Even as the volumes of Volvo Cars have increased in 12 months, the company has been unable to reach near its competition like Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Audi. In an interaction with FE’s British Raj, Charles Frump, MD, Volvo Car India, talks about excessive taxes in India hurting the quantity increase and expansion in smaller cities, and they want to create attention for the brand. Excerpts:
Volvo cars are regarded for their overall performance and sturdiness globally, but India’s income numbers are far below its competitors. So, what isn’t always running for you? Besides FY19, which turned into a flat year for the entire enterprise, we had been increasing volumes yearly, even though we were on a low base. Four years ago, only a few people considered Volvo automobiles. However, many of our customers are first-time consumers these days, so the penetration is increasing. The luxury market is hungry for recipes, and we have an exceptional recipe, something I am thrilled with. The top 3 players (Mercedes, BMW & Audi) constantly fight for the rank, while Volvo seems out of the chase. Is it because you are content material with volumes you sell, or do you intend to get into the rating game?
We will never be happy with what we have and the path to boost our rank. I assume we’ve got some paintings to do in cognizance of the logo; that is a continuous method. For instance, we didn’t even have four stores years ago; now we’ve got 26. Customers in India have a larger need, and we’ve hugely multiplied and fulfilled those desires through our automobiles. How many years will it take to attain a level while you can outrightly venture your competitors?
Our fight is long-term and for brand-new customers. We are very competitive in Tier 2 and Tier three markets, and we have enough products and outlets to cater to potential customers, although there may always be room to enlarge. I assume it’s greater about getting human beings to recognize us, and I am assured that they may like and buy us once they realize us. We have the advantage of being a Swedish logo because we will have a top hand when humans need to try something different from the same antique luxurious manufacturers. The rest can fight for old clients.
Have the Indian operations been worthwhile for Volvo?
It’s not been massively worthwhile for us, like many other foreign automobile businesses and excessive taxes have been a first-rate deterrent. However, we now have our own plant in Bangalore, and with the focal point on excessive localization content material, we will keep chasing profitability. In a situation where taxes for luxurious cars are the best, well, it’s clean on the way to preserve the enterprise worthwhile in the long term? Do you have a return plan? It’s now not easy at all. Taxes on luxurious cars in Sweden are around 20%, in the US, it’s 15%, and in C, it is 10%.
In contrast, India levies nearly 50%, which is clearly unreasonable. The government has to consider that if taxes are low, income will increase; therefore, the government sales from the section could be better. Many clients who have pockets to shop for luxury automobiles chorus from doing so due to the fee.
