Volkswagen seeks predictable policy environment in India

German auto major Volkswagen on Monday pitched for predictable legislations in India to help automobile companies plan better regarding new product launches.

The group, which is in the process of putting in EUR 1 billion investment in the country, said the clarity in terms of policies would help the company adapt and bring in products at right time.

"Together with Volkswagen we are investing one billion euros which clearly shows we together mean business. With such a high investment I have to say the fundamental thing for us is predictability," Skoda Auto Chairman of the Board of management Bernhard Maier told reporters here.

New legislationsshould provide sufficient lead times not only for Volkswagen or Skoda but for the entire industry to really be able to adapt and offer customers the right products at right time, he added.

He also sought clarity in terms of policies for electric mobility space as well.

"It is a global topic which is also true for the Indian market. It is important when we bring these new technologies to the market then the necessary requisites and acceptability among customers is in place," Maier said.

Referring to India's move to leapfrog to BS-VI from BS-IV in a short span of time, Maier said, "If you get some new regulations with a lead time of only two years it is really hard to cope with that. This puts the entire industry under pressure."
Maier, however, hastened to add, "But we are ready when you are."