Audi, the brand with four rings, has been on a rise in the Indian car market for the past few years, performing exceptionally well, even during testing conditions. In fact, it has outclassed rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which are considered to be top brands throughout the globe. Industry experts feel that a lot of credit for the growth of Audi must go to its strategical expertise and marketing campaigns. Also, it is said that the German brand has launched the right kind of models in India, which has helped the firm to register tremendous sales figures.
Even in 2013, wherein conditions have been poor for the market in general, Audi India has managed to record impressive statistics. Reports from numerous analysts suggest that Audi, to a certain extent, has really opened up the luxury car market in India. An indication of the growing strength of any company in India is its dealership network, the size of which is directly proportional to the firm's stronghold. Audi, continuing its aggressive stance towards the Indian market, recently inaugurated its showroom in Vadodara, a city in the state of Gujarat.
Notably, this is the third dealership for the German firm in Gujarat, which is among the most prosperous states in India. This facility, or dealership, covers a huge area of 9000 sq. ft. and is located on Vadsar Ring road. Called as Audi Vadodara, this dealership has a capacity of putting seven cars on display, which can be considered quite impressive. Along with cars, this showroom will also feature an Audi Shop, from which customers can buy customised merchandise from the German brand.
Another feather in the cap of Audi is the Makarpura service facility, spread across an area of 30000 sq. ft., which comprises 12 bays and is capable of catering to 18 units in a day. This service station, according to reports, is going to be managed by the dealership in Vadodara. Style has always been an important factor for Audi, something that can be seen in the architecture of the new dealership as well. Apart from the terrific display area, this showroom has exteriors with a honeycomb aluminium facade, considered to be a signature feature.
Samir Mistry, Managing Director of Audi's dealerships in Vadodara, Surat and Ahmedabad, spoke about the new facility. “Audi Ahmedabad and Audi Surat have catered to the demand for luxury cars in Gujarat for some time now. The opening of this third showroom in Vadodara reiterates our customer friendly approach and our constant efforts at bringing to the people of Gujarat Audi’s sporty, progressive and sophisticated products. With world class showrooms in Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara, we are confident about consolidating our leadership position in Gujarat,” he said.
In recent times, the demand for luxury cars has witnessed a tremendous rise and statistics are a testimony to this fact. On one hand where auto makers in the passenger car segment have been battling slowdown and economic crisis, luxury vehicle manufacturers are getting more aggressive towards the Indian market. 2013, till now a forgettable year for so many brands, has been a turning point for Mercedes-Benz, a brand that has literally bounced back to register fantastic sales. This year has been really healthy for the luxury car segment in terms of the competition between top brands, which have tried to outdo each other in various ways. According to reports, Audi is aiming to expand its dealership in India, taking the tally to 34 from 29, by opening facilities in Mangalore, Vishakhapatnam and Noida.
Joe King, the Head of Audi India, elaborated on the potential of luxury cars in India in coming years. In a recent interview, he was quoted as saying, "The growth in high-end luxury car segment has been phenomenal in Gujarat. The opening of our third showroom in the state is a testimony to this fact. Like Ahmedabad and Surat, Vadodara is a very strong market in the Western region for us. With three showrooms now in Gujarat, we are consolidating our leadership position in the state. We are confident that this state of art showroom will be able to fulfil the aspirations and needs of our customers with our amazing products and fabulous services”.
