Commonly known as the Bug, the Beetle would hit the Indian market in the middle of this year, Volkswagen managing director, passenger car division, Adreas Prinz told PTI.
"Volkswagen is known as Beetle in India. We have studied the market and feel that there is space for Beetle. We are planning to make it available in the middle of this year through imports," Prinz said.
Even though the car is known as the original 'People's Car', the two-door car would be far more expensive than the latest 'People's Car', the Nano from Tatas priced at Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000). "The cheapest Beetle to be sold in European market is for around 17,000 Euros. Since we would be importing them into India, the car would be a little expensive for many," Prinz said. Under the current Indian regulations, direct imports almost doubles the price of a car.
The company has recently launched their new Beetle model, a 2.5L, 5-cylinder engine throwing up a 150 horse power in the European market.
Beetle, which traces its history to 1945, is one of the most successful models that Volkswagen has produced. Though critics had predicted a complete failure for Beetle because of its peculiar styling, underpowered motor, rough ride, and high noise levels initially compared to modern vehicles, the car went on to make history.
Volkswagen, which has launched its sedan Passat in September last year in India, now plans to launch another sedan Jetta and high end SUV Tiguan this year.
While Jetta would be brought in as the completely knocked units an assembled at group company' Skoda's Auragandabad factory, the Tiguan would be imported as completely built unit.
Volkswagen Beetle. Photograph, courtesy Volkswagen. AG/Getty Images