Like
all auto majors whether it is car or trucks, introducing new brands is now
becoming a smart and serious marketing strategy. The recent Datsun introduction
in India by Nissan is a case in point. Swedish truck maker Volvo Group now follows
suit with its two-brand strategy in India.
The
truck major has announced that it would be introducing a new set of buses in
India under its UD brand name. The UD brand was once owned by Nissan Diesel of
Japan and subsequently acquired by Volvo. While UD trucks continued production
after the acquisition, Volvo had discontinued the making of UD buses.
Now
in a strategic announcement, the Volvo group said it will be introducing a UD
bus range developed specifically for growth markets. In India, UD Buses aims to
develop and lead the value segment.
“In
India we foresee that UD Buses will take the lead in developing the value
segment. There is a large potential
middle segment in India, of which, the value segment targeted has a high growth
potential. The Volvo Group will play a significant role in enhancing quality of
transportation for an increased number of citizens,” said Akash Passey, Senior
Vice President, Volvo Group’s bus operations, responsible for the international
markets including Asia.
This
was stated during a press meeting in Bangalore attended by Håkan Agnevall,
President of Volvo Group’s bus operations and Akash Passey. This will be for
the first time that UD buses will be introduced in India. Additional growth
markets will follow over the coming years.The bus range will include both city
buses and coaches.
The
new UD bus range will be developed by leveraging the Volvo Group’s global
engineering network in combination with its heritage of Japanese craftsmanship
and reliability. The new bus range will be supported by the Volvo Group’s
distribution network, providing service and parts. UD buses will offer
passengers a modern transport solution while at the same time focusing on operational
essentials--- fuel efficiency, reliability and optimised uptime.
“UD
buses have had a strong brand presence in Japan and South East Asia in the
past. Now we renew and adapt the buses for growth markets, starting with India.
This is a brand with a proud heritage, marked by its core value of ultimate
dependability. It will offer passengers a modern travel experience and fulfil
the specific needs of the customers in the value segment. With a multi-brand approach we look forward
to playing an even more important role in the Indian bus market,” said Håkan
Agnevall.
The
Volvo Group started its bus operations in India in 2001. Approximately 5,000
Volvo coaches and city buses are in traffic in India. The production of UD
buses will start in Bangalore in 2014. The first buses will reach the customers
later this year. Besides serving the domestic Indian market, the UD bus plant
in India will also serve as an export hub in the future.