Skoda Auto is charting an ambitious course for India, planning to introduce a selection of its coveted global models to cater to a wider audience. This expansion comes as the company reports its best-ever sales performance in the Indian market. However, the launch of electric vehicles (EVs) by Skoda in India is being deferred due to prevailing market complexities.
An executive confirmed that while the current range of locally manufactured vehicles, including the Kushaq, Slavia, and Kodiaq, will form the backbone of the offerings next year, exciting new imported models are in the pipeline. This strategy aims to inject novelty and appeal to the Indian car market, mirroring the success of recent launches. Skoda’s Indian product lineup currently ranges from Rs 7 lakh to over Rs 40 lakh.
The company’s sales figures for the first ten months of the year have already set a new record, with 61,607 units sold. This remarkable growth has propelled Skoda to aim for a consistent 2% market share in India’s passenger vehicle sector. The positive market sentiment, boosted by fiscal reforms, is expected to drive sales through the remainder of the year.
Skoda is also committed to enhancing its existing popular models. Plans are underway to introduce more variants of the Kylaq, alongside updates for the Kushaq and Slavia. Addressing the electric vehicle front, Skoda acknowledged the global trend but highlighted the challenges in formulating a concrete EV plan for India. Factors such as evolving government policies and international trade discussions are cited as contributors to the uncertainty, leading to a delay in their EV roadmap for the Indian subcontinent.
