Skoda is taking the lead role in developing VW Group’s low-cost eco car modular platform for India and other similar price sensitive markets.
The plan is to launch a heavily localized made in India car based on their modified MQB platform. Skoda is calling this new platform as MQB A0 IN. The first car to be launched on this platform will go on sale in 2020, after making debut at the 2020 Auto Expo. The new car is expected to be a hatchback, which will rival the likes of Maruti Baleno.
Fabia was the most affordable Skoda on offer in India. But was discontinued due to low sales.This new platform is a re-engineered version of VW’s popular MQB platform. This platform in its current form, is deemed to be too expensive for India due to various provisions it has in order to satisfy the European demands and standards. The Skoda MQB A0 IN eco car platform would be getting rid of several such provisions which aren’t required for markets like India, thereby achieving enhanced cost and weight efficiency.
By 2020, Bharat NCAP will also be enforced. Thus helping car makers in making car platforms which are able to pass those set norms. Skoda India is understood to be in talks with its local suppliers already regarding the upcoming platform. The automaker expects its suppliers to be ready for a production volume of 400,000 to 500,000 units, indicating that it’s betting big on exporting its future India-made products.
Skoda’s official communication read – “The Indian market plays an important role in ŠKODA AUTO’s global growth strategy. The Volkswagen Group recently commissioned ŠKODA AUTO to evaluate a global architecture for volume segments with the modular MQB A0 IN system. ŠKODA’s strategic approach is to launch this localized platform on the Indian market in 2020 when more stringent crash and emissions standards come into force. ŠKODA also plans to produce competitive volume models for the ŠKODA and Volkswagen brands in India. In the medium term, ŠKODA AUTO aims for sustained, stable growth in India.”
The India-specific lineup will be crucial for the brand to achieve its objective of garnering 5% market share by 2025. As of now in India, Skoda is on a good run. Their YoY growth this year has been phenomenal, registering growth of 30% in India. In 2018, the company is now looking forward to launching their new Karoq SUV.
