Czech car brand Skoda Auto will launch six models in India by 2021, and these will include two new launches and a few upgrades as part of its plans to revive its sagging fortunes.
The company, which is part of the Volkswagen group, has launched a premium version of the Kodiaq sports utility vehicle called Kodiaq Scout priced at Rs 34 lakh.
Skoda's medium-term product plans involve launch of two new models - mid-size SUV and mid-size sedan - based on a common and Indianised platform called MQB AO IN in 2021. A concept vehicle will be showcased by the company at the upcoming 2020 Auto Expo, to be held in Greater Noida.
"There will be multiple products based on this platform but the two confirmed products are the SUV and sedan. We are evaluating which model type to bring to India and accordingly a decision will be taken" said Zac Hollis, Director Sales, Service and marketing, Skoda Auto India.
Skoda's launch plans are a part of the Rs 8,000-crore package finalised for India under the Volkswagen 2.0 revival plan. This comes amid news of global automakers such as Ford and Fiat leaving India after being in losses for years. General Motors quit the country several months ago.
To give a wider reach to the Indian audiences, Skoda will tread the same path chosen by its parent company Volkwagen. Skoda too will open several cost-effective mini showrooms across India especially in Tier 3 and Tier 4 towns.
This will cut costs of its dealer partners who are struggling to make profits owing to subdued demand conditions. Skoda will have 200 operational dealerships by 2025 from the current 64. Skoda currently sells the Octavia, Rapid, Superb and Kodiaq in the India market.
In all likelihood, Volkswagen will be the first to launch a product on the joint platform in 2020, followed by the launch from Skoda in the following year.
The Kodiaq Scout launched on September 30, comes equipped with the 2.0 TDI (DSG) diesel engine that generates 150 PS (110 kW) of power and a peak torque output of 340Nm.
The seven-seater be available in four colour options: Lava Blue, Quartz Grey, Moon White, and Magic Black, across all authorized Skoda dealership facilities in the country
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