Volkswagen trims India EV investment, seeks local collaborator – report

Group 1 - Volkswagen Group has reduced its planned spending on the India electric vehicle (EV) platform from approximately $1 billion to about $700 million, indicating a cautious approach to capital deployment in the region [1] - The company is seeking a domestic partner to share costs and risks, as previous negotiations with Mahindra & Mahindra have collapsed [1][2] - Volkswagen's Indian unit has only secured about 2% market share after nearly 20 years in India, leading to reluctance in committing further capital without a partnership [2] Group 2 - Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is in discussions with several potential local partners, including a local contract manufacturer, to unlock additional internal funding [2] - The group has also explored cooperation with JSW Group, the Indian partner of China's SAIC Motor, as part of its strategy to find a local collaborator [3] - Stricter domestic carbon-emission regulations expected to take effect in 2027 are pushing automakers towards lower-emission and electric models [3] Group 3 - Volkswagen's first EV is not expected to launch before 2028, prompting the company to consider interim measures such as importing electric models if trade agreements between India and the EU allow [4] - The reduction in investment in India reflects a broader trend of international automakers exercising caution in balancing capital deployment across India, China, and Western markets [4] Group 4 - Despite being described as a crucial market outside Europe, Volkswagen's efforts in India have not translated into a significant market share, with local brands like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors dominating the cost-sensitive market [5][6] - The Skoda brand's compact SUV Kylaq, launched in November last year, has started to gain traction among local buyers, indicating some potential for growth [5]