VOLKSWAGEN’S SUB-POLO SMALL CAR COULD BE LAUNCHED BY 2012

Volkswagen Up

Volkswagen India will be launching an inexpensive car for the masses which will be placed below the Polo. According to the Financial Express, Volkswagen India has started working on the development of the new sub-Polo small car. VW in India wants to keep the costs of the car as low as possible by roping in local parts manufacturers. The new small car could be launched by 2012.

“Volkswagen’s proposed small car would have a higher local sourcing than the Polo,” according to a source of the Financial Express. The company aims to increase local sourcing from the current 60-65 percent to 75 percent. The base version of the VW Polo is priced at Rs 4.34 lakh ex-showroom Delhi and the new small is likely to be at least Rs 1 lakh cheaper than the base Polo.

“The company is exploring various options to increase their India presence including bringing more products into India,” the source reported. Now, Volkswagen is rumoured to be developing a five-door version of the Lupo for the Indian market. An ultra-fuel efficient 800 cc diesel engine could go in to the Lupo and so could a 1.0 litre petrol. The 2012 Lupo will be based on the VW Up concept featured above.