Dead End? India Not Getting Next-Gen Volkswagen Jetta

The next-generation of the Jetta will not set foot on the Indian soil. Volkswagen has decided not to bring the 2017 Jetta and will sell the current-gen sedan in India till the stock runs out. Sold as a Complete Knocked Down (CKD) kit, Jetta is available at a premium as compared to its competition in the executive sedan segment. The next-gen Jetta, on the other hand, will cost even more than its current-gen Indian counterpart. Thus, high price-point seems to be a reason of worry for Volkswagen. With base price starting from Rs 14.7 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and going upwards of Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it very much falls into the territory of the Innova Crysta, the XUV 500, the Creta and the BRV (both top-spec).

Another tip-off in the whole scenario can be the highly-popular SUV and MPV segment. The love for SUVs in our country seems to be overpowering other segments. When it boils down to the price point, a lot of Indian customers are willing to spend considerable amount of money on an SUV that offers sedan-like comfort coupled with an impressive road presence. 

The average sales numbers of the Jetta are also a proof of its weakening stance. In the year 2015-16, Volkswagen sold 1,940 units of the Jetta while the segment topper, the Toyota Corolla, managed to clock 6,506 units. Its sister brand Skoda tasted more success with the revamped Octavia by selling a total of 2,675 units.   

Perhaps, it’s high time that Volkswagen gatecrashes the SUV segment party by introducing some affordable, yet value-for-money products. For now, people who are seeking a brand-new Jetta for their parking lot, get your hand on one while the stock lasts! 

Source: Autocar India

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