Date:17/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/17/stories/2006011702460300.htm

Back Volvo mulls launching BRT systems in India

Our Bureau

Mr Hakan Karlsson, President, Volvo Bus Corporation, addressing a press conference in Bangalore on Monday. Mr Akash Passey, Head and Vice-President, Volvo Buses, South Asia, is also seen. — G.R.N. Somashekar

Bangalore , Jan. 16

HAVING established its market for commuter buses for both city and inter-city transportation, Volvo is keen to explore the possibility of launching its high capacity BRT systems which could reduce the pressure of commuting.

Mr Hakan Karlsson, President of Volvo Bus Corporation, said BRT systems, with a capacity of 300 passengers, is already being operated in the southern American cities of Chile, Brazil and Colombia.

He said the company, which was focussed on India as a growth market apart from China, was not averse to introducing the high capacity BRT system. He, however, said no initiative has been taken for marketing the product.

Mr Karlsson said it could be run on a dedicated corridor or in combination with other transportation systems. A BRT system could replace a large number of small buses, helping the city transport operators optimise the operational cost.

Volvo, which has been manufacturing buses at its India plant to cater to both private and government transport operators, is also keen on exporting to Pakistan, Mauritius, and other Asian and West Asian countries. Mr Karlsson was here on the eve of the launch of `Volvo City Bus' in India. He said about 10 per cent of the total bus production of 400 was being exported. "The percentage will reach about 25 per cent in a short span." The company's plant in Hoskote and China will play a major role in sourcing components for global production.