Volkswagen to launch Beetle on Dec 4

German car maker Volkswagen is launching its internationally renowned model Beetle in India on December 4 in a grand event to be held in Mumbai. However, buyers keenly awaiting the launch should also expect its price to burn a hole in their pockets.

The company has not officially disclosed the prices yet, but industry insiders say the car will be available in the range of Rs 19-20 lakh (Rs 1.9-2 million), even for the basic variant. The company sells the Beetle in five variants internationally, across Europe, the US and other countries.

Even though Volkswagen is not looking at huge volumes from the Beetle in India, the idea, according to company officials, is to promote the company's brand name, as all of its future models, including compact cars and sedans, are heavily dependent on it.

A similar ploy was engaged by Italian auto major Fiat when it launched the Fiat 500 in the middle of last year. Fiat has followed it up with the launch of a hatchback and a sedan.

The company will have to pay a duty of almost 110 per cent as import duties on the Beetle, which will effectively double the cost of the two-door, four-seater car.

It is available in petrol as well as in diesel fuel option with five engine variants overseas. It will be imported to India from the company's Mexican plant.

The Beetle, fondly called the people's car, is one of the most successful models of Volkswagen as it was positioned as a compact economy car.