Exclusive: Volvo’s New Car Will Strengthen Ties Between Sweden and India, Says Sweden Ambassador

Sweden’s iconic car brand, Volvo Cars, boosted its India portfolio with the launch of the facelift model of the XC90 SUV earlier this week. Aimed at premium customers, the new car is a testimony to the growing demand for ultra-luxury vehicles in India — at least according to Sweden’s ambassador to India, Jan Thesleff, who reflected on how Volvo’s new car will help bolster the ties between the Scandinavian country and India.

To understand the impact of Volvo’s new launch on India’s automotive market and Sweden’s long-standing relationship with India, Republic Auto sat with His Excellency and spoke with him exclusively.

Here are snippets of the exclusive conversation with His Excellency:

Agrawal: How do you think the launch of the new XC90 reflects Sweden's ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability?

His Excellency: The XC90 personifies what we try to do in innovation, design and sustainability also because the whole Volvo brand and especially now of course the latest version of the XC90 has been so thought through when it comes to finding the ergonomic seats.

For example, finding the right materials, and finding this kind of quiet luxury that Volvo stands for. Volvo doesn't scream out, they are whispering, they are sending a message of comfort, functionality and design. I think that's something that is very appealing in Scandinavia and is very appealing in India.

Agrawal: The Volvo XC90 has a strong global reputation, so from your perspective, how does this launch strengthen ties between Sweden and India in terms of trade and culture exchange?

His Excellency: I think that this launch is very important because it brings the very latest generation of Volvo cars to India.

India is a huge country. I think that the launch of the XC90 will really mean a lot for Sweden and India, something that's directed towards Indian consumers. It's something that people will see, people will recognise Swedish quality, and people will recognise Swedish sustainability, innovation and design. So to have that on the road is almost like having an embassy driving down the roads of India.

Agrawal: Volvo has a legacy of blending luxury with practicality. How do you think the new XC90 resonates with the Swedish tradition and the expectations of the global audience? How do you see that in Indian customers?

His Excellency: I think that good design that doesn't include functionality is actually not good design, we want to use our car or our vehicle for different things. The XC90 is beautiful, it's a beautiful car, but it's also a very functional car. There is nothing unnecessary, but at the same time, there is nothing that is not beautiful. So really you have the combination of functionality and beauty.

Agrawal: Having witnessed Sweden's influence in various sectors across India, what message do you hope the launch of the new XC90 sends to India and about the collaboration with Sweden?

His Excellency: I think the message that we want to send to India, we send it through this launch, but we also send it every day actually, is that Sweden is a leading country when it comes to innovation. One of the most innovative countries in the world. We are one of the most sustainable countries in the world. We are one of the countries where design matters, where safety matters.

Many of the innovations that were once with Volvo are today in other cars too. But they came from the pioneering company. So what I want to convey to India is that we are pioneers. We want to be pioneering with India. We want to innovate. We want to be sustainable with you. And XC90 is one product. We are going to bring more. Swedish companies have more to offer.

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