Volvo Auto India to launch new models

The India subsidiary of Swedish car maker Volvo Cars (owned by Ford), Volvo Auto India is strengthening its product portfolio in the country to compete with other luxury car manufacturers like BMW India, Mercedes Benz and Audi India. The company plans to launch three models during the year 2010-2011. This would include a diesel version of the existing sedan S80, crossover XC60 and new S60 small sedan, which is yet to be launched in the country. The company plans to unveil it by the end of 2010 or early 2011.  

“In 2009, we sold around 140 units as compared to 90 units in 2008, a growth of 49%. I am sure that we will achieve a double digit growth this year too,” says Paul de Voijs, managing director, Volvo Auto India. The S60 small sedan is slated for global launch at the Geneva Auto Expo.  The company is expanding its dealer network in India. It will add four-five new dealers in cities like Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. 

The Indian luxury car market currently is only around 0.5 per cent of the total car market of nearly two million units.