Volkswagen Group is planning to improve its market share in the highly competitive Indian auto industry. While the automaker is one of the largest automakers in the world, it failed to create same success in India. Seeing the growing Indian auto industry, German premium automaker is aiming to capture significant market share by introducing new models. Skoda will play an important role in the brand’s revival in the country. The Czech automaker will develop a new MQB AO platform for the Indian market that will allow the company to produce low-cost cars.
According to AutoCar UK, Volkswagen is yet to make a final decision on the development of the low-cost platform. The company is likely to decide on this project by the end of this year. Once approved, Skoda will start developing this platform using local components. If all goes well, the first model based on this platform will go on sale in India by 2021.
Speaking to Autocar, Bernhard Maier, Global Chief Executive Skoda Auto, said, “It’s not an easy undertaking because competition in India is fierce. It is a great challenge for Skoda but also a great motivation. We broaden our base with this project and it will create high-quality jobs.” Also See – Volkswagen T-Cross Compact SUV Leaked Online
The new low-cost MQB AO IN platform will be used by Skoda and Volkswagen in India. The MQB platform is the brand’s all-new platform that will be used to develop several new-generation Volkswagen Group cars around the world. The new-generation Polo and T-Cross compact SUV have been based on this all-new MQB platform. However, this platform will be expensive for the Indian market. The low-cost MQB AO IN platform will come as a viable alternative to this platform. Read – Volkswagen To Launch Honda WR-V Rival
The new low-cost platform will be used for small hatchbacks, compact sedans and SUVs. Previous reports suggest that the company will introduce a mid-sized sedan and a compact SUV based on this platform in India by 2021.
Volkswagen T-Cross Image Gallery
