VRV Sriprasad, who quit Daimler India Commercial Vehicles recently as vice-president (marketing, sales & aftersales) has taken over as managing director, Volvo Buses. He takes over from Manish Sahi, who has taken the position as director – International Business, Volvo Buses India.

Sriprasad has over 28 years’ experience in the automotive industry in various positions, including direct and retail sales, setting up of greenfield projects, new brand and product introductions and manufacturing. He has also worked for the Eicher Group.

“Sriprasad brings him with an all-round and in-depth understanding of the commercial vehicle market. His passion to contribute to change in the commercial vehicle industry, his commitment to create value for customers as well as for passengers fits very well with Volvo Buses’ mission in India. I look forward to seeing Volvo Buses expand its role in the Indian bus industry in the years to come,” said Akash Passey, senior VP, Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation and chairman of the Board of Volvo Buses in India.

In his new role, Sriprasad will, among other things, spearhead the launch of UD Buses later this year as Volvo seeks a greater play in the value bus segment. The company plans to invest Rs 125 crore to establish the new brand in India, which would also include a new manufacturing plant near Bangalore. 
The UD bus range, which comprises city buses and coaches, is being introduced first in India before being launched in emerging markets in South East Asia, Latin America and West Asia. 
Volvo entered India 12 years ago and its inter-city buses have contributed significantly to improving the quality of public transport with several state transport corporations buying these buses. At present, around  5,000 Volvo coaches and city buses are plying in India.