Das WeltAuto, the Volkswagen’s used car business in India

Volkswagen today entered used car business in India through its subsidiary Das WeltAuto with its first dealership opened in Mumbai. Currently VW has commenced operations with 15 dealerships across country which will be increased to 21 by the end of next year.

Das WeltAuto deals not only deals with VW cars but also cars from all manufactures will be traded. VW with its stringent 160 point checklist ensures the car provides a hassle free ownership experience. It offers 1 year warranty on all VW cars and 6 months warranty on non VW cars.

Volkswagen to reposition Skoda brand in India

Good news for Skoda lovers. Volkswagen has decided to reposition Skoda brand; that is Skoda will be positioned below the Volkswagen. This can happen only if Skoda car prices are reduced which is good news. Volkswagen owns Skoda and Audi and all over the world the parent VW sits between Skoda and Audi in terms of brand value. Here in India Skoda and Volkswagen have similar brand value which is seriously hampering Volkswagen’s brand image.

Skoda with its first vehicle in India ‘Octavia’ has built a reputation of a luxury car maker. The launch of Superb and Fabia which are best in terms of luxury in their respective class has put Skoda brand at the top of the chart. The Larua took off from where Octavia left. Having a good brand value is an asset to the company. But here the parent company Volkswagen thinks otherwise because Skoda is seriously denting Volkswagen’s image in India.

Volkswagen known to make quality cars is struggling to build the brand. Rivals such as Hyundai and Ford are delivering products which are better value for money cars. Volkswagen cars are no doubt the best in their class but somehow are not able to sell in numbers the company expect.  With reducing Skoda car prices Volkswagen can position itself clearly where it deserves to be, but in India it will take some time, may be another 2 to 3 years. 

India car market sales data for October 2012

CHEVROLET
Spark	-	829
Beat	-	2904
Aveo U-VA	-	22
Aveo	-	37
Optra Magnum	-	5
Cruze	-	332
Tavera	-	2131
Captiva	-	63
FIAT
Grande Punto	-	531
Linea	-	37
FORD
Figo	-	5610
Fiesta Classic	-	1660
Fiesta	-	179
Endeavour	-	128
HM-MITSUBISHI
Ambassador	-	285
Lancer & Cedia	-	4
Pajero Sport	-	119
Outlander	-	2
Montero	-	0
EVO-X	-
HONDA
Brio	-	3700
Jazz	-	306
City	-	3976
Civic	-	60
Accord	-	43
CR-V	-	0
HYUNDAI
Eon	-	7872
Santro	-	3826
I10	-	8988
I20	-	9058
Accent	-	240
Fluidic Verna	-	5050
Fluidic Elantra		668
Sonata	-	20
Santa Fe	-	56
MAHINDRA
Verito	-	1553
Bolero	-	11071
Quanto	-	2497
Xylo	-	2044
Scorpio	-	4681
XUV500	-	4320
MARUTI SUZUKI
800	-	1438
Omni	-	26600
Alto	-	71
Eeco	-	4232
Estilo	-	1217
Wagon R	-	13608
A-Star	-	587
Ritz	-	5809
Swift	-	15433
Dzire	-	14389
Ertiga	-	7289
SX4	-	695
Gypsy	-	111
Kizashi	-	35
Grand Vitata	-	0
NISSAN
Micra	-	649
Sunny	-	1007
Evalia	-	195
X-Trail	-	0
Teana	-	2
370Z	-	0
RENAULT
Pulse	-	483
Duster	-	5406
Scala	-	737
Fluence	-	107
Koleos	-	57
SKODA AUTO
Fabia	-	256
Rapid	-	1131
Laura	-	236
Yeti	-	6
Superb	-	163
TATA MOTORS
Nano	-	4004
Indica+Vista	-	6692
Indigo+Manza	-	5748
Sumo	-	3318
Venture	-	205
Safaria	-	1005
Aria	-	147
TOYOTA
Liva	-	2491
Etios	-	2015
Innova	-	5889
Corolla	-	332
Fortuner	-	1378
Camry	-	61
Prius	-	1
Prado	-	9
Landcruiser	-	15
VOLKSWAGEN
Polo	-	3399
Vento	-	1894
Jetta	-	207
Passat	-	93
Beetle	-	0

Source: team-bhp.com

MAN Aerobus spied in India, launch soon

The luxury bus market is booming in India, thanks to development of good roads for these vehicles to ply. First it was Volvo, World Largest luxury bus manufacturer who foot in to India with its B7R buses. Soon Mercedes and Tata followed with their luxury buses.

MAN, the German luxury bus manufacturer is eying a share of pie in the luxury bus segment in India. The MAN Aerobus was spied testing in India and soon could be launched in the market. MAN entered India in 2006 with 50% JV with Force Motors and in 2011 bought the complete shares to form its fully owned subsidiary in India.

MAN Aerobus is a 45 seater inter-city air-conditioned, front engine luxury bus with full air suspension. It is powered by legendary MAN D-0836, 220 HP, BS3 complaint, diesel engine developing 800 Nm @1200-1800 rpm. The engine is mated to a six speed ZF GS 850 gearbox.  The MAN Aerobus is expected to deliver better fuel efficiency compared to its competitors. MAN had showed the Aerobus at this year’s Auto Expo at New Delhi. The Aerobus is expected to be launched early next year. Currently MAN has Tipper, Haulage and Special Applications range of trucks in India.

MAN Aerobus

Scoop: Honda teases Brio sedan in its Thailand website

          This is the first picture of Honda Brio sedan which has been teased in Honda’s Thailand Website. Have a look at the picture and post your comments...

Like the Brio hatch, the sedan version of Brio will be first launched in Thailand and then will make it to India by March next year. Honda will bring in its first diesel in India through Brio sedan followed by Brio hatch diesel. The Brio sedan will be less than 4 meters in length and hence will enjoy 12% excise duty.

Honda has already started testing its 1.2L diesel motor in India. We in our earlier post had posted some spy pictures and videos of diesel Brio test driven all over the country. As per sources, Honda is testing diesel Brio 16 to 18 hours a day and why not Honda is known for its quality products and hence do not want to compromise with its first diesel offering in India. The 1.2L diesel is a scaled down version of 1.6L diesel which Honda recently resealed at an International Auto Show. With Honda’s track record of delivering high performance vehicles, expect the diesel Brio to be as exciting as that of its petrol sibling.

As seen from the above picture, Honda has carried over the arrow shot design from City. The tail lamps look very familiar to the City’s and so do the overall rear profile. With the launch of Brio sedan diesel, the segment enjoyed currently by Swift Dzire and Tata Indigo will have a new competitor which is going to start from the top of the table.

Chevrolet Spark facelift launched, priced at Rs. 3.16 lakh

General Motors today launched Chevrolet Spark facelift with starting price of Rs. 3.16 lakh ex-showroom, New Delhi. The Spark facelift features refreshed exterior and interior which make the car look fresh though being a decade old.

Exterior changes –

New Clear Glass Jewel Effect Headlamps

Chevy Signature Twin Port Chrome Lined Honey

Comb Grille

Stylish Rear Tail Lamps

Satin-Silver Roof Rails

Interior changes –

Dual Tone Interiors & Optimax Cabin

Silver Finish Dash And Décor

New Wing Inspired instrument cluster

2-Din Music System