Volkswagen India is working on new strategy to be competitive in the Indian market. In 2009 & 2011 Volkswagen managed to build a good brand in Indian and also launched a couple of products in the form of Polo, Vento in the lower end and the Beetle, Touareg & Phaeton in the luxury segment.
But 2011 & 12 have been tough years for the German car maker with sales declining and also competition heating up. To expand its reach and be sustainable Volkswagen is planning to enter the SUV space with the Tiguan which shares its platform with the Audi Q3 which has been a runaway success in India. The new Touareg was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo and will be launched by end 2012 to build the brand further.
Volkswagen may also consider the idea of launching the Bulli concept which the car maker had showcased at 2011 Geneva motor show.
In the small car portfolio, VW is looking at launching the UP! Hatchback in the Indian market.
President and MD Gerry Dorizas has said. “Different growth segments of multi-purpose vehicles or sports utility vehicles and small cars are the part of vision we have (for India),”
In terms of focusing on the Indian operations, Volkswagen announced the appointment of Mr. Arvind Saxena as the Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars in India. Mr. Arvind Saxena will be instrumental helping the German car maker establish the brand and boost volumes in India.
VW also introduced new features in Polo & Vento with a cut price, making the cars look more value for money now.