Skoda To Launch More Expensive SUVs and MPVs: Electric, Hybrid and ICE
The Czech automaker Skoda, which currently operates under Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd., has announced its major plans. As per the company, the India 3.0 comeback plan will include the launch of various new SUVs and MPVs in different segments. These new SUVs and MPVs will boast different powertrain options, including electric, hybrid, and ICE. Apart from this, the company has also announced that it has approved a fresh Rs 10,000 crore investment for the Indian automotive market. The new cars will be based on the India Main Platform (IMP), a derivative of CMP 21 - China Main Platform.
Skoda to launch more SUVs and MPVs
Presently, the exact details of these planned SUVs and MPVs and their powertrain options have not been revealed by the brand. However, most likely, the company will reveal the information in the coming months. Under the new India 3.0 strategy, the company will be making a shift from the current India 2.0 strategy under which the highly successful Kodiaq, Kushaq, and Slavia were launched.
Now, with the new India 3.0, the company will focus more on UVs (utility vehicles) with multiple drivetrain options. Most likely, the company will first launch affordable electric SUVs, then move on to hybrids to take an early mover advantage. It is believed that the focus on sedans will be less and no new models will be developed. As for the hatchbacks, Skoda will most likely not offer any in India.
Fresh Rs 10,000 crore investment
The company, in addition to its focus on new SUVs and MPVs, has also allocated Rs 10,000 crore in a fresh new investment plan to launch its India 3.0 strategy. This will ensure that the brand does not get left behind by the competition and can facilitate the development of new UVs, which will help it in increasing its market share in India.
It has been reported that this investment plan for India was delayed for a while, as the Volkswagen Group is currently undergoing an internal restructuring. The company has been planning to shut down three of its plants in Germany, and the global workforce of the company will also be reduced significantly.
This investment in the Indian automotive market is especially crucial for the Volkswagen Group, as India is one of the most critical markets for the company outside of Europe. Another reason behind the delay in the confirmation of the new investment plan came because of the uncertainty due to the massive tax dispute which recently took place between Volkswagen and Indian authorities.
Upcoming Skoda car in India
Although the company has announced that it will be shifting its focus to utility vehicles under the new India 3.0 strategy, the company has recently confirmed that it will be bringing its performance sedan, the Skoda Octavia VRS, to India. This halo model will help in building the brand in the country. Recently, the first-ever latest generation Octavia VRS was spotted in India.
This high-performance sedan will come equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol motor. As per the company, it will be producing an impressive 265 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be handled by a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Along with it, the VRS will get variable-ratio progressive steering as standard, and the Octavia RS comes with a lowered sports suspension.