German luxury car manufacturer Audi is looking to double the sales of its pre-owned vehicles to 1,000 by the end of this year. In 2014, it had sold 550 such cars.
“The good resale value of the car plays a big part in the cost of ownership allowing customers to recoup a greater portion of their initial outlay at the time of selling their car,” Joe King, Head, Audi India, said during a press meet.
King was in the city to open the seventh pre-owned showroom, Audi Approved: plus.
This will be its first pre-owned showroom in the eastern region. The showroom will buy-back not just Audi but other luxury cars too.
Double-Digit Growth
Meanwhile, the company is expecting to clock a double-digit growth during the current year. According to King, the luxury car market is expected to grow by 6 to 7 per cent this year.
Last year, the German auto-maker had reported a 9 per cent growth against 3 per cent growth for the market.
“We are hopeful of a double-digit growth this year,” he said, adding that the growth will be backed by the launch at least 10 new models.
At present, Audi has 18 models which are split between sedans (A series) and sports utility vehicles (Q series). Existing models will also be refreshed.
In 2014, Audi had sold approximately 10, 851 cars and enjoys a 34 per cent (or over a third) market share in the luxury car segment in India. The segment is pegged at 32,000 units with Mercedes and BMW being the other major players.
Clarity on tax structures and implementation of GST (Goods and Service Tax) might also help the company plan its future course of action, he said.
Introduction of the GST would boost the luxury car market in the country.
Production
According to King, Audi might look at starting a second shift at its facility at Aurangabad, if required.
The company shares the facility with Skoda and produces 14,000 units. “If needed, we will start second shift there and we have that flexibility,” he said.