GT and GT Line badges now drive over 20% of our sales: Nitin Kohli, Volkswagen India

Based on an interaction with Arpit Mahendra.Volkswagen India has been steadily strengthening its foothold in the premium car segment, with a portfolio that spans from the bestselling Virtus sedan and Taigun SUV to high-performance models like the Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line. Over the past few months, the brand has expanded its stable with the launch of the Golf GTI in India and the Tiguan R-Line. Amid this momentum, we caught up with Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, to discuss insights into evolving customer preferences in the Indian premium segment, overall trends and what buyers can expect from Volkswagen in the months ahead.Volkswagen’s strategy in India continues to target well-informed, design-conscious buyers. Kohli explained, “The new-age premium car buyer today is well read. They look at design, aesthetics, safety, and performance. Volkswagen is known for its safety, design, and build quality, and that is what connects customers to the brand.”

The Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line have become the flagbearers of Volkswagen’s premium appeal. Kohli explained the response to these models, saying, “The Golf GTI is a global icon, and the first lot we brought in was sold out immediately. Customers even called it a collector’s item. The Tiguan R-Line also appealed strongly to corporate buyers looking for a combination of design, space, and driving experience.”The GT and GT Line badges continue to create a strong pull among Indian buyers. “GT as a badge was first introduced with the Polo GT in 2013,” Kohli said. “These cars define precision and driving dynamics. Approximately 20% of our sales today come from GT Line models, showing strong demand from customers who value performance and design.”As for the transmission split among buyers, Kohli noted the shift in customer preference, saying, “Automatic is no more a luxury, it is the new normal. Almost 65% of our sales are automatic. Manual gearboxes are far from obsolete, but customers increasingly expect comfort and convenience in urban driving.” He added that Volkswagen is open to exploring new transmission technologies as market demand evolves.Volkswagen’s performance in India remains steady. Kohli shared, “Since our entry into India, we have sold approximately 6.9 lakh cars. Our certified pre-owned business has also grown by 12% compared to last year, indicating strong demand for both new and pre-owned models.”Looking ahead, Kohli indicated that Volkswagen will continue focusing on aspirational premium offerings. “This year marks a transformation for us. With the Golf GTI and Tiguan R-Line, we have elevated the brand’s premium positioning. We plan to bring more models in the premium segment, with price points crossing Rs 50 lakh.”