Volkswagen launches Passat Sedan in India

Mumbai, Sept 5: Germany-based European car major Volkswagen (VW) today launched its first locally assembled 'Passat Sedan' in India and has plans to launch small cars, to be manufactured at its Pune plant.

The two versions of high-end featured Passat, equipped with TDI 2.0 litre diesel engine, will be available in the Indian market at price range of Rs 22.34 lakh and Rs 24.35 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi).

Speaking at the launch, VW's Managing Director (group's sales India Pvt Ltd.) Joerg Mueller said, '' We are sure that the Passat will set the pace for our future products launches in India.'' He said the company may launch its new car by the year 2009. These cars are under process at its Pune Plant, Mueller said.

The Group, which has Skoda as its sister concern in the country, has planed to roll-off 8 to 10 thousand cars per annum in this segment and claims that Passat will spell more competition in Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, Mercedes C Class, BMW 3 series and Audi A4 category.

The VW group had earlier this year set up its new subsidiary Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Ltd to run operations in India.

However, at inital level it has established its dealer network in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore and will gradually expand to other Indian cities. The group is also looking for more partnership for strengthening its dealership network in the country, Mueller added.

UNI