Q&A with Rahil Ansari, Head Dealer, Development, Audi India
The Goan: How do you look at India, especially, when Audi isa high end luxury car?
Rahil Ansari: The sporty, progressive and sophisticatedyouth of India are opting for high end luxury cars. Around 50 percent ofIndia’s 1.22 billion population is under 25, makes this country as the biggestpotential buyer in the automobile market.
TG: Where do you stand in the market of expensive luxurycars?
RA: Currently we are at number two. But we are headingtowards number one position and will soon be there.
TG: Why did you choose to have a showroom and service centrein Goa
RA: Goa for us is a high priority market with greatpotential. The launch of Audi Goa amplifies our presence in this key market forluxury cars. We already have 127 Audi cars in Goa today. We estimate the Goaluxury car market at 300+ cars annually and are targeting a 35 per cent marketshare, thus aiming at market leadership in Goa, as across India.
TG: What are the other strong points that Audi can boast ofin Goa?
RA: We are stressing on products, network and manpower,especially in Goa. Goa is a hospitable State; it hosts friendly people toowhich will help us build a good customer relationship. Audi Goa showroom has ahoneycomb aluminium façade on the exterior in line with Audi’s global corporatedesign and identity standards. We will be no 1 by 2015.
TG: What are the sales figures – global, India and Goa?
RA: The Audi Groupdelivered 1,302,659 cars of the Audi brand in 2011. In India we sold 5,406 carsin Jan-Aug 2012. In 2011 our annual sales were 5511. In August 2012 weregistered a sale of 726 units. In Goa we sold 127 Audi cars through our otherdealerships.
TG: In Audi, which is the most favourite model of thecustomers?
RA: It would be extremely difficult to name any one Audimodel. Each model in the Audi portfolio appeals to a distinct customer set. Sowhile our luxury SUV range – the Audi Q7 and Audi Q5 – appeals to those who arelooking for a glamorous and luxurious ‘Q Life’ experience as we call it, therecently launched Audi Q3 appeals to the young achievers who have ‘arrived’ andwant to ‘start young’.
