Volvo To Enter Logistics Business

The high-end truck and bus maker, Volvo, is foraying into the logistics business. Of late, it has applied to the government to include logistics, freight forwarding and transport- as well as allied areas like cargo handling and clearing, packing, warehousing and store keeping - in its roster of activities in India. The Swedish multinational, which has an assembly unit in Bangalore, already has a logistics business unit. When contacted, a company spokesman explained that the new business will not pit Volvo against its own customers. Volvo decided to go for a government clearance to allow the logistics business greater operational freedom. Worldwide, Volvo Group is involved in the logistics business in several markets. In India, its proposed activities include software development, consultancy, supply services, training and running call centres for development and design activities. That''s apart from its primary business in India-to make and sell trucks and buses, import and sell construction machines and high-tech engines and source components.