​Volkswagen to soon launch Beetle and its SUV Tiguan in India

In order to enhance its presence in the Indian market, German auto major Volkswagen is prepping up to widen its portfolio of products, which includes the iconic Beetle and its popular SUV Tiguan.

An Economic Times report mentions that the automobile manufacturer started the programme with the launch of a new version of its mid-sized sedan Vento, priced between Rs 7.85 lakh and Rs 11.87 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Michael Mayer, director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, told reporters in New Delhi, "India is an important mark for Volkswagen. In the next 24 months we plan to launch five products." He further added that the company plans to enter new segments with the launches.

"We will be launching a sub-4 meter compact sedan next year. We also plan to bring Beetle into India. These launches will widen our product portfolio and enhance our presence in the country," said Mayer.

Further, the company plans to launch the 8th generation of Passat sedan and brand new sports utility vehicle Tiguan, he added.

Talking about the newly launched Volkswagen Vento, Mayer said: "The Vento has always been among our best received products in the market and with the changes made...we are confident that the product will continue to appeal to our customers." The new Vento comes in both petrol and diesel engines.

According to the financial daily, besides expanding its product portfolio, Volkswagen is also planning to make India a low-cost manufacturing hub, which will cater to emerging and developed markets.

The company also plans to increase the production capacity at the Chakan and Aurangabad units in the next two years. If we believe the reports, by 2018, the German carmaker is considering increasing its production to two lakh units.