Audi India chief calls for reduction in excise on cars, SUVs

February 24, 2016: A reduction in excise duty on cars and SUVs would boost sentiments in the Indian automobile sector, said Joe King, head, Audi India, in a suggestion to the government on the eve of the budget.

King noted that the auto industry accounted for a significant share of India’s manufacturing GDP and was also one of the biggest job creators. The Audi executive also called for a simplification of the tax structure. At present, differential pricing and taxes across different states made the issue a very complicated one, he said.

The introduction of the goods and service tax (GST) would go a long way in helping ease of doing business in the country, said King. “The government had presented a budget with focus on long-term growth in FY 2015-16 and we expect a similar budget this year which is pro-growth,” he added. 

The German luxury carmaker was looking forward to a revival in customer sentiment, which would lead to increased demand, he said. King also emphasised on the need to improve the road infrastructure in India.

Audi India, a division of Volkswagen group, assembles the A6, A4, A3, Q3, Q5 and Q7 for the Indian market in Aurangabad.