Volkswagen recently launched its premium hatchback model Polo in the Indian market. The car has definitely raised interest amongst car buyers of premium hatchback. The car competes strongly with Maruti Swift and Skoda Fabia in its segment. However, Volkswagen still lacks an entry level compact car that can compete with Maruti Alto, WagonR, Chevrolet Beat, Hyundia Santro and Ford Figo. As a combat strategy, Volkswagen is now planning to launch VW Up! in the Indian auto market.
“We will manufacture Up! for emerging markets like India, Russia and China. India is an important market for us,” Volkswagen CEO & chairman of the board Martin Winterkorn has said when the car was formally introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show back in 2007.
Volkswagen’s plant is getting ready to launch the car by the end of this year or early 2011. The expected ex-showroom price of the car is Rs. 3.30 lakh. The car will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s upcoming plant in Maharashtra. It will have more than 60 percent localised content to keep its costs under check.
