Shaping The World We Want To Live In
In October 2024, we get to know Manish Sahi, Vice President for Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and CIS at Volvo Buses. Manish is a Mechanical Engineer, boasting over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, who takes pride in several initiatives during his career, such as introducing Volvo buses in India. Manish appreciates the high working ethos of Volvo Group focusing on innovation, employee well-being, and sustainable practices.
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Hej SBC Member!
Manish Sahi, Vice President for Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and CIS at Volvo Buses
Who is Manish Sahi?
I was born in India and have lived a large part of my life in India. By qualification, I am a Mechanical Engineer and hold an MBA degree. I have over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry across multiple geographies.
My family consists of my wife and my two children- my daughter is in Sydney and my son is completing his schooling in Dubai. In my free time I like gardening and taking brisk walks outdoors.
As the Vice President of Middle East , Africa, South Asia and CIS at Volvo Buses could you elaborate on the responsibilities and functions associated with your position?
My current role is to lead the development of the bus and coach based transport across the Middle East, the African continent, South Asia and the CIS countries by ensuring relevant products and services are available basis the market needs. This is very diverse region and our markets range from Euro 3 emission levels to Euro 6 and many cities are just starting the Sustainability journey through Electrification. The role is focused on “Shaping the world we want to live in”.
Along with my team and our partners in various countries, the role requires working closely with cities and governments to develop and further the efficiency of public transport systems. We are proud to move people every day. Volvo Buses is active across the globe and with that experience, we actively share our insights and lessons learned, and key areas for safeguarding. Additionally we work with coach operators in our markets to make the journeys between cities Safe and Efficient. Some of our coach customers operate the Volvo coaches for over 40,000 kms per month clearly experiencing the Quality, Reliability and Safety of our products.
What are some of your proud initiatives working for Volvo Buses for a total of almost 18 years?
Working for a global company provides great opportunities to learn and develop yourself as a professional. With Volvo Buses, I have worked across various geographies- India, Asia Pacific and now the Middle East- all these markets are at various stages of the development and hence different initiatives were carried out.
During my work in India, the Tourist circuit of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur was dominated by buses from Indian manufacturers. Breaking into an extremely price sensitive segment with a premium Volvo Bus (priced at multiple times of local products) was an extremely challenging and finally rewarding experience. This was one of the successes that contributed to Volvo becoming the generic name for Luxury buses in India.
In Singapore we were the first company to have a fleet of Hybrid buses operating. We pioneered the research and trial of Autonomous buses along with the Nanyang Technological University. Introducing Volvo buses in the worlds longest BRT system in Jakarta was another great initiative.
In the current role we continue to pioneer development across the region, partnering cities and operators to help them transition towards Zero Cities – Zero Noise, Zero Emission, Zero Accidents and Zero Congestion.
Visit at the Volvo Group offices in Dubai by H.E. Fredrik Florén, Ambassador of Sweden to the UAE together with Olof Boström Jackman, Second Secretary, Head of Trade and Promotion and Massoud Biouki, Trade Commissioner of Sweden to the UAE & Market Area Director.
Working for a Swedish founded company, what are some of the cultural aspects that have amazed you during the years?
Volvo encourages Innovation focused on Customer Success. The company truly believes in leading the Change in the industry towards sustainable development. The employees are valued for their opinions and DEI is not just a buzz word. Health and Safety has the highest priority and is focused upon in all management reviews. There is emphasis on work life balance.
While it is considered a hygiene requirement, there is high focus and reiteration of the Code of Conduct to ensure common understanding across the organization.
I can go on and on but in brief this Swedish founded company is a “Great place to Work for”.
What is your dream in life?
Apart from the many personal aspirations and dreams, some of which have been fulfilled, I would professionally like the quote from the ex-Mayor of Bogota, to come true :
“ An advanced city is not where even the poor use cars, but rather one where even the rich use public transport”.