Date:16/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101653641700.htm

Business

Volvo introduces luxury SUV variant

Special Correspondent

The vehicle is priced at
Rs. 58 lakh)
Plans to bring compact-sized crossover

NEW DELHI: Swedish luxury car maker Volvo on Wednesday introduced the latest variant of its luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) XC90 in the Indian market. The company also plans to bring its new compact-sized crossover, XC60, in India after its launch in Europe next month.

Priced at Rs. 58 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the SUV is equipped with the powerful 32 valve V8 4.4 litre petrol engine delivering 315 bhp, and is available in five colours. Equipped with numerous luxury and safety features, the XC90 comes with sport-tuned chassis, sports calibrated steering and sophisticated stability control techniques.

Unveiling the SUV here, Volvo Car India Managing Director Paul de Voijs said: “The launch of the new variant of XC90 aims to broaden our model range to attract more customers with an active and urban lifestyle.” Volvo that entered the Indian market in September last year with two models has so far sold over 100 units.

“We plan to launch our latest offering XC60 soon after it is launched in Europe in November this year. We have three other models that might also be introduced in India,” Mr. Voijs said.

Volvo Car India is also looking at expanding its dealership network from four to 11 by next year. “We will open our dealerships in Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Jaipur in the coming months to cater to growing demands of our customers,” he added.