Monday, December 19, 2011
By Manoj Kumawat
Volkswagen Seat cars to debut in India
Volkswagen Group, the Germany based automaker that aims to be the largest automobile manufacturer by 2018, is on the verge of expansion in the Asian automotive sector as it intends to bring in its Spanish subsidiary ‘SEAT’ in India. Under the SEAT banner, initially the parent company is expected to launch three vehicles in three different segments which include a hatchback, a utility vehicle and a sedan. The coming months will see SEAT’s foray into the Chinese auto market, after which it will turn its head towards Indian automotive sector. This information was shared by Mr. Christian Klingler, the Board member of Volkswagen Group.
After the launch of SEAT products in China, the India launch will take place with projected three SEAT vehicles called as hatchback SEAT Ibiza, MPV SEAT Alhambra and sedan SEAT Exeo. Ibiza is a full sized hatchback that will compete with likes of Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo along with MPV Alhambra will provide stiff opposition to Toyota Innova and Mahindara Xylo furthermore with sedan Exeo providing strong resistance to Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic in the country.
The parent company already has similar brands in India in the name of Volkswagen and Skoda; both these car brands are seen competing with each-other. As per the company, they are aware about this fact and are positive that the new brand will create an inimitable individuality with it’s out of the league styling and appearance. The SEAT products will majorly focus on the young consumers who want to own a vehicle that is priced reasonably together with no compromise in the designing piece.
The parent company is also focusing on the current trending of small cars in India as it plans to launch Skoda Citigo next year that will be followed by Volkswagen Up maybe in 2013 after which a small car from SEAT named SEAT Mii is also lined up by the company.
The Volkswagen Group is very well conscious about the reality that the upcoming years will be a boon in the Indian auto sector, hence it is eager to offer a variety in its stable so that not even a single opportunity is missed.
