German carmakers launch new models in Autoexpo

New Delhi, Jan 5(ANI): German carmakers Audi, BMW and Skoda launched dazzling new models at the Autoexpo, an annual automobile exhibition held in the national capital, on Tuesday.

Audi announced the release of its new model, the A7 Sportback, and said that the model would be available in the Indian markets by 2011.

Stefan Hamberger, Audi's Director of the regions of Africa, Middle-East, India and the French Overseas, also announced a price-cut in one of Audi's most popular models - the A6, to celebrate Audi's centenary.

"I'm pleased to announce today that to celebrate hundred years of Audi, we launched, starting today, a limited edition of the Audi A6 2.7 TDI for Rs. 31 lakhs on road," Hamberger said.

Audi India's Managing Director, Benoit Tiers, said that they were pleased with Audi's growth in the country and were confident of seeing it increase.

Meanwhile, Czech Republic-based carmaker, Skoda, a subsidiary of German auto-giant Volkswagen also unveiled the highly popular sports utility vehicle (SUV) the Yeti.

Other models on display by Skoda were the Fabia Elegance and a top-of-the-line Superb, which boasted of a 3.6 litre V6 engine, four-wheel-drive (4WD), as well as a seven-speed gear system.

Board members of Skoda Auto said that they had always met customer expectations and were confident on maintaining their niche in Indian markets.

"We are on the road to meet customer expectations of the car and relying on future as well. So, this will be obviously one of the reasons that we are here, hitting directly at the market," said Reinhard Fleger, Member of the Board (Sales and Marketing), Skoda Auto.

The show-stealer, though, was arguably the BMW display, which showcased BMW's convertible, Z4, and the SUV X1. BMW announced the release of the X6 M, and the seven-series model, BMW 760 Li. It also launched the limited edition of the new Gran Turismo, of which only a mere hundred models will be released in India.

The President of BMW India, Peter Kronschnabl, announced BMW's lead in India's 'Luxury Car Segment', and said that they expected growth in Tier Two cities (cities with a population of less than one million).

"All the products are enlarging the dealer networks to tier II cities, applying only international standards, we are well-prepared to maintain the number one position in the year 2010," Kronschnabl said.

The X1 is scheduled for launch in India by the end of 2010. (ANI)