Popular car magazine AutoCar India has reported that Maruti’s A-Star would wear a Volkswagen badge and the Wagon-R would display a Skoda badge by 2012.
Time has started ticking for Volkswagen to capitalize on the 20% stake it bought in Suzuki and the Indian auto sector would be the first market to see a real collaboration between Volkswagen and Suzuki directly. Maruti used to enjoy a near monopoly-like situation in India, but now, recent competition from manufacturers such as Hyundai have made a significant dent to the company’s sales with its market share going below 50% for the first time. Volkswagen, the German auto major is eyeing Maruti’s success and hence a lot of surprises are waiting for us from VW and Suzuki in the next couple of years in the form of rebadged vehicles and common engines used. The reason is that Volkswagen’s ‘Up’ car project went down! Obviously, this leaves Volkswagen with no models to launch below the Polo’s segment for the Indian market. Therefore, Volkswagen needs Suzuki’s cars to prop up its lineup. Additionally, the German carmaker’s infrastructure and manufacturing costs are too high that it is not practically feasible to sell its cars at competitive prices as Maruti does in India. AutoCar reports that Maruti, VW and Skoda officials have researched the possibility of using two Suzuki models, A-Star and the Wagon-R. While the stylish looks, driving dynamics of the A-Star would suite the VW badge, the practical roominess of the Wagon-R would suit Skoda. Via http://www.autocarindia.com/news/marutis-wear-vw-skoda-badges With best wishes S Chander
