New Delhi: Volvo Car Corporation unveiled its C 70 concept car this morning at the New Delhi Auto Expo being held at Pragati Maidan grounds in the capital.

Present at the unveiling of the new brand were Gerry Keaney, senior vice president marketing sales and customer service, Volvo Car Corporation, and Peter Cornelis, president Volvo Car Overseas Corporation. 

Unveiling the C70 Gerry Keaney said, Volvo is an iconic brand with a passion for enjoying life as well as preserving life.''

The company already offers S80 in India and plans to expand its dealership network across India and is targeting sales of over 500 cars this year.

The distinguishing feature of the car is a three-piece retractable hardtop, which transforms it from a coupe to a convertible with a push of a button.

When asked as to whether the company had any plans to set up an assembly operation Cornelis specified that the company would continue to go through the direct import route for the present. He added that the company was at present testing the Indian market and would take harder decisions after having been in the country for at least one year.

He also said that Volvo cars had no plans of entering the small car market anytime in the future and would not compete against Maruti Suzuki A-Star or the Tata small car.

According to Cornelis, ''Volvo has also no plans to enter the small car market and would remain focused on its strengths, which are premium cars with a strong focus on safety and reliability.''

Apart from setting up a marketing and sales office in India the company has not invested much in the Indian market and is taking the wait and watch policy.

Cornelis remained firm in the belief that at its indicated price the Volvo C70 was an excellent value proposition as compared to existing luxury cars in India.

The Volvo C70 is the second-generation convertible of C 70 from Volvo Cars. The distinguishing feature of the car is a three-piece retractable hardtop, which transforms it from a coupe to a convertible at the push of a button.

The C70 was launched at the Frankfurt Auto in 2005 the company says that the objective behind the design of the car is to create two cars in one without compromising on the design or the power. Its proportions and design give the car a powerful profile.

Developed in close cooperation with Pinnafarina of Italy, its interiors are inspired by Scandinavian product design with an emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and good function.

Available in 14 colour options, the C 70 is available in petrol (2.4/2.4i/T5) and two diesel (2.0/D5) engine variants across the world. The top model is the Volvo C70 T5 and features a turbocharged engine combined with either a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

The car has won awards like: Play Car of the Year (2007) by cars.com and most secure in convertible category (2006)