Volvo AB's Indian R&D team is taking the lead developing medium duty trucks for global markets scheduled to go into production in 2017.
"In terms of contribution to the group, we are critical because we do a lot of other jobs apart from sales. The site in India has over 800 engineers and has been entrusted with the responsibility for developing a value truck. This is a global responsibility. So any value truck which is to be designed, improved, the responsibility will lie with the Indian side," Kamal Bali, managing director, Volvo India, told Economic Times of India.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The units is currently working on a 10-15 tonne medium duty truck in the segment to be positioned globally between the mainstream Eicher and premium Volvo brands. It will be introduced in an 'overseas market' next year.
"The whole product is owned by them – from concept to design to execution is being done by the Indian team. Of course, they take help from Lyon (France) and Gothenburg (Sweden) but they are leading the team. This truck could be not for India. Some of the products this site does may not be launched in India," Bali said.
ET said the new model would not be launched in India as JV partner Eicher, through VE Commercial Vehicles, has about 33% share in the category with its own products.
