“IT'S THE START OF SOMETHING NEW”

The T-Roc is coming back, the Taigun is all set to be unveiled next month, a new sedan will come by the year end and there’s a fourth SUV in the pipeline. 2021 promises to be “super-exciting” says Ashish Gupta, brand director, Volkswagen India

- SIRISH CHANDRAN

IT’S BARELY THREE MONTHS SINCE ASHISH Gupta took over the reins of Volkswagen India, a critical juncture in the brand’s Indian journey as they put final touches to the Taigun. Made for India, this mid-size SUV is critical to the fortunes of the Group, the first fruits of the 1 billion euro investment made into upgrading the manufacturing facilities, setting up an R&D centre and adapting the MQB-A0 platform for Indian tastes and requirements. “The Taigun’s success is critical for us,” says Ashish Gupta as we drive from Alibaug to Kashid on the Konkan coast for the first of many media events Volkswagen has lined up for the year.

“It is an integral part of our SUVW strategy, which is the base for our growth in the next five to ten years. By the response, I think it is going to do very well. I will not classify it according to sales numbers but I think it is the centrepiece for us.”

Ashish says that the Taigun will be positioned as a young and vibrant car, reflecting Volkswagen’s new corporate image. “People who are young at heart, who would like to do new things in life, that’s our target. It is for people who like new opportunities and challenges.”