Luxury Auto Brands Head to India Salesrooms

November 16, 2009 Posted by India Briefing Reading Time: < 1 minute

Nov. 16 – India’s big spenders are seducing the world’s premium auto brands to make their products more easily available in India.

Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Mercedes and Porsche are all sending their premium vehicles to the Indian market, even as U.S. automakers are scaling down operations and reworking their strategy towards fuel-efficient smaller vehicles.

“Today, Indians will no longer settle for anything but the best. With disposable incomes on the rise, it’s a matter of time before more and more such super premium car makers target the Indian market place,” said Abdul Majeed, the automobile practice leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

These mega-rupees super premium models are being launched in the next six months to enhance the brand image, demonstrate the grasp over technology and showcase the range of product portfolio for the manufacturers concerned.

While Mercedes is launching the SLS AMG with a price tag of US$325,000, the Porsche Panamera will be priced around US$530,0000. Audi is looking to launch the A8 at around US$217,000. Lamborgini’s Gallardo Spyder will be priced at around US$563,000 and the Bentley Continental GTC will sport a similar price tag as global manufacturers recognize the money now available in Indian entrepreneur’s deep pockets.