Volkswagen GTI discontinued in India, company mulling over the launch of next generation model.
The Volkswagen GTI has been discontinued in India but an official confirmation from the company is still awaited. The reason for discontinuing the hot hatchback is, of course, its price. The vehicle was launched as a CBU (completely built-up unit) in November 2016 at Rs. 25.99 lakhs (ex-showroom). While the automaker moved the first lot of 100 units quite quickly, the second batch brought in had to be discounted owing to the lesser demand.
The performance hatchback is now moving to its sixth generation and the German company is mulling over its India launch. One obvious challenge for Volkswagen would be the car’s pricing, as the import duties and the hatchback’s MQB platform could make it expensive. Another option for the carmaker is to introduce the car with a delay of two years or more after local MQB platform is developed in India.
The GTI was imported as a 3-door car and the company admits that its exorbitant pricing was the reason for it to find very few takers. However, Volkswagen still feels that there is a market for such performance cars provided they’re priced right and sensibly. Moreover, the German automaker is keen on continuing with the nameplate by getting the vehicle launched in India. Hence, the car could be imported for now and later could be moved to local production.
The Volkswagen Group had announced plans to locally develop the MQB platform, known as the MQB A0 IN, which will underpin all the future models of Volkswagen as well as Skoda. The platform’s development would take some time and the first product to be built is expected to be a compact SUV to rival the Hyundai Creta.
Volkswagen GTI Discontinued
– Volkswagen GTI discontinued in India, company plans to introduce new generation model
– Is likely to be sold as CBU and later could be moved to local production
– Getting the car to launch now could make it expensive due to import duties and cost of MQB platform
