German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen is “seriously” looking at launching a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in India, while the European car manufacturer would also look at introducing a product every year.
“You need to be present in the segments that are growing, especially SUVs and small sedans…. We need to launch a product each year, we also need to look at new segments too, otherwise we are not relevant in the market,” Michael Mayer, director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars said on the sidelines of a press conference.
“We are seriously looking at SUVs. We have offerings globally and we can offer all sizes of SUVs,” Mayer said, but declined to provide a timeline or positioning.
According to Mayer, there is an increase in interest in SUVs as they are more “roomy” cars. “This is also a global phenomenon,” he added.
The company has looked at launching its SUV Tiguan in India. “We are seriously looking at it, but no decision has yet been made,” Mayer said.
LAUNCHES NEW VENTO
On Wednesday, Volkswagen launched a face-lift model of its mid-sized sedan Vento in diesel version, priced at Rs 7.44-10.49 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).
The new Vento is being rolled out with seven-speed dual-clutch direct-shift-gearbox automatic transmission. The new Vento’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder TDI turbo-diesel engine produces 103 horsepower and 250Nm of torque. It has a mileage of 21.21 km (ARAI certified).
The launch comes ahead of the festival season in India, which starts with Navarathri festival on Thursday and runs till the New Year.
Volkswagen also sells Polo, Vento and Jetta models in the country.