European auto giant Volkswagen Group marked a triumphant year in 2023 as it reported a substantial 8 percent year-on-year growth in car sales in India, reaching an impressive 145,713 units. The announcement, made on Monday, highlighted the company’s robust performance amidst growing demand for its diverse range of vehicles.
Out of the total units sold, domestic sales accounted for 101,465 units, while 44,248 units were exported to international markets, according to a statement from the company. This positive trajectory follows the 134,667 cars sold in the January-December period of 2022, signifying a remarkable 8 percent increase in sales in the subsequent year.
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, managing five luxury car brands—Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini—attributed its success to consistent growth, with domestic sales crossing the 100,000-unit mark for the second consecutive year. The company experienced a 32 percent YoY growth in exports, reinforcing its global presence.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, emphasized the company’s commitment to further expansion and reaching more customers in India and international markets in 2024. He underscored the significance of the Made-in-India models, built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, as key contributors to the company’s substantial volumes.
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India reported that all three of its luxury brands—Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini—recorded double-digit growth in 2023, a clear indication of the market’s growing appetite for premium mobility. The company highlighted the consolidation of Skoda’s sales in the past year, establishing a robust foundation for future expansion.
Arora expressed optimism about the company’s strategic position in supporting the group’s ASEAN market strategy, citing the launch of the Parts Expedition Centre at the Chakan facility in Pune to facilitate locally-manufactured parts supplies for production in Vietnam starting from 2024.
He further outlined the company’s commitment to diversifying its offerings, including an enhanced mix of electric (BEV) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models, available through the group’s extensive network of 590-plus touchpoints across India.
Christian Cahn von Seelen, Executive Director, Group Sales, Marketing, and Digital at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, concluded by stating that the steady growth achieved in 2023 serves as a beacon for their sales and marketing strategy, rooted in innovation and customer-centricity. Looking ahead to 2024, the company aims to elevate the customer experience and reinforce its extensive portfolio in the Indian market. The success story of Volkswagen Group in India reflects not just the demand for its cars but also the strategic foresight and adaptability of the company in a dynamic market.