfort and advanced safety features. It offers a combination of luxury, convenience and technology to meet the changing needs of India’s passenger transport sector.
Speaking at the launch, SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer of VE Commercial Vehicles, said the Indian bus industry is witnessing rapid change, with passengers expecting premium travel experiences and fleet operators focusing on higher productivity. He said the Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper expands the company’s premium coach portfolio by offering a versatile solution that balances safety, comfort and operational efficiency.
Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President of the Bus Division at VE Commercial Vehicles, said the Volvo 9600 platform has already set high standards for luxury and passenger comfort. He added that the new Seater-Sleeper version has been introduced to meet growing demand for flexible travel options while maintaining the premium experience associated with the Volvo brand.
The 15-metre coach is powered by Volvo’s fuel-efficient VEDX8 engine paired with an I-Shift automated transmission. It offers seating for 27 passengers on the lower deck with calf support and 24 sleeper berths, including three rear sleeper berths, taking the total passenger capacity to 51. The coach also provides six cubic metres of luggage space, making it suitable for long-distance operations.
Passenger comfort has been enhanced with redesigned interiors, improved mood lighting, premium seats and sleeper berths, mobile charging points, entertainment provisions and privacy features. The coach also includes an onboard toilet and a fully integrated kitchenette to improve convenience during long journeys.
Safety remains a key highlight of the new model. The Volvo 9600 Seater-Sleeper is equipped with a 360-degree camera system, electronic mirror technology, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Driver State Monitoring System and an Alcohol Interlock System that prevents vehicle operation if alcohol is detected. The coach also features an advanced telematics system that provides operators with real-time information on vehicle location, fuel consumption, speed, performance and operational alerts, helping improve fleet management and vehicle uptime.
VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV) is a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited, established in 2008. The company manufactures and markets Eicher trucks and buses, Volvo buses, and exclusively distributes Volvo trucks in India. VECV also produces engines for the Volvo Group, manufactures non-automotive engines, and operates the Eicher components business. With a diverse portfolio of products and services, the company plays a key role in advancing commercial transportation through modern technology, innovation and efficient mobility solutions in India and other developing markets.
