After the launch of V40, Volvo is excited about the sales boost it will receive in Indian luxury car segment. We speak to Mr Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director, Volvo India to know more about their future plans and understand more about the V40.
Q1) How has the year 2013 been for Volvo?
Ans) In 2013, the company has seen a growth in its sales by 50%, which puts us in the leading position as the fastest growing luxury brand. Last year we delivered 315 cars in Hyderabad alone, and we expect a growth of 20-30%. The company sold 821 cars in 2012, up from 320 units in 2011 which is almost a 150% growth in sales.
Q2) What is Volvo doing to increase the awareness of its brand?
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Ans) 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.
Q3) What’s your take on the compact luxury vehicles?
India does hold tremendous potential for our brand and we want to make sure that we are fully capitalize on the opportunities available while at the same time we will provide the best 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.
Q4) What is unique in the V40, when compared to that luxury products?
Ans) We have a lot of first-segment features, as the V40 gets TFT display where the driver can choose different themes as per driving moods, also there is knee airbag. There is a whole complete package for a customer. There is also the city safety, which assists the driver and avoids crash if it detects danger.
Q5) What are the upcoming products from the Volvo brand?
Ans) We have the S60 and the XC60 coming in the next 5-6 months time frame. The next generation XC90 is based on our scalable platform architecture is being planned for a global premier in end 2014.
Source : CarDekho - Volvo cars - Volvo is the fastest growing luxury car brand in India
