The Indian arm of Volvo, a globally renowned Swedish auto maker, is going to introduce its much awaited V40 Cross Country crossover in the domestic market, somewhere in first quarter of 2013-14 fiscal. The Volvo V40 is a sports wagon and will appeal to young audience with a penchant for outdoors sporting activities like golf, squash and tennis, amongst others. The stunning V40 crossover garnered some rave reviews at the 2012 Paris Motor Show from both industry critics and auto press media. Since then, the proceedings regarding its launch are followed closely by car aficionados present across the globe.
The yet-to-be launched Volvo V40 Cross Country crossover will compete against the likes of BMW X1 compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sports Tourer, upon its launch in the Indian auto market. The X1 has been a revelation for BMW, which propelled its direct adversary Mercedes-Benz to introduce its B Class Sports Tourer hatch in the country (September 2012). Hence, some intense fireworks are expected when the Swedish made V40 Cross Country crossover takes on the likes of German products- X1 and B-Class Sports Tourer in Indian market this year.
According to Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director (MD), Volvo Auto India, the company has estimated that upcoming V40 will contribute close to 15 per cent of its overall sales in 2013 calendar year in the domestic passenger car market. Further, Ernberg has affirmed that Volvo Auto has no intentions to target the mass Indian auto market, contrary to the prevalent trend observed among other luxury car makers of introducing low-end models. The Swedish auto major will introduce some top-of-the-line and quality luxury vehicles, thereby maintaining its premium brand image in the country.
The yet-to-be launched Volvo V40 Cross Country crossover is expected to come fitted with a 2.0 litre, 5 cylinder, turbo diesel powertrain under its hood. The engine will feature much fawned upon Start / Stop function. The engine assembly is expected to come mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Geartronic transmission system.
As per industry sources, Volvo Auto India is currently working on determining the pricing strategy for its V40 model for the domestic premium passenger car market. The enticing X1 and B-Class competitor is anticipated to be launched with an interesting introductory pricing, keeping the model easier on pockets of its prospective buyers. The grapevine is abuzz that the V40 Cross Country crossover will be offered with a launch price of around Rs. 26 lakhs in India.
