Volkswagen: The Volkswagen Group is now preparing to enter the field of hybrid vehicles in India among the changing automobile trends. While the demand for electric vehicles is being seen in western countries, the trend of customers towards hybrid cars in India is increasing rapidly. In view of this, German automaker Volkswagen plans to launch its first hybrid car in India by 2028. Let’s know about the company’s strategy, potential models, detailed information about the special platform being prepared for India and its possible impact –
Volkswagen Group’s new strategy- Electric from Hybrid
In the last few years, there has been tremendous publicity over electric vehicles around the world, but in recent times the sale of electric vehicles has not gained expected rise. Especially in markets like America and Europe, customers are still not ready to fully adopt EV. In such a situation, auto companies are now turning to multi-energy strategy. That is, balance of EV, hybrid and traditional ice (internal combination engine) vehicles.
The Volkswagen Group is also now focusing on hybrid technology in markets like India, changing its global strategy. In India where fuel prices are continuously rising and charging infrastructure is not yet fully developed, hybrid vehicles are becoming a practical option.
The first India-made hybrid car will be launched by 2028
The Volkswagen Group plans to launch its first locally built hybrid car in India by 2028. According to recent reports, the company has taken concrete steps in this direction. However, it is not yet clear which car will start this segment, but indicating that it may be an updated version of one of the current 2.0 models.
India Main Platform (IMP)- Platform made in the country for the country
The center of the hybrid strategy is ‘India Main Platform’ i.e. Imp.
This platform is an updated version of the current CMP (compact main platform). Which is especially designed keeping in mind the needs of the Indian market.
The CMP was initially developed as a ‘China Main Platform’, where it was used for multi-energy vehicles such as EV and plug-in hybrid models.
Benefits of imp
This platform will be suitable for hybrid, EV and ice for all three types of cars. Technically, there is no major challenge in using it in hybrid cars. This platform will not only allow Volkswagen Group to enter the hybrid segment. Rather, the cost will also be kept under control as it is being fully prepared in India.
Potential first model- Who will get hybrid avatar?
The company indicates that the first hybrid car may be a facelift version of one of the four major models currently present. These four models are Skoda Kushak (2021), Volkswagen Tigun (2021), Skoda Slavia (2022), Volkswagen Vertus (2022).
These models performed well in the initial stages in India, but their demand has declined slightly due to competition in recent times. In such a situation, by presenting the facelift version with hybrid powertrain, the company can bring them into discussion again.
After this 7-seater SUV will come
The hybrid journey is not going to stop here. After this, Volkswagen and Skoda will launch a new 7-seater SUV in India. Which will be available in both ice and hybrid variants. The specialty of this SUV will be its local manufacturing. That is, design, development and production in India itself.
This SUV will be prepared not only keeping in mind the needs of Indian customers. Rather, its price will also be tried to keep competitive.
Increasing market of hybrid cars in India
The demand for hybrid cars in India is gradually increasing but firmly.
Toyota hybrid technology is at the forefront, especially models such as Toyota Innova Hycross and Urban Cruiser Hyryder have performed well in the market.
Some other hybrid models that are becoming popular among Indian customers such as Honda City E: Hev, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid
This change in customers’ choice has come mainly for two reasons. One is better mileage and less maintenance than EV and its suitable for long distances.
Is India ready to adopt hybrid technology
EV charging infrastructure in India is currently in an early stage and dependence on EV in long distance trips may be risky. In such a situation, hybrid cars offer a great intermediate solution.
Talking about the policies of the government, the hybrid does not currently have an EV -like subsidy, but industry experts believe that NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Heavy Industries can rethink it in future.
At the same time, the average Indian customer still considers hybrid more reliable than EV.
Challenge and possibilities for Volkswagen
While this strategy can strengthen the company’s presence in India, some challenges will also come in the way. They are its price. Hybrid technology costs both EV and ICE, so affordable pricing is a challenge. The second reason is a strong network. It would not be easy to compete with Toyota and Maruti’s strong network and initial lead.
The next reason is the customer’s trust. Volkswagen would have to re -trust her brand, especially when the previous launch could not perform as expected.
This strategy of Volkswagen Group can prove to be very important for India. The launch of the first local hybrid car in India by 2028 will only be a beginning.
If this plan is successful, Volkswagen can not only make a strong place in the hybrid segment, but also the center of its global hybrid construction.
