by WAF Think Tank
New Delhi, Aug 3, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has officially named Nipun Mahajan as the new Head of Sales & Network for Audi India, effective from August 1, 2025. He will report directly to Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director of Audi India .
A Leader with Nearly Three Decades of Automotive Expertise
Mahajan joins Audi India with nearly 30 years of experience across both global and Indian automotive markets. Most recently, he served as ASEAN Regional Sales & Marketing Director for Stellantis Malaysia, spearheading commercial operations across Southeast Asia. His earlier leadership roles include tenures at Fiat Chrysler, Harley‑Davidson India, Honda Cars, Volkswagen, and Porsche .
Strategic Mandate Amid Luxury-Segment Headwinds
Audi India enters this leadership change amid steep challenges:
- In 2024, the company sold 5,816 units, marking a 26.6% drop year-on-year.
- Sales continued to decline in H1 2025, down 14% to 2,128 units between January and June.
- The brand is fast losing ground to its luxury competitors, including Mercedes‑Benz and BMW, despite the Indian luxury car market approaching 50,000 units annually .
Against this backdrop, Mahajan is expected to execute a turnaround through retail transformation, dealer network optimisation, and preparation for the future wave of electrification and digital customer experience—major pillars of Audi India’s long-term growth strategy .
Building on a Proven Legacy
Known for his expertise in dealer development, sales planning, and customer-centric strategies, Mahajan has previously driven growth across emerging and mature markets. His proven background places him in a strong position to:
- Reenergize Audi’s dealers across the country.
- Strengthen regional performance in key luxury pockets.
- Support the rollout of new models—including the next phase of Audi’s electric vehicle lineup.
Outlook: Revitalising Growth in a Competitive Market
Mahajan’s appointment comes at a pivotal time. With India’s luxury segment reclaiming momentum post-supply-chain disruptions, Audi is betting on his veteran leadership to:
- Arrest the erosion of market share.
- Enhance retail network productivity and customer touch points.
- Accelerate Audi India’s pivot towards digitalisation and EV readiness.
His directorship under Balbir Singh Dhillon reflects the brand’s concerted emphasis on operational discipline, market agility, and renewed retail momentum.
Anuj Guglani, Founder World Auto Forum commented,’Nipun Mahajan’s ascension as Head of Sales & Network at Audi India begins a high‑stakes chapter for the brand. As India’s luxury car rivalry intensifies, his leadership comes at a crucial juncture—poised to steer Audi India back to growth by modernizing retail channels, sharpening dealer execution, and readying the business for the fast-emerging EV market.’
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Source: worldautoforum.com
