Audi India has started the production of the Q3 compact SUV at its Aurangabad plant, Maharashtra. After the Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7, the Audi Q3 is the fifth model to be produced in India by the Ingolstadt carmaker.
“Local production of the Audi Q3 is part of our long-term growth strategy in India, one of the most promising auto markets in the world,” said Dr. Frank Dreves, Audi Board Member for Production. “The infrastructure in the plant, efficient working processes, qualified workforce and a well-developed logistics environment, along with the growth potential of the Indian market, were the factors that motivated us to expand the product portfolio at the Aurangabad plant.”
The Audi Q3 will be produced in the newly constructed hall at the group plant Skoda Auto India Private Limited in Aurangabad, which covers a floor area of 20,000 square meters. The Audi Q7 is also produced in the same hall.
“Local production of the Audi Q3 means that Audi India is now building all our Q range models locally. This will reduce waiting times for our customers and will enable us to offer a wider range of versions in the market. This move demonstrates our confidence in the success of our Q range, which has positioned itself as a leader not only in the product category, but has emerged as a lifestyle statement. We are confident that we will continue to retain our dominance in the luxury SUV segment in India,” said Joe King, Head of Audi India.
The increasing demand for the Audi Q3, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 models has helped the company to enhance its market share in India. Over the first eight months of this year, the Company increased its sales in the Indian market by 19 percent to 6426 vehicles (January – August 2012: 5406). The whole year capacity at the manufacturing facility for all Audi models is more than 13,000 units in a one-shift operation.
Audi India has recently launched the Audi Q3 S Edition and the "Audi Club India", the first dedicated club for Audi owners in India. The company also opened its 3rd showroom in Delhi - Audi Delhi Central in August.
Source : CarDekho - Audi Q3 - Audi Q3 local production starts
