To tap the growing automobile market of the country, Volvo Car India is expanding its dealership network with plans to open 7-9 dealerships during the current year.

The company announced on Monday the opening of its flagship dealership, spread over an area of 6,000 sq mt, in New Delhi.

The New Delhi dealership would be followed by opening of Chandigarh and Mumbai dealerships, the company said.

"Inaugurating our flagship dealership in India will be a memorable moment for us at Volvo Car India for a long time. We believe all the three dealers have the necessary capability and experience to assist us in achieving our business objectives," Volvo Car India Managing Director Paul de Voijs said.

The dealerships, designed in accordance with the brand's internationally applied premium standards, would present Volvo's exclusive range to the Indian customer.

"All the three dealerships will have the same visual identity and design as other Volvo dealerships around the globe based on their programme -- Volvo Next Face. The programme was specifically produced to create a modern and uniform appearance for Volvo's dealers in the world over," the company said.

Volvo Car India, a division of Ford Motor Company, launched two of its flagship models --Volvo S80 and Volvo XC90 in the country in September 2007.