VW not planning to launch next-gen, 2018 Jetta in India

    Uncompetitive pricing and no RHD option could rule out next-gen Jetta for India

    Published On Aug 02, 2016 07:00:00 AM

    39,060 Views

    VW not planning to launch next-gen, 2018 Jetta in India

    Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan concept shown.

    German carmaker Volkswagen may not launch the next-generation Jetta in India but will continue producing the current model, possibly till the end of 2017 or early 2018, until the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits run out.

    The seventh generation of the executive sedan, which is slated for an international launch in 2017 will be built on VW’s MQB platform but may not be available in Right Hand Drive (RHD), which would completely rule it out for the Indian market. Jetta volumes have been miniscule in RHD markets like India, South Africa and Great Britain where the sedan is a mere 10 percent of Golf sales. Hence, the cost of developing an RHD version of the new Jetta for such small volumes is proving to be too expensive.

    In India, the Jetta is already one of the costliest offerings in the executive sedan segment and the next-gen model with its latest tech would be even more expensive. The current Jetta sells a lowly double digits a month and VW’s worry is that a substantial increase in price the all-new model would come with, even if it has the latest tech, would see even fewer customers.

    In 2015-16, the Jetta sold 1,940 units while Volkswagen’s sister brand Skoda sold 2,675 units of the Octavia. However, the Toyota Corolla was the highest selling car and by quite a margin with sales of 6,506 units in the same period. 

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    17.67%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    42.86%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    30.97%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    8.51%

    Total Votes : 917
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe