Prevost is starting off the New Year by introducing a new design for its H Series of motorcoaches. Its redesigned front end integrates numerous functional improvements, such as distinctive proprietary headlamps that deliver a high halogen output. “This is the first styling change we have implemented on the H3-45 since 2003,” said Prevost VP Coach Sales Dann Wiltgen. “We felt it was important for us to enhance the look of our coach while providing our customers with a distinctive styling advantage.”

In addition, this facelift allows the company to offer additional technologies that will enhance safety and driver performance, Wiltgen said.

The new design also offers better access for different sizes of replacement tires. “We increased the space of the spare tire compartment to allow alternative tire sizes that can help improve fuel efficiency and the comfort and ride of the coach,” Wiltgen said.

Additionally, the company is introducing a new vehicle for 2009 — the Volvo 9700 — available in Canada and the U.S, which meets both countries’ governmental vehicle safety standards.

“This is the first time a Volvo motorcoach has been introduced into the U.S. and Canada,” said Wiltgen. “As a new entry into this market this coach, which will be built by Volvo and backed by Prevost, our customers can be assured of having a secure and reliable working tool that is preconfigured to offer the best complete package and at the same time is well adapted to improve the profitability and efficiency of our customer’s business.”

The new coach, which features a striking modern design, will be offered with three different interior color themes, distributed by Prevost and supported by its service network.

Large windows and mirrors with integrated close-quarter mirrors provide enhanced visibility, while Bi-Xenon headlamps offer excellent night-time visibility and a longer lifespan than conventional lamps. Large taillights are positioned high up on the body so they can be seen clearly.

On the interior, the air-suspended driver’s seat with seat belt can be adjusted to provide individually tailored positioning behind the wheel. In addition, the climate in the driver’s compartment can be regulated separately.

On the passenger side, the Volvo 9700 will be equipped with three-point seat belts as well as individually adjustable air vents for each seat.

Volvo introduced numerous safety features on the 9700 including front impact protection (FIP) and knee impact protection systems, which help protect the driver in the event of a frontal collision. The vehicle’s front underrun protection system helps improve the safety of passenger car occupants in the event of a frontal collision with the bus. Volvo is the first vehicle manufacturer to fit this type of under-run protection system to buses, according to the company.

Other safety-enhancing and comfort-boosting solutions include the Hill Start Aid, — offered on the I-shift — which stops the bus from rolling backward when starting on a hill.

Supplementing the 9700’s disc wheel brakes is the Volvo engine brake. With the help of the brake blending function, the auxiliary brakes perform as large a part of the braking work as possible before the wheel brakes are activated. The Volvo 9700 comes standard with an electronic stability program, which significantly reduces the risk of the bus rolling over or driving off the road both in normal road conditions and when the surface is slippery.

The vehicle is equipped with Volvo D13 engine from Volvo Powertrain, featuring improved fuel economy, extended oil change intervals and an updated engine brake that’s up to 20 percent more powerful. In addition, the 9700 is equipped with I-Shift intelligent gear-changing system, which is lighter, more compact and quieter than previous generation components.

Like other products in the Prevost family, the new vehicle will feature the vertical installation of the diesel particulate filter and rooftop diffuser, allowing for less heat to be generated in the engine compartment and reducing the need for special heat precautions.