This is the first market where a specific regulation targeted towards the premium segment has been announced, he added.
India on Friday slashed import duties on premium electric vehicles produced by carmakers that commit to invest at least $500 million and start domestic manufacturing within three years to 15% from 100% (on cars priced upwards of $40,000) or 60% (for those priced below that threshold), a move that may pave way for Tesla’s entry into the country. “Wherever the government is putting in subsidies (for EVs) or penalties for internal combustion engines (ICEs), you see acceleration automatically,” Konsbruck said.
Talking about manufacturing electric vehicles in India, he said Audi is discussing with other Volkswagen group companies such as Skoda to assemble EVs in India and a decision will be taken soon.
Globally, Audi plans to launch 20 electric cars by 2025 and 25 by 2030, the company’s chief executive Gernot Dollner said during the annual media conference held at its headquarters here.
“Future of vehicles is electric but during the transition – for about 10 years – it is important to offer highly efficient ICE (internal combustion engine), hybrids and plug-ins… We will be flexible in all regions,” Dollner said. The German luxury carmaker – which on Monday evening globally premiered its latest EV model, the Q6 e-tron – has a target of clocking 50% of its business in India from electric vehicles by 2028, taking it up from the current 2%.All the economic indicators point that the Indian automotive market is picking up and will move up to the third place globally. The country has the full attention of Audi, Konsbruck said, adding that the premium car market in the country will reach 100,000 units by 2030 and triple by 2033.
(The reporter is in Ingolstadt at the invitation of Audi)