Volvo Launches Buses in India

    STOCKHOLM, Sweden--Oct. 22, 2001--The growing Indian middle and 'business' class is the main target group for the intercity buses just launched by Volvo Buses on the Indian market. Comfortable vehicles of this type can compete actively with rail and air travel as part of the increasing mobility of the Indian people.
    The aim for Volvo Buses is to encourage the growing Indian middle class to travel by bus rather than by the less versatile modes of rail and air.
    A modern, safe and comfortable intercity bus is the weapon chosen by Volvo in the competition to attract an increasing number of passengers. In addition, the bus provides people in smaller towns and cities with a means of travelling long distances.

    More partners

    The B7R bus chassis is built in Volvo's plant at Bangalore, in southwest India. The body, which is of Volvo's own design, is built locally by the Azad Group. The companies collaborate to offer their customers the best possible support through Volvo's already well-established service network. Volvo India also offers financing in association with other partners.
    The segment which Volvo is now entering is small, but expanding. After three years of intensive market evaluation, Volvo Buses has opted to introduce intercity buses offering high standards of performance and comfort as the optimum product for its debut in the giant Indian market.

    New standard in India

    By setting a new standard for intercity buses, Volvo is hoping that this latest venture will expand rapidly. Volvo Trucks has had an established production operation in Bangalore for the last three years, while Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Penta also have a presence in India.
    "In India, the demand for complete transport solutions can only grow in future. Environmental and safety requirements are bound to become tougher, as are demands for fuel-efficient engines and improved driveability," comments Volvo Buses President, Jan Engstrom.
    "Volvo Buses will resolutely apply its global expertise to these and other major issues to maintain its role as a leading player in the Indian bus market."
    Volvo is a world-leading manufacturer of trucks, buses and construction equipment, marine and industrial engines and aerospace components. Volvo is strongly associated with quality, safety and concern for the environment Volvo's head-office is in Goteborg, Sweden. Annual sales in 1998 amounted to more than USD 14 billion, with about 52,000 employees. Volvo Bus Corporation is the world's second-largest manufacturer of large buses and coaches. The range comprises complete vehicles, chassis, bus bodies, transport system solutions for metropolitan traffic, leasing, financing and service contract maintenance.