After a very promising start in 2009, German auto giant Volkswagen could not really live up to its reputation in terms of volumes. Over the years, the manufacturer’s product portfolio has been ageing fast and is in a dire need of an update. With the competition posting better results with new products, the company needs new products and the ability to price the existing ones competitively. Now in a new strategy planned for the Indian market, Volkswagen will be concentrating on improving production, localisation of components, branding, sales and service along with a new product portfolio.
Volkswagen plans to have at least half a dozen new products launched in the next 3-4 years in the country. The company confirmed that it is working on a sub 4-metre sedan and a new SUV. Codenamed internally as the ‘Polo Stuffe’, the sub-4 metre sedan will be the next major launch from the manufacturer that could see a debut in 2015. While very less is known about the new sub 4-metre sedan, but it is most likely to be underpinned by the Polo platform and will retain the company’s corporate identity.
Volkswagen is also looking forward to export the new compact sedan and the model is being developed with an integrated export strategy that will be extended to other upcoming models as well like the compact SUV that will see a 2016-17 launch. The company exported 25,000 vehicles in 2013 and intends to double the number to 55,000-60,000 units in this fiscal. The German auto maker is optimistic that the current fiscal year will be largely profitable courtesy of exports.
Volkswagen also acknowledged that it is not blindly running after volumes, but rather working to build and nurture the VW brand. The company will be bringing in the next major update to the Polo hatchback with a facelift due in July this year, followed by a minor facelift to the Vento sedan just ahead of the festive season. Both the models will receive the new 1.5-litre TDI engine as well. The Vento will further receive a major facelift in 2015 with a different fascia. Volkswagen will also re-introduce the Beetle in the country, while the Tiguan SUV is also under consideration.
Source – Economic Times
