[Sreedharan]

Volvo will enter the value bus segment in India with the launch of a new brand UD Buses later this year.
Volvo has partnered with Bangalore-based S M Kannappa Automobiles to manufacture its new range of buses. The facility is located between Hoskote and Kolar, near Volvo's existing manufacturing facility. Volvo will have 15% equity stake in this production joint venture.

UD Buses will be priced above Rs 30 lakh, at the upper end of the mass bus market. This segment currently constitutes around 2,000 units a year, but this number is expected to rise to around 10,000 units by the end of this decade. Volve is targeting to capture around 30% of the market.

News Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/b...w/32314908.cms

[volkman10]

Volvo introduces a new UD bus range specifically designed for growth markets. The segment targeted has high growth potential. UD buses have had a strong brand presence in Japan and South East Asia in the past.

Now we renew and adapt the buses for India and other growth markets,” said Akash Passey”, Senior Vice President, Volvo Group’s bus operations, responsible for the international markets including Asia

The production of UD buses will start in Bangalore during 2014. The first buses will reach the customers later this year. Besides serving the Indian market, the UD bus plant in India will also serve as an export hub in the future.

[Ravindra M]

Thats interesting news.

Exterior seems to be the same.

Does anyone know which functions will be deleted to achieve the "value" ?

Less powered engines ?
Simpler gearbox ?

[Blue Thunder]

What does UD stand for ?

[volkman10]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

What does UD stand for ?

The UD name was originally used for the company's Uniflow Diesel Engine (known as Two-stroke Engine), developed in 1955, but is now marketed as meaning "Ultimate Dependability".

Cheers!

[Sommos]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

What does UD stand for ?

UD Trucks Corporation (formerly known as Nissan Diesel) is a Japanese company which specialises in manufacture of trucks/buses/special-purpose vehicles. This company is a 100% subsidiary of Volvo Group.

Originally Posted by volkman10

The UD name was originally used for the company's Uniflow Diesel Engine (known as Two-stroke Engine), developed in 1955, but is now marketed as meaning "Ultimate Dependability".
Cheers!