VW’s Big Surprise for 2026? | Nitin Kohli on EVs | Exclusive Interview | autoX Awards 2025

Dhruv Behl sits down with Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, to discuss Volkswagen’s present and future in the Indian market. From the runaway success of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and its halo effect, to the future of sedans like the Virtus in an SUV-dominated market, Kohli shares sharp insights into evolving customer preferences, performance cars, and brand positioning. The discussion also dives into EV adoption in India, GST 2.0, Volkswagen’s long-term strategy, and whether India can expect new premium offerings — including a certain “surprise” hinted at for 2026. A candid, wide-ranging conversation that offers a rare look into Volkswagen’s thinking for the years ahead. _________________________________________________________________ Visit https://www.autox.com/awards/ for all the details! _________________________________________________________________ Presenter: Dhruv Behl Cinematographer: autoX Editor: Mayur Tonk _________________________________________________________________ FOLLOW US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autoxmag/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/autox/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autox/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autox/ Website: https://www.autox.com/ _________________________________________________________________ #VolkswagenIndia #GolfGTI #Virtus #Sedans #EVs #autoX 00:00 Intro 00:55 Golf GTI wins autoX Best of 2025 01:44 GTI allocation sold out – what buyers should do 02:30 GTI’s halo effect on VW India 03:14 Audi vs VW customers – aspiration vs luxury 04:13 Is the sedan segment really dying? 05:11 Scope for a hotter Virtus? 06:00 EV plans, ID.4 & India readiness 06:33v GST 2.0 and EV ecosystem challenges 07:57 Global EV slowdown & long-term outlook 09:41 India’s importance to VW Group 10:44 Sub-4m segment & brand strategy 11:21 Volkswagen Tayron in India? 11:40 VW’s medium-term goals in India 12:11 What’s coming in 2026? 13:26 Up Next