Mild hybrid Volvo XC60s for two fire services

Shropshire and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Services have taken delivery of 13 new Volvo XC60s with a new B4 diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, adding to their fleet of 53 XC60s.

The vehicles will provide valuable support to their emergency response teams.

The two fire and rescue services cover a significant geographical area across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. It is, therefore, vital that the response teams can rely on the XC60 in emergency situations 24/7, 365 days a year, in often difficult and demanding conditions.

Jeffrey Dickson, Transport Manager for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service explains: “As well as offering generous terrain clearance for rural, off-road and flood driving and a minimum 505-litre boot capacity for carrying heavy but vital equipment, the XC60 delivers a very comfortable and fuel-efficient experience.

“Importantly, as a public sector organisation, Whole Life Costs are critical and the excellent specification of the XC60 was part of its appeal with very few modifications needed to make it fit for purpose.”

A covert blue light system and communications equipment were added to the XC60s by Volvo’s preferred vehicle installation and conversion partner, Jack Hodson Limited. The boot lining and floor mats were also changed to more practical alternatives.

The XC60 is the second Volvo model, after the XC90 large SUV, to benefit from the mild hybridisation that will soon feature on all of its models. Designated by the letter ‘B’ on the tailgate badge, the new XC60 B4 and B5 diesel mild-hybrids major on increased efficiency. They Volvo’s familiar 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine – producing 197hp in the B4 and 235hp in the B5 – with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and an integrated starter generator. A new automatic gearbox also brings lower fuel consumption along with superior shift quality; an increase in torque capacity in low gears improves acceleration from a standstill.