Audi enters North East India, eyes 200 units in first year

The country's largest luxury carmaker Audi today entered the North Eastern market by opening its first dealership in Guwahati, which is expected to sell 150-200 units in the first year.
"We enter a new place only when we see there is a market for us. We expect to sell a minimum of 150-200 units in the first year," Audi India Head Joe King told PTI.
The new dealership in the capital city of Assam will offer the entire range of Audi vehicles and has already registered sale of 50 units so far, he added.
"We are the first luxury carmaker to enter this market and we will definitely get the first mover's advantage," he said.

The company, in association with the dealer, may consider organising some rally or drive in North East like other parts of India to promote the brand in future, he added.
Talking about the Eastern region, King said the company is targeting to sell 2,500-3,000 units this year in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odhisa and North East.

Earlier this month, the company had stated that it was focusing on long-term sustainability of its business in India while maintaining the top slot.
"The important part is the foundation that we are building to ensure long-term leadership of Audi in India and not just rather looking at monthly volumes and competition," Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG Luca de Meo had said.

Audi India had sold 10,851 units in 2014 and remained the largest luxury carmaker for the second consecutive year.
The maker of various popular brands like Q5 sports utility vehicle and A3 sedan also wants to maintain a bigger presence in the premium luxury segment.