As part of the India 2.0 project, Skoda takes over Volkswagen Group India operations.

Skoda Takes Over Volkswagen Group
The India 2.0 project will be headed by Skoda India MD, Gurpratap Boparai

As part of the India 2.0 project, Skoda has been assigned with the task of taking over the Indian operations of Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen Group’s position in the growing Indian market has to be further strengthened for the long term and hence the decision to let Skoda take over has been taken.

All models designed and produced locally in India for both Skoda and Volkswagen will be based on the MQB platform. Besides, with the India 2.0 project, the Czech carmaker is also assuming the responsibility for the sub-compact MQB-A0 platform, initially with a focus on India. Both the carmakers are already working on the India-specific models that will be launched in the near future. In fact, the first Skoda model based on the MQB-A0 platform is scheduled to be launched in India sometime in 2020.

Considering the SUV craze in the Indian market, the first Skoda and Volkswagen model based on the MQB-A0 platform is likely to be a compact SUV that will go against the likes of the Hyundai Creta. The second model is likely to be a mid-size sedan (next-generation Vento for Volkswagen and next-generation Rapid for Skoda).

The fundamental benefits of the MQB or the MQB-A0 platform are that the costs can be lowered and production times can be reduced via the standardisation of components, dimensions and production processes. To give you a perspective of Skoda’s performance in the last year, their sales grew from 13,000 units in 2016 to 17,100 units in 2017 thereby recording a growth of 30%.

Skoda Takes Over Volkswagen

– Skoda to drive Volkswagen’s comeback in India as part of the India 2.0 project
– The project also entitles Skoda the responsibility for MQB-A0 platform
– First Skoda model based on the MQB-A0 platform is likely to be launched in 2020
– Czech carmaker is confident of making the India 2.0 project a success

2017 Skoda Karoq Front and Side
The first Skoda model based on the MQB-A0 platform is likely to be a compact SUV that will be positioned below the Karoq