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Published on: Sept. 22, 2023, 2:05 p.m.
Volvo’s green drive
  • Malhotra: providing sustainable mobility solutions

By S.M. Boothem

Momentum is building for electric cars in India, and the luxury car segment is no exception. Currently, four luxury car manufacturers – Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volvo – offer electric cars to Indian customers. Volvo Car India has recently introduced its new EV range, the C40 Recharge, to its electric vehicle portfolio. It is priced at Rs61.25 lakh as part of an introductory offer. This marks Volvo’s second electric vehicle model in India, assembled at the company’s plant in Hoskote, Bengaluru, and it comes with an 11-kW charger.

The C40 Recharge offers an impressive range of 530km according to WLTP standards and 683km under ICAT testing conditions on a single charge. The company describes it as a ‘born-electric’ vehicle, as it has been designed from the ground-up as an electric car.

Volvo Cars, a Swedish luxury car manufacturer, has been present in India since 2007, offering a range of products from sedans to SUVs to Indian customers. “The launch of the C40 Recharge is aligned with our commitment to introduce one new electric model in India every year. The C40 Recharge is Volvo’s first fully electric car, featuring leather-free interiors and remarkable features that clearly distinguish it as a fully electric, sporty, and contemporary vehicle. T

he C40 Recharge exemplifies Volvo’s core value of responsible styling, incorporating the brand’s high safety standards while providing sustainable mobility solutions. It has achieved a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating. Like all our offerings, the C40 Recharge is also assembled at our plant in Hoskote, Bengaluru, reflecting our dedication to the Indian market,” said Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director of Volvo Car India.

To attract more customers to electric vehicles, Volvo India offers a range of ownership packages, including a 3-year comprehensive car warranty, a 3-year Volvo Service Package, 3-year Roadside Assistance, an 8-year battery warranty, a 5-year subscription to digital services, and a 1-wall box charger (11 kW) through a third party. Volvo Car India’s network of retail partners across India will continue to support customers throughout the sales delivery process, providing on-ground assistance. There will be no changes in customer service and after-sales service operations, which will continue to operate as usual.

A new experience

The company has also announced that the exclusive ‘Tre Kronor Experience’ program, initially introduced for XC40 Recharge customers, will be extended to C40 Recharge customers. ‘Tre-Kronor’ signifies the three crowns of Swedish luxury and will offer a host of unique, luxurious, and personalised experiences.

  • The C40 Recharge is Volvo’s first fully electric car, featuring leather-free interiors and remarkable features that clearly distinguish it as a fully electric, sporty, and contemporary vehicle

Volvo’s other electric vehicle, the XC40, launched in November 2022, has recently surpassed 200 units in sales. “Even with global supply chain disruptions affecting deliveries, our customers patiently awaited their cars, reflecting their confidence in the Volvo brand. This milestone further strengthens our commitment to becoming an all-electric company by 2030,” added Malhotra. By 2030, the company aims to exclusively offer pure electric vehicles and phase out all internal combustion engine vehicles, including hybrids.

In July 2023, Volvo Car India reported a 33 per cent growth in the first half of 2023. The company delivered 1,089 cars during the January-June period, compared to 818 units delivered during the corresponding period last year. This growth was primarily driven by the XC60, which experienced a substantial 35 percent increase, resulting in 376 deliveries.

The response to the C40 has been positive, as the carmaker has begun deliveries in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Volvo Car’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the C40 Recharge, with the floor carpet set produced from 71 recycled plastic bottles and the interiors crafted from forest waste, wine corks, and plastic bottles. The interiors and seats are leather-free. 

Regarding the electric car introduced by Volvo India and the company’s future plans, Malhotra stated: “We are confident that the Indian market will follow suit in adopting electric cars, just as we have. More customers will embrace electric vehicles, especially in the luxury segment. Looking ahead, we hold a positive outlook for the Indian market and its growth. While the automotive market shows great promise, the luxury market remains relatively small. However, as the Indian economy expands, more customers will enter the luxury segment. It’s only a matter of time. We will continue to invest in India for expansion and future product development.” 

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