The Czech based car maker, Skoda Auto has revealed that they will be launching a new SUV in the Indian market by 2013 which will be from the Volkswagen portfolio. This compact SUV could be developed on the Polo platform and could spawn out a compact SUV platform for Volkswagen to compete against the upcoming battle in the virgin compact SUV space. Skoda Auto has really got aggressive with its Indian product portfolio and wishes to increase its brand presence in the country further. The company recently launched its Rapid sedan which was very received by the customers. Going by this success rate, the company is expecting to increase its sales by about 50% this year.

“The VW group is adding one more production line at the Aurangabad plant for rolling out a new SUV by 2013. We will also announce a new investment for this purpose,” Jurgen Stackmann, Member of the Board (Sales and Marketing), Skoda Auto, said.

Presently the Volkswagen group comprising of Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen have 2 manufacturing facilities, one in Chakkan and the other in Aurangabad. VW group also announced at the Auto Expo that they are looking at investing a minimum of about 2000 crores for expansion of its Indian operations by 2013. The investments made will be utilized for capacity expansion, launching of new models and developing research facilities and activities. Currently the Chakkan plant has a capacity t produce 1.1 lakh cars which will be increased to 1.3 lakh units while the Aurangabad plant has a current annual capacity of 20,000 units. Mr. Jurgen Stackmann however, refused to divulge any details about which model from the Volkswagen portfolio the company is going to use and its related investment costs.

Skoda Auto is extremely positive about the Indian market and has its hopes pinned on the Rapid sedan for its growth in India. The Czech automaker has made its 2018 Growth Strategy plan, wherein it plans to increase its sales to atleast 15 lakh units per year (worldwide). Thus the company is having high expectations from growing markets like India, China and Russia. At the 2012 Auto Expo, Skoda has displayed its range of cars sold in India, including the Yeti, Laura and the Rapid (with vRS wheels). The show stopper though was undoubtedly the Fabia R S 2000 Roadster.

The Skoda Fabia RS2000 is a concept car which will never go into production. It features a wide body kit, cutaway roof and insane attention to detail. Based on the Fabia R S hatchback, the R S 2000 debuted at the Worthersee Tour and is a hot looking concept. It features 18-inch, powder coated wheels to give it a stance similar to the R S 2000 rally car. The interiors feature four individual bucket seats with loads of carbon fiber and racing harness in the mix. Power comes through a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 200 BHP of power for this 4-door convertible.

While the alliance with Suzuki didn’t work out well for Volkswagen on one hand, the company will continue to heavily rely on its sister brand the Czech based Skoda Auto for making budget cars worldwide. Recently the future plans of Skoda Auto were revealed and its 5 year plan for new models is shared here. Together with its parent company, Volkswagen, Skoda Auto is in the process of setting up a new AOO/AO/A segment vehicle competence centre in India. The new centre will be in charge of the future low cost vehicle architecture and also development of low cost engines. Lower operating costs, rapidly emerging market and the well known identity of the brand in the country has led Skoda to choose India as the destination. Skoda has also commenced an ambitious globalization program under which it aims to assemble 5 different models and sell over 200,000 units per year. The initial target countries are likely to be Russia, India and China.

“Where Skoda is strong, the economic crisis has not yet done much damage. ‘And if the downswing does happen, we feel well protected thanks to our range of high-quality and high-value products. We do want to expand, but growth is not automatically profitable – that´s why Skoda has no interest in selling cars in North America. Our model range is getting more attractive every year. As trend-setting segment-busters, we shall continue to offer more products for less money.” Herr Vahland, chief executive, said.

Expected Skoda Models Till 2015 -

2012: Rapid saloon, Octavia saloon replacement, Yeti facelift, five-door Citigo
2013: Rapid Spaceback, Octavia Combi replacement, Superb saloon/Combi facelift
2014: Fabia hatchback/Combi replacement, Roomster replacement, Citigo MPV
2015: Superb saloon/Combi replacement, Yeti replacement
2016: new crossover larger than Yeti, new MPV larger than Roomster, Rapid/Citigo facelift

The key feature to be noted here is the super flexible MQB platform on which all these future Skoda models are going to be based upon apart from the Citigo and the Rapid. The Citigo and Rapid are based on the current PQ platform (passenger car, transverse platform). Also the drivetrains for the Skoda MQB based models will be outsourced from Volkswagen parts bin which includes advanced components like micro-hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electromobility and CNG and LPG models. Additionally, Skoda will also continue to work on its RS (Sport), Greenline (eco), Scout (crossover) and Laurin and Klement (luxury) model line-ups.

Source – CarMagazine

After Volkswagen came up with their version of a compact car the UP!, we expected Skoda to do something on similar lines and here it is. Skoda has showcased a new small car, the Citigo, which is based on the same platform as Volkswagen UP!. This small Skoda has taken design cues from all possible Skoda concepts such as the VisionD and the latest MissionL. Talking about dimensions it’s a pretty compact car which is 3560 mm long, 1650 mm wide and 1480 mm high. Skoda claims that the 2420 mm wheelbase is sufficient enough for making four adults sit and travel even long distances without any haste. Boot space on the other hand is a decent 251-liters which doubles up to 951-liter when rear seats are folded down.

The Skoda Citigo is going to be aimed and made only for amazing fuel efficiency with the 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine with two power outputs which are 56 BHP and 74 BHP. The Citigo will be offered in both the Autobox and manual gear box. Sitting below the Fabia platform, if Skoda plans to jump in the mass market they can launch this car with maximum localisation helping them to price the car competitvely against the Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Hyundai i10 and Honda Brio. Will a 4-door version of this car attract you to buy it?

Skoda just completed 10 years in India and now have awesome plans for the next decade. The company plans to launch 7 new models in the next two years, across almost all segments. The first new Skoda to be on the road in India would be the Laura RS, which will be introduced next month. As reported earlier, the Laura RS is more of a cosmetic upgrade than a fire breathing rally car. This will be followed by the launch of the much awaited Rapid sedan at the 2012 Auto Expo. The Rapid is the Volkswagen Vento’s cousin and shares its underpinnings with it. The Fabia Scout (we have spotted it testing and have posted extensive pictures here) will follow soon

The Skoda Yeti has not performed upto the company’s expectation and thus a low cost version will be launched by the end of this year. The low cost Yeti will feature a smaller 110bhp engine, which will be low on power but most importantly be more affordable to purchase. An automatic variant of the Yeti will follow in 2012, which will feature a DSG transmission. The most important car for Skoda will undoubtedly be the small hatchback (positioned below the Fabia), which will be launched in 2013. It will be sub 4-meter in length and will be based on the Volkswagen Up! platform. The next generation Octavia will be brought to India, replacing the Laura by the end of next year. A sub 4-meter notchback will be launched in 2013, which would be Skoda’s version of the Tata Indigo CS.

Source – ACI

Skoda has announced its Pre-Monsoon Campaign across all their dealerships across India from 15th June to 30th June (all states except Tamil Nadu) and 15th August to 31st August (for Tamil Nadu). The campaign will offer a 30 point check up where the cars will undergo exclusive rain care related checks apart from cleaning of the plenum chamber, pollen filter, inspecting the tyre pressure and wheel alignment, brake pads, wiper functions, lights, etc. The company will also educate owners on safe driving in the rains.

“We at Škoda strive to enhance the satisfaction levels of our customers. We value our customers and therefore we initiate such preventive & maintenance campaigns from time to time,” Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member and Director, Sales and Marketing, Skoda India, said.

Skoda just completed its 20th year after being taken over my Volkswagen. With the German automaker taking over, the Czech company has quadrupled its sales worldwide and has expanded its vehicle range from one product in 1991 to currently five different models. So how did it all happen?

1990/1991

- Following the political change, Škoda begins searching for a strong western partner. Besides Volkswagen, GM, BMW, and Renault are making a pitch. The primary interest of the foreign manufacturers is aimed at the front wheel drive technology of the Škoda model Favorit.

- In December 1990, the Czech government awards the Volkswagen Group with the deal. On April 16th, 1991, the agreement takes effect. A new era begins for the company.

1994

- The Favorit is replaced with the new model Felicia. With regard to quality and styling, the vehicle meets international standards.

1995

- In mid-February, the foundation stone for the production facility for the new middle class model Octavia is laid in Mladá Boleslav. A new hall for the paint shop is built as well. The factory in the Northern Bohemian town of Vrchlabí is modernized. The investments by the Volkswagen Group in these and other measures correspond to 20 percent of all the foreign investments in the Czech Republic.

1996

- At the end of April, the one-millionth Škoda vehicle since the entry of Volkswagen is built.

- On September 3rd, 1996, the new manufacturing plant for the Octavia is ceremoniously opened.

- With the Octavia, the manufacturer introduces the second model series.

1998

- The success of the brand increases. In January of 1998, the company receives the name Škoda Auto a.s. and becomes the largest industrial company in the Czech Republic. In the same month, work starts for the construction of a new car body manufacture with a capacity of 1200 car bodies per day.

- In May of 1998, the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Škoda Parts Center takes place.

- In November, the construction of a model customer center and the hall for the production of engine and transmission components with an annual capacity of half a million units starts.

- For the first time, Škoda produces more than 400,000 vehicles per year (1998). They are exported into 70 countries.

- The Octavia is supplemented with a station wagon version.

1999

- A further expansion of the Octavia range with a four-wheel version

- In April of 1999, the new Research and Development Center is opened, strengthening the autonomy of the Technical Development Department

- As the third model, the new Fabia is introduced on the market. It is immediately awarded with the “Golden Steering Wheel” in Germany.

2000

- The Volkswagen Group becomes the hundred percent owner of the company.

- The station wagon version of the Fabia is introduced.

2001

- The internationalization is boosted. Škoda starts its production in Aurangabad, India.

- The Superb is launched in the market.

2002

- Sales on the Indian market begin.

- In Kvasiny, Czech Republic, a new plant is opened.

2003

- Škoda builds the four-millionth car in Mladá Boleslav since the entry of Volkswagen.

- The Octavia II is launched in the market.

2005

- The newly expanded Logistical Center for original parts and accessories in Mladá Boleslav begins its operations.

- On November 1st, the Czech automobile manufacturer builds the five-millionth vehicle since 1991.

2006

- For the first time, the annual production exceeds the amount of 500,000 vehicles.

- Škoda ventures onto the Chinese market

- As the fourth model series by the manufacturer, the smart space marvel Roomster is launched

2007

- In Shanghai, the brand opens its first exclusive dealership in China and begins the licensed production of Škoda vehicles together with Shanghai Volkswagen.

- The new Fabia enters the market and seamlessly continues the success of its predecessor.

2008

- In March, the new Superb celebrates its world premiere. With that model, Škoda picks up the tradition of the model series from the 1930s and ventures into the upper middle class.

- In a joint venture with Volkswagen, an assembly line in the Russian town of Kaluga is prepared.

- Škoda proves its social commitment with the ceremonial opening if the educational center “Na Karmeli” in Mladá Boleslav. The Škoda Academy is located there as well.

- The first, particularly environmentally-friendly vehicles of the GreenLine series are introduced in the market.

2009

- At the Geneva Motor Show, the new Yeti is presented as the 5th model of the brand.

- The number of vehicles built since the entry of Volkswagen exceeds seven million units.

- The production of the Octavia in the Russian town of Kaluga begins at full depth.

2010

- For the first time, the manufacturer exceeds the threshold of three quarters of a million sold vehicles.

- For the first time, the manufacturer presents an electric vehicle, the concept car Octavia Green E Line at the Paris Motor Show.

- In December, Škoda and Shanghai Volkswagen sign a license agreement for the production of the Yeti in China, beginning in 2013.

- Škoda Motorsports wins the world championship of the rally series “International Rally Championship”.

- With the Škoda Growth Strategy, worldwide sales are to be doubled to 1.5 million units by the year 2018.

2011

- The manufacturer celebrates the jubilee “110 Years of Škoda Motorsports”.

- A new corporate design and the newly designed company logo are launched, marking the setting out of the company to new horizons.

- The design study VISIOND gives a preview of the future design architecture of the brand.

- 20-year anniversary of the cooperation with Volkswagen.

Skoda is organising a comprehensive summer car check-up camp between 1st April – 30th April, 2011. This summer camp will offer a 16 point complimentary check and will offer a thorough examination of the AC, engine, steering, clutch, electrical system, tyres and wheel rims. The company aims to reach out and service around 20,000 cars through this campaign.

“Skoda Auto has constantly endeavoured to enhance the customer ownership experience. The Summer campaign offers a pre-emptive check-up and ensures our customers are not inconvenienced due to a change in season. This 16 point check up will ensure the necessary performance of the car and provide an enjoyable driving experience,” Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member and Director, Sales and Marketing, Skoda India said.

Skoda will launch media services, an application for iPhone and iPad. Designed to provide media with non-stop access to all relevant information and media functions, Skoda Media Services will be freely downloadable via the iTunes Store. Whether the user needs up to the minute news, photographs, films, technical data or the right contact person, Skoda’s new mobile application will offer relevant first hand information. In its pilot stage, the project is designed exclusively for Apple devices with the iOS operating system, but the company intends to extend the application in the future and offer a larger number of mobile features and functions.

Skoda Auto has unveiled a new design concept VisionD at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The company claims that they are offering a glimpse into the future with the VisionD. The economic goals set by the carmaker require a new focus drawing on the inspiration of a tradition stretching back for more than 110 years. The design concept fleshes out the contours of the growth strategy with clearly defined features, maximum care and attention to detail. The VisionD will lend design cues to the next generation Octavia/Laura.

VisionD singles out characteristic design elements of the SKODA brand and guides them towards the future. The long wheelbase and short overhangs are a prerequisite for successful automotive architecture as they both allow for above average interior space and, coupled with the dynamic roof line, lend the car a high degree of visual majesty. The fluent integration of the tailgate underscores the entire car’s sophisticated practicality. The high everyday utility value and distinctive interior modular design are traditional brand values which are freshly interpreted in a more modern form here. The radiator grille with its unobtrusively shiny finish symbolizes the brand’s aesthetic blueprint, its fine slats resembling taut harp strings.