Volkswagen Beetle surpassed expected sales in India

Volkswagen Beetle launched in India in December 2009 has received tremendous response from the Indian customers which happens to be much beyond the company's expectations. Volkswagen Beetle comes in an expensive price range of Rs 20.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), which allows one to buy a Mercedes or BMW, roping in some few lakhs more. But, much beyond the company's and industry's expectations, the car has performed great and happens to be the style quotient for the Richie's.

Volkswagen had an advance booking of 150 much before it was launched in December. Volkswagen has sold a total of 284 units of the New Beetle in a period of less than five months with April alone clocking 92 units. The car is imported as a completely built in unit from the plant in Mexico. The waiting period of Volkswagen presently is that of 2-3 months, as the car is imported on the basis of the demand.

Contrary to the Indian buyer's response, this high valued car is seen as a luxury statement and offers a different style quotient by Bollywood celebrities and businessman. Punjab being one of the richest state of the country, offers a major portion of Volkswagen Beetle sales. Beetle happens to be the new toy on the block that everyone wants to flaunt.

Seeing the way Indian market is responding, Volkswagen India expects to have greater sales in the coming months, said Neeraj Garg, director (passenger cars), Volkswagen India. The car was introduced in the Indian market based on the customer demand they had received. Mr. Garg was elated at the point that the car had received a phenomenal response from India and was seen as a style statement that's unique.


Abdul Majeed, leader, automotive practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers India, commented that India is in no dearth of spendthrift people who want to invest in such high-end brands. He said that markets like Punjab are a good source of response for such brands in India.

Presently each Volkswagen dealer gets a booking of atleast 2-3 Beetles every month hat has lead to the waiting period of 2-3 months as the product is shipped on demand and takes time. The dealer network for Volkswagen India is huge comprising of 45 dealers across the country. The product range of Volkswagen consist of Polo, Jetta, Passat, Beetle, Touareg and Phaeton.

Observing the high demand Volkswagen Beetle has generated, BMW too wants to join the league with its specially designed small car that would also be priced at a similar level. It is the recession that seems to have shelved the plans of BMW. But, the luxury car king is sure to join the league soon.

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