Audi makes its projection for India's luxury car market; prepares to launch flagship

German automobile company Audi expects Indian luxury car market to remain flat next year and growth to come in only in 2021, having gone through a challenging 2019.

company, which is set to kick off 2020 with launch of its flagship SUV Q8 in January followed by new version of A8 sedan in February, is cautiously optimistic about year that will mark transition to stricter emission rm BS-VI.

"In terms of growth estimates for luxury car market, we estimate it to remain flat in 2020 and we are hopeful of positive growth starting 2021," Audi India He Balbir Singh Dhillon said.

Indian luxury car market, comprising top five players -- Mercedes, BMW, Audi, JLR and Volvo, witnessed a total sales of 40,340 units in 2018 and is expected to see a decline in 2019. companies are, however, yet to release ir up to date sales data.

"2019 was a challenging year for automotive industry, reby building pressure on new car sales," Dhillon said.

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company has launched Audi A4 Quick-lift, Audi Q7 Black-edition and all-new Audi A6 this year.

Apart from current situation of ecomy affecting consumer sentiments, car makers are cautious about impact of increased prices due to transition to BS-VI from BS-IV.

"Effective April 1, 2020 India will take a leap into BS-VI from BS-IV at present, driving all manufacturers to make justments to ir product offerings in India and so will we," he said about challenge.

Reiterating that 2020 is an important year for Audi, Dhillon said, "We remain focused on India market. Under our 'Strategy 2025' goals, we will remain focused on customer centricity and network sustainability".

Expressing optimism about 2020, he said Audi "will kick start year with launch of Audi Q8 in January followed by Audi A8 in February and or new products that will set tone for year."

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