German avant-garde car maker Audi is ready to give tough competition to its rivals. Perceiving the growth of luxury cars in Indian market, Audi launched its lightweight A6 model to reel in Indian customers. The company expects that the new model will touch new heights and surpass number of sales of BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class. The new vehicle is within the price range of Rs. 38 - 47 lacs.
Michael Perschke, Head of Audi India, asserts, “The A6 is critical for us from the point of view of volumes and we have high expectations from it. We have sold 3,145 cars between January and July — a 93% growth over last year — without having a major volume model for the better part of the year. We will do as well if not better for the rest of the year and close the gap on our nearest rival substantially.”
In the recent past, there has been constant growth in the sales of luxury cars, which has reached double figures just in the first half. The premium car market has increased by an average of 64% per year. Mr. Perschke said, “The luxury segment is stable and not much affected by high inflation or interest rates. Our customers are already established and well settled. With them the need to upgrade supersedes any negative impact of high fuel cost or interest rate.”
Equipped by four dynamic and highly efficient engines, the Audi A6 is expected to cost around Rs. 38.0 lacs for the 2.0 TDI and approximately Rs. 40 lacs for the 2.8 FSI. Furthermore, it is expected to cost nearly Rs. 48 lacs for the 3.0 TDI Quattro and close to Rs. 47.0 lacs for the 3.0 TFSI Quattro versions.
The dynamic engine of Audi A6 has the calibre to render exceptional mileage on Indian roads. Its petrol variants are expected to reach 0-100 kmph in just 8 seconds, with top speed of 250 kmph. On the other hand, the most awaited diesel variant of Audi A6 is expected to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds, with highest speed of 240 kmph.
The company has utilised the advanced technology of the new Audi A8 L and the layout features of the new Audi A7 Sportback, in new Audi A6. Hence, the company expects that the new Audi A6 will give tough competition to competitors like the BMW 5 series, Jaguar XF and Mercedes Benz E Class. In the words of Michael Perschke, Head of Audi India, “The new A6 is available with wide array of innovation like lightweight technology, adaptive air suspension and LED headlamps”.
The Audi India endeavours to achieve at least 25 per cent share of the Indian luxury car market by 2015. Moreover, the company is working towards bringing its small SUV-Q3 to India by 2012. The company has switched to two production shifts at its assembly in Aurangabad. Furthermore, the company is also planning to engage in full scale manufacturing for some upcoming products at the VW Group's Production Plant in Chakan, outside Pune.
