Spyker Cars to make India debut

The Netherlands-based Spyker Cars has already shortlisted potential partners to import its vehicles and two dealerships are expected to come in the National Capital and Mumbai. "Spyker is always looking for the right partners in viable markets for the brand and we are discussing with a number of potential partners in many new markets, India included," the Sales Department of the luxury sports car maker told media in an e-mailed response.

The company has conducted a market study and held talks with possible partners in the National Capital and Mumbai, although nothing has been finalised yet, it added. "Spyker has shortlisted the potential partners and we will announce the new retail partner when the arrangements are finalised. It is our intention to launch the Spyker product in 2011," the company said.

Even though the company did not share possible price tags of the models, the marques with hand-crafted body panels will go up to several crores. For instance the C8 Spyder Aileron is tagged at 2,20,000 pounds (about Rs 1.6 crore) in London.

Globally, Spyker sells models like iconic C8 series, one of which was driven by Sharon Stone in the 'Basic Instinct 2'. Other models include LM85, C12 Zagato and D8 Peking-to-Paris.

The company may not have opened retail sales in India yet, but Spyker Cars is not new to India. In 2007, UB Group promoter Vijay Mallya and Dutch entrepreneur Jan & Michiel Mol had jointly acquired the Spyker Formula One team, which was later renamed as Force India. Recently the Indian luxury car market has attracted many global firms into the country with their latest products.

Last month, Volkswagen Group company Bugatti Automobiles launched its super premium sports car 'Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport' with price starting at Rs 16 crore, the most expensive car to hit the Indian roads so far.

UK-based luxury carmaker Aston Martin was also understood to be gearing up to launch its cars in India and tied up with Infinity Cars to open the first showroom in Mumbai. The cars are likely to cost up to Rs 3 crore.