The Hindu Business Line : Volvo plans to expand dealer network

NEW DELHI: Expressing optimism over the Indian automart, Swedish car major Volvo on Monday said that it planned to introduce two new models every year, while it sets eyes on gradually expanding its dealer network in the country.

"By the end of the year we will be introducing our sedan S80 and SUV XC90. These vehicles have been undergoing homologation in India and almost all the tests are coming to an end,'' Volvo Car India Managing Director Paul de Voijs told PTI.

Kicking off the India plan, the company announced appointment of three dealers in Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. "The idea is to have about 7-9 dealerships by next year. We will be beginning discussions with potential partners for the purpose early next year and depending on how it goes our dealership will be expanded accordingly,'' he added.

Mr Voijs said the company planned to launch two additional models every year in order to expand its offering in the Indian market. While the S80 will be pitched against BMW's 5-series (priced around Rs 37-42 lakh), the SUV XC90 will compete with the lik es of Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes M Class (in the Rs 60 lakh plus category). "Recently, we have taken our Indian dealers to Sweden and they have expressed interest in expanding the product offering through models such as the S40, C30, C70 and XC70. Onc e we launch our first two products (S80 and XC90), we will look at gradually other models as well,'' he said. Both the S80 and XC90 will be offered in petrol as well as diesel variants. - PTI

Next: Godrej Properties acquires Koltaka-based co for Rs 100 cr

Business Line | NUS Index |