Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The proposed India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) is expected to improve access to technology and create new opportunities for localisation and exports, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India MD and CEO Piyush Arora told TOI. “The FTA strengthens our strategy of developing products in India for the Indian market, while also creating opportunities for exports… reduction in non-tariff barriers would help bring technology into the country,” Arora said at an event to unveil the Audi SQ8, adding that easier access to global components could support localisation over time. Audi India, which operates under Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, the Indian arm of the German-based Volkswagen Group, said the agreement could reshape the market, though its impact will depend on final terms and timelines. Balbir Singh Dhillon, head of Audi India, said companies will need to revisit product and pricing strategies once details are clear, adding that a large part of FTAs lies in investment flows and wealth creation, which could eventually support growth in the premium car segment.
