Nov. 24, 2010 (The Hindu Business Line) --
S. Shanker
Lavasa (near Pune), Nov. 24
Volvo Auto India launched its latest compact luxury sport-utility vehicle, XC60, here on Wednesday.
Priced at Rs 41.41 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and Rs 39.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it will be retailed through Volvo's dealerships from November. The 205 hp (NYSE:HPQ) diesel-driven XC60 will be imported as a completely built unit from the company's facility at Ghent in Belgium. It will be available in nine colours.
Mr Paul de Voijs, Managing Director, said, “The XC60 is a perfect embodiment of our brand's core attributes of safety, comfort, quality, Scandinavian design and innovation. We are confident that it will give us a competitive edge in its segment in India.” On pre-bookings, he said the response has been overwhelming with next year's volumes already booked. However, there are constraints to the numbers that can be manufactured, he added.
Volvo Auto India opened its first dealership in March 2008. It has outlets in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kochi and Pune. Mr de Voijs said a dealer has just been appointed in Coimbatore and, by the end of the year, the products will also be available in Ahmedabad and Jaipur. The following year will see Volvo Auto adding dealers in Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata.
Globally, the Volvo XC60 has won critical acclaim and has bagged over 22 awards. The company already sells two premium models in India – the luxury SUV, XC90, and the sedan.