First hybrid bus customer

Sales-Lentz is a bus operator and, a year ago, it purchased six hybrid buses. A further five will be delivered when series production gets under way next summer.

“To tell you the truth, it’s a strange feeling,” says Jos Sales, a partner in Sales-Lentz, when he is asked how it feels to be the very first owner of a hybrid bus from Volvo Buses.

“This is a very special day for us and daring to lead the way when it comes to new technological solutions is one part of being an entrepreneur. I am looking forward with anticipation to seeing the reactions of our passengers when they realise that the bus is totally silent when it leaves the bus stop.” 

The keys to the bus were handed over by the president of Volvo Buses, Håkan Karlsson, and the head of European operations, Stefan Nordström, during a ceremony at the plant in the Polish town of Wroclaw, where these hybrid buses are being produced. The customer and specially invited guests were taken on a test run, together with the management of Volvo Buses, and the silent, electrically powered start really impressed the passengers. On a grey and rainy day in Wroclaw, the bright-green bus lit up the surroundings. 

“I am extremely proud. This is an historic moment for us and the whole of the transport industry. This first order is important and it will impact the entire market. Other orders will follow this one,” says Håkan Karlsson.

Sales-Lenz has a fleet of 350 buses which operate in tourist traffic and public transport. According to John Weicherding at the Luxembourg transport authority, rigorous demands are imposed on the country’s public transport.

“Luxembourg has a population of 500,000, plus an additional 100,000 who come to work within the country. Buses take care of most of our public transport and so it’s really good that this bus is so quiet when it starts and even better to know that its fuel consumption is low,” says John Weicherding.

Sales-Lentz already has a good environmental profile and 25 per cent of its bus fleet complies with the Euro 5 emission standard. The company already has a number of Volvo buses and, according to Jos Sales, the investment in Volvo Buses’ electric hybrids is a natural step.

“We are proud to be at the cutting edge and offer our customers the very latest technology. I am sure this is going to lead to a new attitude towards public transport in general,” says Jos Sales.
“I believe that these hybrid buses are going to attract younger passengers by making it more exciting and attractive to take the bus.”