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Prevost launched the European award-winning Volvo 9700 for the U.S. and Canadian market and introduced the redesigned H-Series coaches, featuring a new front end, at the UMA Expo in Orlando, Fla., last week.

“If an operator wants to set himself apart from the competition, the 9700 is the coach to do it,” said Michael Power, marketing product line manager, coach, for Prevost.

The 9700 features the Volvo D13 engine as well as the group’s I-shift gearbox, which lowers fuel consumption.

The Front Impact and Knee Impact Protection systems provide increased protection for the driver in the case of a frontal collision, and the Front Underrun Protection System protects occupants in a passenger vehicle in the event of a frontal collision by preventing the car from being wedged under the bus.

Meanwhile, the redesigned front end of Prevost’s H-Series features distinctive proprietary headlamps, which broaden the range of vision for better visibility in fog or rain, and storage space for a full-size 365 tire located behind the restyled front bumper.

The redesigned H-Series coaches can be equipped with Volvo D13 or Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines and Allison Generation IV or ZF-AS tronic 12-speed transmissions. It also features new interior options, an entertainment system, and individual passenger and driver controls.