Volkswagen to launch utility vehicles soon in India

German auto major Volkswagen will soon launch its utility vehicles in India. According to an ET report, the brand’s India office has been regularly sending feedback to its head office in Germany about the utility vehicles that are being built on the company’s multibillion-dolliar modular platform, MQB/MLB.

The report also suggested that the brand’s new Polo and Vento will be manufactured in India and their launch plans are yet to be finalized. However, the new range of models are expected to hit the market by 2018. The company is also mulling to launch its sports and multi-utility vehicles in the country as well.

The company may also consider to develop India as its manufacturing hub for its exports. As per the report, the company has sent its executives to work closely with the product team, offering engineering feedback in order to customize the models for India and other export markets.

It should be noted that the German car maker had exhibited its Taigun compact SUV at the auto expo last year. The company now aims to sync its India products with those for the global platforms, which have moved towards hi-tech modular platforms.

"We are focusing on the segments which we haven't cleared so far and this is an intensive programme that we are running through this year to make these decisions," Mayer said. "I am giving that input to the board, two-three times a year. Board is very receptive to that, as the decision has to be made,” said Michael Mayer, brand director of Volkswagen India in the report.

He added that apart from clocking in good sales number and maintaining customer satisfaction, he is also responsible for sending inputs on the Indian market to his headquarters.

Interestingly, other auto makers have also been prepping up for launching their utility vehicle portfolio in India. Some of these brands include Toyota, Honda, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors. Currently, the utility vehicle segment in India comprises a fifth of the overall auto market and grew at 10.82% at the end of FY 15.