EXCLUSIVE- Volvo S80 facelift launch this year end, V40 in mid-2013

With the Indian luxury car market being our of the fastest growing segments, this time we interview Mr Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director, Volvo India. Volvo has been slowly increasing its touch points and the recently added new lower spec engine has helped them to grow in sales. We have a one-on-one to know the company’s future plan.

1) The products from Volvo are at power with the German luxury car makers, how many more touch points is Volvo targeting in the coming years?

Mr Ernberg: The expansion of our dealer network signals the importance of the Indian market to Volvo Cars. We believe that India holds tremendous potential for our brand and want to make sure that we fully capitalize on the opportunities available while at the same time providing the best possible services for our customers at the best value at the most competitive prices. In Q4 we have appointed 3 new dealer partners in Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Gurgaon. We also managed to update our facilities in Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Chennai, Delhi, Ludhiana and Mumbai, Delhi and Ludhiana being a 3S (Sales Service and Spares) facility showroom. In 2013 VAI will continue its expansion in dealer network, starting with Kolkata.

We have been the fastest growing luxury automobile brand in India in 2012. The company sold 821 cars in 2012, up from 320 units in 2011 which is almost a 150% growth in sales. The company now targets 35% growth in 2013 by clocking sales of 1100 units.   To achieve the 2013 targets and to surpass 2012 results, the company has identified few apt industry platforms to participate and showcase its carlines. To start the year, Volvo associated with Aircel Chennai Open and this month it is partnering with the Avantha Masters and Lakme Fashion Week.

Earlier in 2012, VAI brought its international Golf property, Volvo World Golf Challenge, to India in partnership with Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).  And now, VAI is associated with the “crème de la crème” fashion property, Lakme Fashion Week, as the Official Car Sponsor, taking its association to the second year in the running.

2) The S80 and XC90 has been around for a while, when could we see an upgrade?

The new facelift of S80 was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show this week and it will be launched in India towards the end of the year. The next generation XC90 is based on our scalable platform architecture is being planned for a global premier in end 2014.

3) Do we expect any new products coming to India this year?

As you may have heard, we would soon be unveiling the much-awaited V40 Cross Country in the domestic market. The new V40 Cross Country is built on the heritage that started with the V70 Cross Country back in 1997. It is designed for those who want a sense of adventure in their everyday life.

The car’s stylish appeal is expected to leave domestic car enthusiasts mesmerised, with its sheer class, futuristic curves and brilliant arches. The new Volvo V40 Cross Country brings the unique blend of capable ruggedness and expressive elegance up to a new altitude by establishing a Cross Country in the Premium C-segment. The car has already completed the homologation process in India.

4) Luxury car market is one of the fastest growing segments in India, especially with the new compact SUVs coming in. Has Volvo any plans to capitalize on it?

We believe that India holds tremendous potential for our brand and want to make sure that we fully capitalize on the opportunities available while at the same time providing the best possible products and services for our customers at the best value at the most competitive prices. Our V40 will be a compact cross country that would bridge the gap between sedans and SUVs, providing consumers all the comforts of a sedan with the utilities of an SUV.

5) Most of the luxury car makers, showcase a lot of their concepts and successful racing cars at Auto Expo, in order to showcase the brand. So, in order to showcase the brands capability could we expect Volvo also to do this at the next Auto Expo?  

We are yet to confirm our participation in the Auto show in 2014.

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