Volkswagen AG has stated that the company is evaluating its models for introduction in India including its recently showcased new small car ‘UP!’.
Speaking to the media at the Volkswagen stall at Frankfurt Motor Show, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand and Executive Vice President, Volkswagen Group, stated that the company was currently focusing on Europe to launch its small car ‘UP!’ but the company will consider taking it to other markets including India based on the feasibility studies and added the company may have to localize its cars to suit the Indian requirements.
The company wants to tap the potential of the local market in India for which it wants to increase the localization of content from 70 per cent to 75 or 80 percent in near future. The need to develop suppliers and vendors is essential for the launch of new cars (including the ‘UP!’), said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. He added, “Unless we have this we would not be able to be competitive. In fact, we are looking a development of the vendor network not only for India but for supply of parts for other manufacturing bases of the company located across the world.”
Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of the Board and Director, Passenger Cars in India, stated the launch of more company vehicles in India depended on the feasibility studies.