German car maker Audi plans around 10 new launches in India this year, besides making its operations there benefit from the planned 24 billion euro global investments by 2019 to maintain its leadership status in the luxury segment. "The Indian market is developing well. We are leader in the luxury segment and would like to defend this position," Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG Luca de Meo told reporters here. Audi India posted a 26 per cent increase in sales in February this year over the same period last year which is a good signal, he added.
In order to consolidate its position in the country, the company plans around 10 new launches this year. These would be a combination of new variants of existing model range as well as products catering to new segments. Meo said with the Indian economy starting to grow again, it was a good time to strengthen position in India. "This is a good signal for us to build a great future for Audi in India," he said.
When asked about investments for India, Chairman of the Board Management of Audi AG Rupert Stadler said Audi India would also gain from the company's global investment of 24 billion Euros by 2019. "Around 70-80 per cent of this would go into new technologies, innovations and products. The Indian market would also benefit from this investment," he said without sharing details on Indian operations.
Last year the luxury car maker had reported record sales in India at 10,851 units, a growth of more than 8 per cent over 2013, thus retaining its pole position in the luxury car segment. The company had sold 10,002 units in 2013. In comparison, rival Mercedes-Benz sold 10,201 units last year, while BMW India sold 6,812 units. Last year it had introduced Audi A3 sedan and Audi A3 Cabriolet. It also sells various models such as sedans A6 and A4; SUVs Q5, Q7 and Q3 in India. The annual capacity at VW group firm Skoda's Aurangabad plant for all Audi models is more than 14,000 units in a one-shift operation.
Source: PTI
