Volvo open for synergies with Ford in India

New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) Volvo Car Corporation today said it will explore the possibility of synergies with Ford Motor, which can include Complete Knocked Down (CKD) units operation in the country.

''Wherever we can take the good synergies with Ford, we will take,'' company Senior Vice President (Marketing, Sales and Customer Service) Gerry Keaney told reporters here.

''For our assembly operations in China, we share a factory with Ford and Mazda. Similarly, in Europe, we have extensive synergies with group companies in terms of purchasing and R&D,'' Mr Keaney said.

Stating that CKD is a complex decision in terms of a number of things like government legislation and potential in the market.

A market study of at least one year is required, before we take a call on starting assembly operations which will include the ''type of car line to be introduced,'' he added.

The company is also looking to expanding its dealership network for a pan-India presence.

''I am optimistic about Volvo cars growth potential in India. The company expects to sell more than 500 cars in the country in 2008.

Our first three dealers here are expected to be operational by next month and we hope to add 7-9 more dealers to our network soon,'' Volvo India Managing Director Paul de Voijs said.

UNI PBB/BJR SR KN1731