Indien: Nur gut zwei Prozent Marktanteil: VW setzt auf Bündnis mit indischem Konglomerat

For over two decades, Volkswagen (VW) has struggled to make inroads into India's mass market, as market share has remained disappointingly low. In response to this ongoing challenge, the company is now seeking a local partner to establish its niche presence in the world's most populous nation. The German automaker appears willing to cede control over its Indian operations entirely, as evidenced by the signing of an intent agreement with the Indian conglomerate JSW, announced by the company on Wednesday.

The objective of the partnership is to outline the "cornerstones for a strategic partnership in India," according to a spokesperson. The arrangement with JSW remains non-binding and may ultimately prove unsuccessful. According to Indian media reports, both parties plan to establish a joint venture with JSW holding 51 percent and VW 49 percent.

Volkswagen has been managing its Indian business through its subsidiary Skoda, with Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer indicating in recent weeks that he might be content with a minority stake in the joint venture. Zellmer told the "Economic Times" in Mumbai at the end of August that the relinquishment of a majority stake in the joint venture would be "no problem" for him.