For Skoda Auto, India is already its third-largest market worldwide. And now, it seems that the automaker plans to keep up its strong growth momentum in 2023 by launching a number of new products in our market. By the end of 2025, the Skoda-Volkswagen Group expects its India sales to more than double, which, according to the carmaker, depends on the success of recently introduced models and future models, including electrified vehicles. According to sources, a plan to increase the export of vehicles built in India will also contribute to the volume rise. By 2025, the company that owns the Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini brands is seeking sales of about 300,000 vehicles overall. The company aspires to sell more than 180,000 units in 2023 and 190,000 units in 2024.
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In the domestic market, Skoda sold more than 50,000 cars last year. With its India 2.0 strategy as a foundation, the automaker is now aiming for double-digit growth in FY24. By the end of 2023, it will introduce the Superb sedan, and by the end of FY24, the Enyaq is going to make its debut in the EV market. The manufacturer hasn't yet disclosed Octavia's launch date though. In the future, the Czech automaker intends to improve its sedan and SUV range while releasing a new special version of one of its models every three months. It also plans to start selling to Vietnam, which will play a big role in its export strategy, and increase India's proportion of global sales to 10% in the following two years. After Skoda revealed its INDIA 2.0 plan in 2021 and introduced the Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq into the mid-size SUV market, there has been a significant expansion of both Skoda’s and Volkswagen’s line-ups.
Skoda, Volkswagen: Upcoming Car Launches
Here are the most anticipated Skoda and Volkswagen vehicles and SUVs that are scheduled to arrive in India in the upcoming years.
New Skoda Superb
Currently in development, the next-generation Superb will shortly make its worldwide premiere. Similar to its outgoing iteration, the sedan will be offered in foreign countries with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Although the exact date is unknown, it is expected to come after the debut of the new Kodiaq.
Skoda Enyaq iV
Starting with the Enyaq iV in 2024, Skoda intends to expand its EV line-up in India. The top-spec '80x' version, according to sources, will be an India-bound version. This model has two electric motors, one on each axle, and a 77kWh battery, giving it a total power rating of 263bhp and a driving range of 513 kilometres.
All-new Skoda Octavia
Skoda has stopped making the Octavia in India due to the strict BS6-2 emission standards. Nevertheless, we expect the sedan's return in the near future, perhaps with a plug-in hybrid engine option. However, there is no confirmation regarding its launch, which, according to sources, may take place either at the end of this year or early 2024.
Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 electric vehicle from Volkswagen will be made available in India. The Auto Expo 2020 in India featured an electric SUV, which is presently undergoing road testing here. The 'GTX' model, which has a 77kWh battery and is capable of 299bhp of peak power and 479 kilometres of driving range, is most likely what we'll receive in our home market.
Skoda, Volkswagen: Electrification Strategy
Skoda plans to release six new electric cars (EVs) by 2026, thanks to its €5.6 billion investment in e-mobility. Out of the six, four EVs will be ‘Small’ BEVs for the small SUV market. Plus, there is the ‘Compact’ Elroq for the compact SUV market, a spacious ‘Combi’ estate model, and a seven-seater SUV named Space. The Enyaq iV and the Enyaq Coupé iV were the first two Skoda cars to utilise the Modular Electrification Platform (MEB) created by the Volkswagen Group. These models will be upgraded in 2025 to match the new design language, which will be adopted by all forthcoming Skoda EV cars.
Skoda, Volkswagen: India as Strategic Export Base
The Volkswagen Group is working to establish India as a significant export hub for the Skoda brand, given that a solid basis for the India 2.0 project has been established. India, which is now Skoda's third-largest global market, will assume more responsibility for the company’s growth in the Middle East and South East Asia. To expand its volume base, Skoda says it is willing to work with dealers, distributors, and assemblers in these areas.
Undoubtedly, Skoda Auto Volkswagen Group has relied heavily on exports to maintain a competitive edge and generate profits. India has historically served as a key hub for Volkswagen's exports of the Vento sedan to South Africa and Mexico. Volkswagen will continue to service the Mexican market, but as Skoda's exports from India grow, more MQB A0 platform vehicles will be sold in the future, allowing the Group to reinvest in new model development. For the Skoda brand, a local export team has been put in place, and it collaborates with the corporate headquarters to identify prospective future growth regions. For these purposes, even a special bay has been established for the shipment of parts and components from India.
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