When the rival Mercedes Benz has speeded up its operations in Indian market, it won’t be just and fair if Audi India simply sits and watches the market play. So in order to secure its no 1 position in the country, the carmaker is planning to introduce 10 new models in the current year that will include both new products and facelifted editions of existing cars. Aiming to cater the need of entering new segments, the company also plans to invest a huge sum of 24 billion Euros globally by 2019.
Speaking on the future plans, Mr. Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management at the annual press conference stated that Indian automotive market is growing relatively well and Audi being on top of the list wants to keep its position intact. He further added that Indian economy is reviving, so this is an apt time for the company to craft a great future in the country by strengthening its position.
As far as Audi India investment plans are concerned, Mr. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board Management of Audi AG has been reported saying that the company would get momentum because of its global investment of 24 billion Euros by the year 2019. Though, he shared nothing about Indian operations, yet said that approx 70-80% of the supposed amount will be spent into new innovations, technology and products and Indian market would also benefit from this outlay.
In terms of growth in Indian industry, the German luxury giant is doing pretty well. In the last month, company managed to register a profit of 26% in the sales. Year 2014 too was a great year for the carmaker, when it recorded 8% growth at 10,851 units against the 10,002 units sold in year 2013. The close rivals Mercedes and BMW could not match Audi’s growth and stood at 10,201 unit’s sales and 6,812 unit’s sales respectively in the year 2014. In fact the 2014 year proved to be the second consecutive year when the carmaker crossed 10,000 sales marks in the country.
Last year, the carmaker launched Audi A3 Sedan and Audi A3 Cabriolet in India. And when Mercedes Benz has announced 15 new launches in the country, it’s high time for Audi to take quick steps in order to maintain its premium position in country.
Coming to customer’s interests, the auto giant is highly concerned for its customers in India. In fact Mr. Joe King has been studying Indian customer’s tastes and preferences since the time he joined Indian operations. The company organizes products clinics with prospects, which is basically aimed to take feedback on the features and choices available in the Audi Global line up.
According to him, each market around the globe is diverse to one another and as far as India is concerned, here the player has to constantly try to expand the portfolio and keep the young demographics interested and energized. He also said that in India, buying a luxury vehicle is more than a shopping experience as it becomes an occasion for Indian populace to celebrate with family and friends.
Appreciating Indian auto buff’s excitement about the luxury; he stated that the sagacity of superiority and accomplishment of the aficionados never failed to amaze him. Here the customers are younger and are more attentive of global trends. They know very well as what they are wandering for, he supplemented the facts.
So this is the reason, Audi has started delivering elevated potential of individualisations in Indian market. Apart from manifold models range, the carmaker gives customization options to cater the need of individual purchaser.
