To enhance its customers’ buying, selling or exchange experience in the pre-owned car segment, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has expanded its Das WeltAuto Excellence Centres with the launch of two new outlets in Palace Cross, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

The company further plans to open an additional 10 DWA Excellence Centres in 2021 taking the total to 17 Excellence Centres.

Volkswagen’s digitally integrated service outlets provide a bouquet of options including pricing transparency, unique accessory offers, a dedicated relationship manager, hassle-free transfer and warranty packages. Through this initiative, the brand has successfully opened total of seven DWA Excellence Centres in 2020.

With DWA facilities, Volkswagen is taking a comprehensive approach to address customers’ concerns related to buying, selling or exchange a used car, further providing convenience and peace of mind through integrated services. It is a one-stop solution from the brand that offers a strong value proposition in the organized pre-owned car segment, enabling customers to fulfil their need for accessible, individual mobility.

Along with providing a complete digital experience, Volkswagen with its DWA Excellence Centres intends to offer a professionally managed and value for money proposition to its potential customers looking for pre-owned mobility options. Additionally, as part of the brand’s digitization drive, customers can buy, sell or exchange a pre-owned car on the DWA website as well as can self-evaluate through the Das WeltAuto Valuator app. The expansion of the outlet is a step towards increasing the brand’s presence in the organized pre-owned segment in India.

Commenting on this initiative, Ashish Gupta, Brand Head, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, “The organized pre-owned car business has received a positive response this year, wherein customer demand for affordable individual mobility has grown, which is likely to double in the coming years. In-line with this momentum, our Das WeltAuto Excellence Centres with multi-brand options, aims to professionalize the customer purchase experience and be a one-stop shop for all the customer’s needs. We intend to further penetrate the markets by launching 10 more facilities in 2021.” (MT)

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the apex body representing the Indian auto component industry, successfully concluded the 9th edition of its flagship reverse buyers-and-sellers meet, iAutoConnect, held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

The two-day B2B event brought together global aftermarket distributors, dealers and their Indian counterparts providing component makers a platform to showcase their latest product offerings.

ACMA states that the event brought together 91 domestic exhibitors and over 170 buyers from more than 40 countries, including Africa, ASEAN, Eastern Europe, Latin America, SAARC, and West Asia.

The event was organised with the support of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, the event was inaugurated by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA & CMD, Subros.

Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA, said, “iAutoConnect has grown into a premier platform for the Indian automotive component industry, offering unparalleled access to international markets. It’s inspiring to witness the strong engagement from both our members and international buyers. We are confident that these interactions will result in fruitful partnerships that further expand the reach of Indian-manufactured components worldwide, supporting the government’s vision of ‘Make in India for the world.”

Automoto, a vehicle ownership platform that was established by Sreeraj PV in 2018, has announced that Francis Jacob has joined as the co-founder. Jacob will spearhead the development of Automoto Akademie, an educational platform designed to empower automotive professionals with the skills needed to excel in the evolving automotive industry.
Automoto Akademie will offer a range of training programmes, including short-term and long-term courses, focusing on electric and hybrid vehicle technology, vehicle sales and service. The platform aims to bridge the skills gap in the automotive industry and equip professionals with the knowledge and expertise to meet future demands.
Automoto is a leading provider of quick service and automotive care solutions for a wide range of vehicles. The company is committed to enhancing the vehicle ownership experience in India through innovative B2B2C solutions, including insurance, IoT integration and connected vehicles.
With Jacob on board, Automoto is set to chart yet another chapter of growth, leveraging his extensive experience and passion in imparting automotive skills in line with the Indian Government’s push for turning Indian into a key automotive manufacturing hub.

Citroën and Jeep have bolstered their presence in India with the inauguration of three new dealerships in Thrissur, Asansol and Meerut. 
All three are multi-brand dealerships that mark a significant step forward for the Stellantis Group in the country since they make an effective interface for the range of SUVs from Jeep and passenger vehicles from Citroën. 
With the product mix consisting of EVs and ICE powered vehicles, the three showrooms will offer comprehensive 3S facilities. They will have a dedicated workshop staffed by a highly skilled service team. 
Committed to offer a premier service experience to Jeep and Citroen customers, the three 3S facilities are supported by modern infrastructure, spare parts availability, advanced diagnostic and repair equipment.
Shishir Mishra, Brand Director, Citroen, mentioned regarding the development, that their aim is to not only offer exceptional vehicles but also provide comprehensive after-sales services, ensuring that every customer receives unparalleled support throughout their ownership journey. 
“These strategic openings signify our deep-rooted commitment to meeting the evolving demands of our valued customers while expanding our footprint across India,” he added. 
Kumar Priyesh, Brand Director, Jeep India, said, “We are confident that these new dealerships will not only showcase the impressive lineup of Citroën and Jeep® vehicles but also serve as hubs of excellence in customer service, equipped with skilled personnel and state-of-the-art facilities. Customers will be offered premium vehicles and affordable choices under the same roof, offering them flexibility in both prices and segment choices. This will thereby also help us target a wider range of customer base.”
With the three new dealerships, Citroen now has 156 touchpoints and Jeep India, over 150 touch points across the country. 

MRF has commissioned a one-of-its-kind Tyredrome in Mumbai. 
Terming it as Asia’s finest tyre service and wheel care destination for MRF customers, the Tyredrome is located at Poonam Chambers in Worli and manned by engineers that are specifically trained by the tyre maker. 
The tyre and wheel care destination is equipped with the finest precision equipment necessary. These include machines of leading global manufacturers and those that make the top-quality ones in India. 
 Offering expert guidance in maintenance services, it is built to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for customers.
The Tyredrome will offer services such as robotic wheel alignment, diagnostic wheel balancing, vehicle safety test lane, electronic headlight alignment, air-con recovery and recharging, specialised two-wheeler tyre services and tubeless tyre repair. 
Other than to provide a wide range of MRF tyres, the Tyredrome at Worli will turn out to be basis for other such outlets of MRF Tyres across India. 
Speaking at the inauguration of the Worli outlet, K M Mammen, Chairman and Managing Director, MRF Ltd, mentioned, "We are thrilled to launch the Tyredrome in Mumbai, bringing Asia’s finest tyre and wheel care service to the city. For over three decades, we have been delighting customers with an unparalleled experience at our Tyredromes in other cities, and we are now looking forward to offering the same level of service and satisfaction to our customers in Mumbai."