Miron, congratulations on being appointed as the Head of Volvo Penta in India. What is your commitment to the Indian market?

Over the years, Volvo Penta has established itself as one of the leading players in India providing complete power solutions for marine and industrial applications. Having the world-class manufacturing facility in India for local production of Volvo Penta engines, we would like to further strengthen our business in India and neighbouring countries. We are committed to deliver one-global quality from our facilities across the globe and Pithampur facility is not an exception. Engines manufactured in this facility are no different from the engines manufactured in Sweden or in the USA.

Have you been able to explore in the export markets with ‘Made in India’ products?

The Pithampur facility in India is producing engines to meet emission norms of EU Stage II, IIIa (BS CEV III), IV and the upcoming EU stage V. The same assembly line is also manufacturing as per Euro-III, BS-IV and even Euro-VI for our own Volvo Group products.

At present, we are exporting the majority of the locally manufactured 5- and 8-litre engines to the global market. Domestic market is opening up right now. The factory has the capacity to produce 100,000 engines a year and as of now we are producing around 25,000 units a year. We will ramp up production.

By when we can expect Volvo Penta engines are being used in Volvo’s construction equipment?

Volvo Penta is within the Volvo Group responsible for the engine and component business to external customers. Our products are developed to meet the stringent requirements of our customers in industrial and marine applications.

Volvo Construction Equipment, though, is using the same core engine as the rest of the Volvo Group. But it is finalised and certified by our colleagues from Volvo Construction Equipment. This secures a perfect driveline development in-house to secure the best application or machine for the end customer.

As the Indian government is committed to transit to BS CEV IV emission norms by 2020, are you ready for this?

Already today we have the knowledge, experience and technology available to meet the next emission regulation step in India. Even our customers and OEMs are today ready with their engine room design with our current engine range due to Volvo Penta’s modular engine design concept.

What will be your core objectives to achieve in India for the next 5 years?

Our main objective is to retain a strong customer focus as a highly reliable “engine partner”. We further want to increase customer satisfaction as well as our market share on the industrial and marine engine market.

How do you look at the year 2018? What is your growth target?
As of now, Volvo Penta is growing in India very healthy year on year. We will be more aggressive and grow at an even faster pace. Our target is to achieve high double-digit growth in the next few years.

As of now, Volvo Penta is growing in India very healthy year on year…Our target is to achieve high double-digit growth in the next few years.

Miron Thoms, Vice President and Head of Volvo Penta in India