New Delhi, June 17: Audi is set to introduce a string of cars to drive volumes in the affordable premium category as it seeks to become the No.1 auto maker in the segment in India by 2014.
Michael Perschke, head of Audi India, said that apart from introducing locally assembled variants of the recently launched Q3 compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) by next year, the company would bring the A3 sedan by 2014.
"The A3 sedan is the volume product expected after the Q3 and will be assembled in India to have competitive price point," he said. Analysts expect the made-in-India A3 sedan to be priced below Rs 25 lakh.
The Q3 SUV, which sold 500 units within five days of its debut despite rising prices and an overall slowdown in consumer demand, is priced between Rs 26 lakh (ex-showroom Maharashtra) and Rs 31 lakh.
The Indian line-up also includes another volume model ' the Q2 crossover SUV ' which is likely to come after its global launch in 2015.
The Indian premium car market is expected to witness a 50-60 per cent growth at 22,000 units this year from 15,000 cars sold last year.
Audi, which overtook fellow German premium car player Mercedes Benz to occupy the second slot in the segment, is keen to replace rival BMW from the numero uno position by 2014, a year ahead of its original target.
"India is a marathon where you need to keep up stamina to retain your position. We have a clear product plan till 2019, which takes into account most of our competition," said Perschke adding "if everything goes according to our strategy, we will become the market leader by 2014".
