Three years ago Volvo Buses closed down its bus factory in Poland and redirected its focus on partnerships with bodybuilders. Volvo delivers the chassis, the body builder finishes the bus or coach. Partnerships were developed with MCV and Sunsundegui. MCV for bodies on Volvo's BZR-chassis and Sunsundegui for coaches. Unfortunately the latter went bankrupt, leaving Volvo Buses without a bodybuilder for coaches. Now Volvo is re-entering the European market with a "home made" Volvo 9700.
Production of the Volvo 9700 is already underway at Volvo Buses' manufacturing facility in Tultitlán, Mexico. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin late 2026. Volvo is also electrifying the coach segment with the Volvo BZR Electric chassis which the Carrus Delta coach body – the Volvo BZR Electric CD. Volvo has also formed a new partnership with body builder Marcopolo, adding a new premium coach in Europe – the Volvo B13R – Marcopolo Paradiso G8. “We are determined to grow in the European coach segment with an attractive and competitive range”, says Anna Westerberg, President Volvo Buses. With the return of the Volvo 9700 the coach has improved further. A key innovation is the introduction of a new generation Independent Front Suspension (IFS). The IFS allows each front wheel to move independently, resulting in a smoother and quieter ride, particularly
on long-distance journeys. Combined with Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS), the new suspension system enhances directional stability at highway speeds, reduces sensitivity to crosswinds and minimizes steering corrections, helping to reduce driver fatigue. The Volvo 9700 is powered by Volvo's 13-liter engine, available in 420 hp, 460 hp and 500 hp versions, available for biofuel (B100) and paired with Volvo's 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission. The coach is available in three lengths, 12.4, 13.1 and 13.9 meters, in 4x2 and 6x2 configurations. Passenger seats can be fitted with three-point seatbelts throughout the coach, while ISOFIX anchor points, booster cushions and integrated rearward-facing child seats are available to support safer travel for younger passengers.