Audi India, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, has also been impacted by the recent Supreme Court ban on diesel-powered vehicle sales in the National Capital Region. Although the ban has affected Audi less than its rival Mercedes-Benz as the two-litre diesel engine they equip their A3, A4, A6, Q3 and Q5 with, is under 2000cc in capacity, the ban has meant that Audi has been unable to sell its newly-launched Q7 premium SUV in the NCR.
However, Audi in 2014 showcased a new technology called the ‘g-tron’ which was a 1.4 litre engine designed from the ground up to work on Compressed Natural Gas. The Pioneer asked Joe King, Managing Director, Audi India whether there was any possibility that such a technology which is available on the A3 and A4 models in Europe could come to India, particularly in light of the Supreme Court ban on diesel taxis which have hit luxury taxi services badly.
“Audi’s global portfolio offers a range of solutions, besides g-tron, e-tron is also an interesting product and could be relevant for a market were usage geography is limited and pre-defined like luxury-taxis. But the important discussion before any product introduction is policy clarity. We feel that short-term decisions lead to increased uncertainty and ambiguity for the future not just for manufacturers but also for dealers and customers”, King said. He alluded to the fact that constantly shifting goalposts has carmakers worried.
One particular problem for carmakers has been the fact that despite promises, the Government is yet to provide substantial tax breaks for hybrid and electric cars. However, King did believe that sooner rather than later new technologies would make it onto Indian roads and luxury carmakers would lead the way.