With the increasing chatter about the Chinese and Indian markets being the new luxury market leaders, there certainly is plenty to discuss. Now Bugatti is giving us a bit more to talk about, by bringing the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport to India. But will the Indian market be interested in investing in a $3.6 million dollar supercar, the fastest and most expensive car in the world, to drive on predominantly poorly maintained, single-lane roads? There are multi-lane roads available in areas, but they are often just like the photo above.
By contrast, India is also where the world’s cheapest car, the Tata Nano, originated. I suppose you could say India has come full circle! Bugatti will now be joining the ranks of other exotic and luxury car rental brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Bentley, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche, who are all trying their luck in these emerging markets. For some reason I am thinking of the infamous western ‘Goldrush’.
While luxury cars represent less than 1 percent of the total Indian market, it has grown 10 percent per year, with positive projections for future growth. The target consumers for the Bugatti are the new kings of India, the 69 individuals who form the largest group of dollar billionaires outside of the States. These people, and those who already own luxury cars but crave something flashier to flaunt are the ideal audience for a supercar of this caliber.
While the company seems hopeful, the fact remains that the Bugatti Veyron’s $3.6 million dollar price tag is almost four times more than any other exotic vehicle sold in India, and that includes the ultra-luxe Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Maybach. True to luxury car marketing strategy, only 150 units of the Veyron will be produced, which should work in the company’s favor, revving up that exclusive appeal.
But I am still curious who would want to drop $3.6 million on a car that will spend the majority of its life in bottleneck traffic and ricocheting between potholes? I recommend a Bugatti-hovercraft for the Indian market.
*Check out our fleet of luxury rental cars on your way out!
Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals