Audi Bets Big On A3; Starts Production In India Before Launch

NEW DELHI: German luxury car maker Audi is betting big on its upcoming sedan A3 to stretch its leadership in the Indian market and has started local production of the model from VW group firm Skoda’s Aurangabad plant.

The A3 will be the first model from the Audi stable to be locally produced before being launched in India. Other models, such as sedans A6 and A4; SUVs Q5, Q7 and Q3 which are locally produced now were imported as completely built units (CBUs) at the time of launch.

“The local production of the Audi A3 Sedan in India is in continuation of our growth strategy and consistent focus on the Indian market,” Audi Board Member for Production, Hubert Waltl said.

The A3 is slated to be launched in the Indian market next month and will be available in both petrol and diesel variants.

Explaining the reasons for producing the A3 in India even before it is launched, he said: “The market potential coupled with the world-class infrastructure in the plant, efficient working processes, qualified workforce and a well-developed logistics environment were the factors that motivated us to expand the product portfolio at the Aurangabad plant”.

The whole-year capacity at the plant for all Audi models is more than 14,000 units in a one-shift operation.

Bullish on the potential of the A3, Audi India Head Joe King said: “We believe that the launch of this car would see us further consolidating our market share and strengthen our leadership position”.

In 2013 Audi sold 10,002 units in India, becoming the first luxury car maker to cross the 10,000 units milestone and stay as the number one ahead of German rivals Mercedes (9,003 units) and BMW (7,327 units).

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