Audi eyes 30-35% luxury mart by year-end

German car maker Audi expects to capture between 30-35 per cent of the luxury car market in eastern India by the end of this year. The region sells about 450 units in this segment annually.

"We want to become the leader in the Indian market, although there isn't a defined timeline on this yet. We will have to establish leadership city-by-city," Audi India director Michael Perschke said.

Audi's dealership in the city, which Perschke formally opened today, has already sold 16 vehicles and has bookings for another 10 units.

Between January to June this year, the firm recorded 71 per cent growth year-on-year, which according to Perschke, makes Audi the fastest growing luxury car maker in the country.

"We have just increased our forecast from 2300 to 2700 units. We are looking at a record year for Audi in India," he added.

Meanwhile, the company is set to bring the new Audi A8 sedan to India later this year, which is likely to take on established players such as Mercedes and BMW at the top-end of the luxury car market. "We will launch at the A8 at the end of this year," Perschke said.

Audi leads the luxury SUV market in India at present with its Q5 and Q7 models.

The Audi model range in India includes Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi TT and the super sports car Audi R8. The entire Audi model range is available across the country.