The Hindu : Business : Bentley introduces two convertible car models

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Saturday, Oct 13, 2007
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Bentley introduces two convertible car models

Special Correspondent

Seeks revision of import duty structure

The two models are priced at Rs. 3.80 crore
and Rs. 2.10 crore
Company earmarks 30 units across various
models for India

NEW DELHI: Super premium luxury car brand Bentley too on Friday raised its voice and sought revision of import duty structure on automobiles.

“The Indian super premium luxury car market in India has been growing fast. But you have to look at the tax structure for imported cars,” Bentley Middle East, Africa and India Regional Director, Ian Gorsuch, told reporters here as Bentley introduced its two convertible models — Bentley Azure and Continental GTC — priced at Rs. 3.80 crore and Rs. 2.10 crore, respectively.

India at present imposes over 100 per cent duty on imported vehicles and the likes of American bike maker Harley Davidson had made noises in the past asking the government to bring down the rates.

Even as he favoured revision of the duty structure, Mr. Gorsuch said the company had been able to grow significantly despite the current tax structure on imported cars.

“The response from the Indian market has been overwhelming and far exceeded than what we expected four years back when we first entered, he added.

The company that earmarks 30 units across various models for the Indian market had already sold about 20 units so far this year, Mr. Gorsuch said.

Asked if India allocation would be scaled up, considering the demand, he said it was not possible as its global manufacturing unit in Britain had only limited capacity.

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