Volkswagen’s Future Plans for India Explained in 5 Points
Here is the list of probable steps VW Group is going to take to gain some market share in India
Volkswagen Group is going through tough times in India. Products are not selling well and market perception is also against the German brand. However, the world’s largest automaker is not backing away and is aiming to improve its market share in the market. The company is working on a range of new products, which will arrive in the next few years. Here is the list of probable steps VW Group is going to take to gain some market share in India –
– No Ameo
Volkswagen Group will phase out its sub-4 meter sedan – Ameo – from the Indian market. This is one of the fastest growing segment, which comprises of products like Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze. While Dzire is maintaining average sales of around 20,000, the Amaze is doing over 8,000 units per month. In January, Volkswagen delivered mere 700 units of the Ameo. A report from ET Auto claims that the VW Ameo will be discontinued from the market by the end of this year. Volkswagen has no plans to enter into this segment in future as well.
– Premium Positioning
Volkswagen will play premium in India. The company won’t enter into the budget segment, which is currently dominated by Maruti, Honda and Hyundai. In fact, Honda is also playing premium as the Amaze is the brand’s new entry-level product in India. Volkswagen has no plans to enter into the sub-4 meter space in near future; mainly focusing on giving better experience in terms of service and sales to customers. Also See – 5 New Skoda and Volkswagen Cars Coming To India
– Skoda will take front seat
Volkswagen Group has announced that Skoda will lead the Group’s India Plan 2.0. The Czech automaker will play the main role in creating new products, platforms and engines for the German automaker. The company is already in talks with local vendors to increase localisation levels for the upcoming products.
– MQB AO IN platform
Skoda is currently working on the Indianize version of the versatile MQB platform. Called the MQB AO IN, this modular platform will be used to develop around 4 to 6 models for the Indian market. This platform is basically the heavily localised version of the global MQB AO platform, which underpins the new-gen Polo, T-Cross, Seat Arona and VW Virtus.
Skoda and Volkswagen will introduce 4 new models – 2 SUVs and 2 sedans – based on this platform by 2021-22. While Skoda will bring the locally developed Kamiq SUV, Volkswagen will launch the T-Cross SUV in India.
– No sub-4 meter SUV
Previous media reports claim that Volkswagen could introduce a sub-4 meter SUV in India. However, the company has clearly stated that the brand has no plans to enter into the sub-4 meter category. Instead, the German automaker will introduce a mid-sized SUV based on the T-Cross SUV. This SUV will be positioned against the likes of Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks.
