Audi to introduce seven new models
By Our Corporate Bureau | 06 Nov 2004
Bangalore: Volkswagen company, Audi AG, buoyed by the growth of the Indian market is planning to launch seven models in the next five years and expects to sell 1,000 units of these cars.
According to Sunil Kaul, country manager, Asia-Pacific, initially the company plans to introduce three models, the first of which be on the roads by March 2005. All the models will be brought in as completely built units (CBU).
The new models due to be introduced initially, include the new A8 4.2 Quattro with a long wheelbase priced in the Rs 65 lakh to Rs 70 lakh range, the A6 3 priced around Rs 40 lakh and the sports car, TT Coupe 1.8T, priced at Rs 35 lakh.
The new Audi A6 and TT models are currently undergoing homologation tests at the Automobile Research Association of India in Pune.
Kaul said once Audi's cars begin selling in larger numbers in India, the company would look at the possibility of setting up an assembly unit in the country. The company is also looking at setting up a completely knocked down (CKD) unit in India.
Audi's marketing strategy for India will be backed by substantial promotional and below-the-line activities.
The company has selected industrialists Amit Burman of the Dabur Group, Bharatias of Jubiliant Organsys and Samir Sampath as partners (dealers) for Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. Though none of these partners were experienced in selling cars, they have been selected for their experience in managing big businesses.
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