Indo-EU trade deal may cut import duty on European cars and bikes by 40 per cent, opening the door for more BMW, Ducati, Mercedes and Volkswagen models in India.
By Divyam Dubey

India may soon see more Euro-built cars on its roads as the Indo-EU trade deal moves closer. A major cut in import duty could change what European brands bring to India. That single change could make a big difference to what reaches Indian roads. Several global models stay away only because pricing does not work under the current tax structure. If the new duty system comes into effect, buyers may finally see more Europe-made cars rather than region-modified versions built for cost control.
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The revised import duty is expected to apply to fully built units coming from European Union countries. These will mainly include premium and mid-size cars priced above a fixed threshold. This route gives manufacturers flexibility to bring in models without committing to local assembly at the start.

Brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen stand to gain from the change. At present, these companies sell a limited number of imports due to high taxation. Lower duties could allow them to expand their line-ups and introduce global models already sold in other markets.

The effect may also be felt in the two-wheeler space. European motorcycle brands like Ducati, BMW Motorrad, KTM and Triumph could benefit if similar import rules extend to bikes. This could improve access to higher-capacity motorcycles that currently arrive in restricted numbers.
The Indo-EU trade deal has been under discussion for several years and covers multiple sectors beyond automobiles. Electric vehicles may stay outside the first phase to protect local manufacturing. Even so, if approved, the agreement could reshape the premium segment and make Euro-built cars and bikes a more common sight on Indian roads.