The 2013 budget certainly made an impact as the Finance minister increased the taxes on CBU’s from 75% to 100%. This means cars which will expensive by further 25% making them less attractive to buyers.
Currently Volvo & Jaguar and Land Rover import bulk of the models, except JLR assembling the Freelander 2 & XF in India. With the new duty structure, the British luxury carmaker looks to build on its growth in emerging markets and offer more products on a competitive price. JLR plans to assemble the Range Rover Evoque SUV.
The Evoque has been a star seller for the company worldwide and is priced above Rs. 50 lakh plus in the Indian market when introduced in 2011. With the duties going up the Evoque will become very expensive when compared to its competitors.
Jaguar & Land Rover is looking to make India as its export hub mainly for Asean countries. There are also talks of JLR setting up a shop in Saudi Arabia which will mainly make models like the XJ luxury sedan and the new Range Rover.
We hope JLR plans to assemble more models in the Indian market which will make the brand more accessible to a larger customer base.
Jaguar will launch the F-Type sports car and Land Rover will introduce the facelifted Freelander in the Indian market in 2013. Jaguar recently launched the XJ Ultimate edition in the Indian market. To read more click here.
