Audi is banking on its upcoming A3 sedan to increase its market share in the Indian market when it is launched next month.
Local production of the model has just started at VW group’s Skoda plant at Aurangabad, the first Audi model to be made in India before its local launch – others were initially fully imported.
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Audi production chief Hubert Waltl said: “Local production of the A3 in India is in continuation of our growth strategy and consistent focus on the Indian market.
“The market potential coupled with the world-class infrastructure in the plant, efficient working processes, qualified workforce and a well-developed logistics environment were the factors that motivated us to expand the product portfolio at the Aurangabad plant.”
Around 14,000 A3s will be produced annually at the plant in a one-shift operation. Audi India chief Joe King said: “We believe that the launch of this car would see us further consolidating our market share and strengthen our leadership position”.
Last year Audi sold 10,002 units in India, becoming the first luxury car maker to cross the 10,000 units milestone, remaining ahead of German rivals Mercedes (9,003 units) and BMW (7,327).
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By GlobalDataKing added: “The A3 will be a game-changer for us in India, since it will open up the luxury segment like never before. I feel it is just the right product for the Indian market.
“We will be creating a new segment, that of the compact luxury sedan, in India. The A3 will attract an entirely new customer segment.”
