Volvo S80 refresh to be seen by the end of this year

We speak to Mr Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director, Volvo India at the launch of the S60 and the XC60 facelift, to find out what future plans foes the Swedish manufacturer hold for India. Today, the company unveiled the facelift models of the XC60 and the S60.

1) What is the response that Volvo has got from the launch of V40? 

The V40 in India has received a higher response than we expected. There is a waiting list for cars right now and we are sold out. Globally the V40 has been a big hit as well so I think that's why the response in India has been good. If you book a car now you have to wait 3-4 months for a delivery of the V40, so overall I think the response has be wonderful.

2) When do we expect a refresh for S80?

The S80 is Volvo's flagship sedan and is now in line for a refreshment. We should be seeing the new one soon, probably by the end of this year, beginning of the next year.

3) With the increase in dollar price, how is Volvo still competitive? As Volvos are CBU and others are mostly CKD.

At Volvo,for the last few months we have not increased or decreased prices. The rupee has been depreciating which has affected us but at the same time it has affected out German competitors as well. Even though their cars are CKD they do have to import 99% of the parts and then assemble the cars here before they are sold. So through the falling Rupee has affected us, it has been an overall hit.

4) How many more dealerships do we see by the year of this year or next?

By the end of this year we should see 3 new dealerships, one in west Delhi, Vizag and Kolkata. Totally we have 15 dealerships, with these new ones we will have 18 dealerships in India.

5) The Volvo XC90 has been one of the best sellers for Volvo globally, what can we expect the new to be launched?

The XC90 has been a revolutionary car globally and has received an astonishing response when it was launched. It was the first proper SUV to be a 7 seater. I have seen the new car and I can tell you that it is like nothing the auto industry has seen. I feel the response will be huge and the same hype will be created around the product. There are still a few more months with the current car, but lets see hopefully next year sometime we should have the new XC90 here in India.

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