Top luxury cars fall for Pune

Updated on: 23 February,2009 09:50 AM IST |
Kaumudi Gurjar |

Even as the world seems to grapple with the economic slowdown, carmakers are optimistic about their business prospects in Pune.

Even as the world seems to grapple with the economic slowdown, carmakers are optimistic about their business prospects in Pune. Expecting a brisk growth in sales, two premium car manufacturers have opened their dealership stores in the city last week. Car manufacturers GM and Skoda believe they have made the right choice.

At the inaugural function of Europa Auto, the third dealership of Skoda on Dehu Road Bypass, Wakad, Thomas Kuehl, board member, sales and marketing, explained the rationale behind their decision. "India is not affected too much by the economic downturn. The last two months have been very good and we are not altering our investment plans in India."

Even as the world seems to grapple with the economic slowdown, carmakers are optimistic about their business prospects in Pune.

Kuehl announced that Skoda is planning to start the production of Fabia from its Chakan plant near Pune. He added that the Chakan plant has a capacity to roll out one lakh cars whereas its Aurangabad plant can manufacture only 40,000 cars.

Ashutosh Dixit, GM sales, SkodaAuto India, said, "Last year, Skoda sold 900 cars in Pune and this year, we hope to sell at least 1,200 cars." In an effort to deliver cars at cost effective prices, Skoda is planning to compile all after sales services under one roof.

Dixit said that the services will be available in the second half of the financial year. He also announced that the New Superb S6 will be launched in fifteen days.