The German car maker, Volkswagen India forays into used car market in India under the brand name “Das WeltAuto” and will sell both VW brand as well as non-VW brand. The aim of Volkswagen is to provide a one-stop solution for all its customers looking for pre-owned cars. The company will setup three dedicated showrooms in the metro cities in the first phase of operations, which will commence in the first half of 2012.
“With a healthy customer base and a strong network established in the market over the last couple of years it has encouraged us to bring in our global pre-owned car business into the country. We are confident that Das WeltAuto, will chart out its own success story in this market very soon,” Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen India, said.
“About 30 per cent of all the inquiries that we get at our showrooms are for exchange. While we may not be able to convert all of them into purchases, we are definitely looking to tap them as well,” Garg added.
As per the company they won’t be launching any new products in India this year, except the new Volkswagen Touareg. The new Touareg will be powered by a 3.0-liter, V6, diesel motor and is expected to be priced around Rs. 43 lakhs.
VW will not appoint any new dealers for Das WeltAuto and the existing dealers will invest to set-up new showrooms. The German manufacturer has over dealers across 82 cities in India and may look to expand through every dealership in the later stages. VW business has grown substantially in India and the company recorded a growth of 140 per cent in 2011, as compared to the previous year.
Also see – Volkswagen might drive Seat brand into India
