After introducing the Kushaq and the Slavia sedan, Skoda is now working on multiple new models for the Indian market. Skoda Auto’s chief executive Thomas Schaefer has confirmed that the brand’s next product for our market will be a sub-4 meter SUV. To be based on the MQB AO IN platform, the new Skoda compact SUV will be made in India and also be exported to select international markets.
The new Skoda compact SUV will be the first product under the Volkswagen Group’s India 2.5 Plan. The report claims that the production of the SUV is expected to be commenced by January 2025.
Volkswagen Group has introduced multiple products including the Skoda Kushaq & Slavia, and Volkswagen Taigun & the soon-to-be-launched Virtus sedan. These products are introduced under Volkswagen India 2.0 revival project and Skoda is leading this plan.
Skoda is also studying additional models on the MQB AO In platform under the India 2.5 project. The new Skoda compact SUV will be a global model, which suggest that Skoda India will play a major role in VW Group’s global plan.
The company will have to make certain changes to the MQB AO In platform to make it feasible in the sub-4 meter segment. The company is aiming to achieve more localisation. Skoda wants the new SUV to appeal to customers in international markets too, where the sub-4m rule is not applicable. Speaking to AutoCar India, Schaffer said, “the sub-4m segment is very specific for India. Thus, we would like to have a car that looks so good, while also is sub-4m, that we can use it for exports. I have challenged our team to do exactly this and not only make it shorter to fit the rules, but make it to be something for exports as well.”
VW Group believes that India can play a strong role with exports in other markets, including Mexico and Africa. The company could also use India as a base for South East Asia.
Source – AutoCarIndia
