Shropshire and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Services have deployed 13 mild hybrid Volvo XC60s on their fleet, bringing valuable support to their emergency response teams.

Volvo XC60

The new vehicles form part of a larger joint investment by the two fire and rescue services into 53 XC60s for their combined fire officer fleet as they move away from leasing.

The XC60s were chosen for their all-round capabilities as well as the improved eco credentials from the mild hybrid models; the XC60 is the second Volvo model, after the XC90, 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 team up Volvo’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and an integrated starter generator, bringing claimed real-world fuel economy and emissions benefits of around 15% compared with the outgoing all-wheel drive D4 and D5 units.

Jeffrey Dickson, transport manager for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “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.”

A further benefit is the reduced need for adaptations, keeping whole-life costs down. Additions to the cars saw a covert blue light system and communications equipment fitted by Volvo’s preferred vehicle installation and conversion partner, Jack Hodson, while the boot lining and floor mats were also changed to more practical alternatives.

Dickson added: “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.”