We sat down with Rahil Ansari, Head of Audi India, to talk about the challenge of operating in an ever-changing policy environment, the shift in customer preference towards petrol vehicles and Audi India’s plan for EVs.
The past couple of years have been a challenging time for the Indian automotive industry, given the lack of a clear roadmap. How are things looking for you now?
Well, you’re right! The past couple of years have been challenging in terms of timing, for there have been lots of policy changes in the past 12 months. The GST implementation was a very good move, but, unfortunately, the tax increases on luxury cars made things challenging – so it’s become difficult for us to fully exploit the potential of the luxury car market. What challenges us the most is that we don’t have planning security. What I mean by that is the fact that, in the past, many of our long-term plans were compromised because of frequent changes. I think a smart move would be to make luxury cars more affordable in India, as this will help with increased sales in the luxury market – which in turn will generate more tax revenue for the government. And more sales mean more investment in new and innovative products. Of course, with more sales, we’ll also have to expand our sales infrastructure to cater to the demand, which in effect will also generate more employment.
This story is from the August 2018 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2018 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
POWER WASH
The Dylect UltraClean high-pressure washer is perfect choice for those obsessed with keeping their vehicle showroom fresh.
GRIPPING REPORT
After experiencing TVS Eurogrip Roadhound's performance on the race track, we put them through their paces on the road.
MAKE OR BREAK!
Carlos Sainz ended Max Verstappen's win streak yet again. The driver without a seat in 2025 is giving it his all and then some!
NEW DAWN
What does Liberty Media's MotoGP takeover mean for the sport's future?
FOCUS MODE
BMW has introduced a more aggressive avatar of the iX, and we test its temper.
BRAVE & BOLD
If you like the idea of making others feel intimidated as your car appears in their rearview mirror, look no further.
SINGLE NOT READY TO Mingle?
Volvo has introduced the XC40 with a single-motor setup. But does this mean that it's only half the fun and half the experience? Let's find out...
URBAN RACER
Expanding its performance portfolio, Hyundai has launched the new Creta N Line. So, is this the hot sauce needed for the perfect Creta sandwich? We take a bite and find out!
The Price of Nostalgia
Kawasaki's W175 is a low-cost motorcycle that evokes the nostalgia of no-nonsense riding, but does it offer enough to be relevant in the modern world?
easy DOES IT
Getting a motorcycle right is complicated, because motorcyclists themselves are complicated. But the Jawa 350 might have cracked the code.