Volkswagen Beetle all prepped up for India
Volkswagen, which is one of the leading European carmakers, is in for a big challenge as it is set to launch its famous Volkswagen Beetle in India before the third quarter begins.
More popular as the Bug or just plain Beetle, it will be colliding with its eventual rival Nano in the Indian market. Nano is a model made by Tata Motors especially for motorists of this country. Since it was introduced in the biennial 9th Auto Expo, which was held last January 10 to 17 in New Delhi, it has been getting good reviews and feedbacks both from the motorists and the media. Although competition might be waiting for the European passenger car, the company thinks that this market still has a space for this foreign model.
“Volkswagen is known as Beetle in India. We have studied the market and feel that there is space for Beetle,” said Adreas Prinz, who is the managing director for the passenger car division of Volkswagen. “We are planning to make it available in the middle of this year through imports.”

Aside from colliding bumper on to Nano, the Volkswagen Beetle is also expected to become more expensive compared to the Indian model. Under the regulation of India, those directly imported automobiles will likely increase their market price because of the taxes.
“The cheapest Beetle to be sold in European market is for around 17,000 Euros. Since we would be importing them into India, the car would be a little expensive for many,” said Prinz.
By mid-July to August, the two-door passenger car from Volkswagen will reach the streets of India. Equipped with a 2.5-L five-cylinder engine, this Bug-like car can produce a decent 150-horsepower. After more than six decades in the automobile industry, the Volkswagen Beetle has clearly established its name and penetrating the Indian market could be another feat for this original “People’s car”.
Source: Rediff News.