Volkswagen to drive into Indian CV space

undead · 26th July 2008, 07:49

NEW DELHI: Buoyed by the success of its passenger cars, the Volkswagen Group is entering the Rs 43,000-crore Indian commercial vehicle (CV) market.

Volkswagen will sell business vans, buses and trucks in India, the world’s fourth-largest CV market, in a phased manner from early next year.

The commercial vehicle range is likely to debut with the Transporter series of business vans. The European auto major is also planning to introduce the Caddy and Crafter range along with the T5 buses that can carry six to nine people in different class configurations.

The Volkswagen Group spokesperson Kurt Rippholz said, “We have firmed up plans to launch our commercial vehicle range in India. While the final strategy will be unveiled in the next few weeks, we will start with the launch of buses, which will be followed by trucks. We will make a final announcement soon on our commercial vehicle debut in the Indian market.”

The Volkswagen Group, with Audi and Skoda under its belt, has posted sales growth of 69% to 10,366 cars in the first half of 2008 against 6,131 cars last year in India.

The company has also increased its annual target to 20,000 cars in 2008. Based on popular response to its business vans at the Auto Expo, the company has decided to import them initially. Volkswagen business vehicles are available in the price range of Rs 15-65 lakh.

“There is immense potential for business vans in India. We already have sizeable numbers here, which have been imported by fleet operators. We are looking at higher demand for such business vehicles,” said Volkswagen commercial vehicles head (regional markets) Martina Berg.

Volkswagen, which acquired Swedish commercial major Scania some time ago, could also be eyeing the fast growing heavy trucks and luxury bus segment. The company refused to share any plans of Scania’s entry into the domestic market.

Source : Volkswagen to drive into Indian CV space- Automobiles-Auto-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times

26th July 2008, 10:54

CV space needs more involvement from foriegn players. The more the merrier, because even if they cannot compete against domestics on price, the sheer difference in quality forces Tata, Hinduja etc to consider upgrades to their product line-up.

ranc · 26th July 2008, 11:24

The crafter looks good if Force motors can sell Tempo travellers and Tata can sell wingers I see a good market for this vehicle.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 26th July 2008, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by undead

NEW DELHI: Buoyed by the success of its passenger cars

Within a month of entering Indian market, they are buoyed by the success of its cars?

ajmat · 27th July 2008, 21:49

What about the 69% rise in sales of its cars over past year (as in Eco times) - from 50 to 80 cars or so!!!

vinjosep · 5th December 2010, 20:40

Bumping up this thread.

Any news/ updates on the VW plans regarding Transporter in India? I'm a fan of this biggie. Had a chance to drive around ~4k across Germany/ Netherland sometime back. Was impressed by the size and the FE it returned with 9 on board. 6 adults and 3 kids. Gave ~14km per ltr with speeds upto 160km/hr (130 to 160 was not so easy...). If its going to be launched in India and priced within my budget, then this would be my next vehicle in India.

aparbansal · 7th December 2010, 23:44

Volkswagen Group like cars is already present in Indua through Scania and MAN brands

26th July 2008, 07:49	#1
undead Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bhavani - Komarapalayam Posts: 1,193 Thanked: 179 Times	Volkswagen to drive into Indian CV space NEW DELHI: Buoyed by the success of its passenger cars, the Volkswagen Group is entering the Rs 43,000-crore Indian commercial vehicle (CV) market. Volkswagen will sell business vans, buses and trucks in India, the world’s fourth-largest CV market, in a phased manner from early next year. The commercial vehicle range is likely to debut with the Transporter series of business vans. The European auto major is also planning to introduce the Caddy and Crafter range along with the T5 buses that can carry six to nine people in different class configurations. The Volkswagen Group spokesperson Kurt Rippholz said, “We have firmed up plans to launch our commercial vehicle range in India. While the final strategy will be unveiled in the next few weeks, we will start with the launch of buses, which will be followed by trucks. We will make a final announcement soon on our commercial vehicle debut in the Indian market.” The Volkswagen Group, with Audi and Skoda under its belt, has posted sales growth of 69% to 10,366 cars in the first half of 2008 against 6,131 cars last year in India. The company has also increased its annual target to 20,000 cars in 2008. Based on popular response to its business vans at the Auto Expo, the company has decided to import them initially. Volkswagen business vehicles are available in the price range of Rs 15-65 lakh. “There is immense potential for business vans in India. We already have sizeable numbers here, which have been imported by fleet operators. We are looking at higher demand for such business vehicles,” said Volkswagen commercial vehicles head (regional markets) Martina Berg. Volkswagen, which acquired Swedish commercial major Scania some time ago, could also be eyeing the fast growing heavy trucks and luxury bus segment. The company refused to share any plans of Scania’s entry into the domestic market. Source : Volkswagen to drive into Indian CV space- Automobiles-Auto-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times
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26th July 2008, 10:54	#2
SuperSyn Posts: n/a	CV space needs more involvement from foriegn players. The more the merrier, because even if they cannot compete against domestics on price, the sheer difference in quality forces Tata, Hinduja etc to consider upgrades to their product line-up.
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26th July 2008, 11:24	#3
ranc BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lost somewhere on the Leh Manali hway Posts: 516 Thanked: 14 Times	The crafter looks good if Force motors can sell Tempo travellers and Tata can sell wingers I see a good market for this vehicle.
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27th July 2008, 21:49	#5
ajmat Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 14,861 Thanked: 27,964 Times View My Garage	What about the 69% rise in sales of its cars over past year (as in Eco times) - from 50 to 80 cars or so!!!
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5th December 2010, 20:40	#6
vinjosep BHPian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 558 Thanked: 516 Times	Bumping up this thread. Any news/ updates on the VW plans regarding Transporter in India? I'm a fan of this biggie. Had a chance to drive around ~4k across Germany/ Netherland sometime back. Was impressed by the size and the FE it returned with 9 on board. 6 adults and 3 kids. Gave ~14km per ltr with speeds upto 160km/hr (130 to 160 was not so easy...). If its going to be launched in India and priced within my budget, then this would be my next vehicle in India.
	() Thanks

7th December 2010, 23:44	#7
aparbansal BHPian Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Noida Posts: 39 Thanked: 4 Times	Volkswagen Group like cars is already present in Indua through Scania and MAN brands
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