Volkswagen to concentrate on sustained growth in India

Bangalore, Jan 21 (UNI) Volkswagen, Europe's largest car maker, aims to achieve a 10 per cent market share in India within next 10 years period, Mr Andreas Prinz, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars at Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited said today.

Talking to newsmen here, he said that though at present the sales was 70 to 80 cars per month in India, the company wants to maintain a sustained growth and after the Rs 2400 Crore manufacturing plant at Chakan in Pune starts manufacturing in 2009, the sales would pickup. The Plant will initially aimed at manufacturing 110,000 cars per year.

Stating that Volkswagen ranked Number four in the world and Number One in Europe, Mr Andreas said that "in India our aim was to have sustained growth by building necessary infrastructure including manufacturing and dealership network rather than going in for immediate increase in market share." Announcing signing of partnership with Bangalore based Rs 300 Crore PCH Group to appoint it as the Volkswagen's first dealer in South India here, he said that " we are proud to announce our entry into South India with the launch of Passat and the new Beetle.

While Passat would be available immediately, new Beetle would be available within next three months time".

Replying to a question, he said that the company has no immediate plan to go in for cheaper car like 'Tata Nano'.

He said that the dealership network which is at present three would be increased to 70 by 2009 including 15 this year.

UNI MSP MV TS1704