Audi mulls to assemble more models in India

German luxury car-maker Audi will consider assembling more models in India, which became its fastest growing market in the world last year.

The company, which has decided to start assembling its popular sports utility vehicle (SUV) Q7 by the end of this year, said if the market response is good it may even consider doing the same with the small SUV Q3, which was unveiled here at the Auto Expo.

"With 84% growth in sales in 2011, India became the fastest growing market for Audi globally. Assembling models here has helped in a big way. We have decided to assemble Q7 by the end of 2012," Audi AG member of the Board Management Peter Schwarzenbauer said.

At present, Audi assembles sedans A4 and A6 and the SUV Q5 at the Aurangabad plant of VW group firm Skoda.

"We are introducing the Q3 in India and are hopeful of a good response and if that's the case we may consider assembling it as well here in India but it is too early to talk about it," he added.

Commenting on sales forecast, he said: "In 2012, we expect our sales in India to be over 8,000 units and in the next 10 years we are looking at an annual sales of 50,000 units."

Apart from the Q3, the company today showcased a wide range of vehicles, including the Audi A3 e-tron concept, Audi S6 and Audi Q7 V12. The occasion was graced by Bollywood actors Katrina Kaif and Lisa Ray.