Volkswagen Group is investing one billion euros between 2019 and 2021 for the implementation of localised MQB A0 IN platform under ‘INDIA 2.0’ project in India
Skoda Auto has announced plans for INDIA 2.0 in New Delhi today with CEO Bernhard Maier and Gurpratap Boparai MD of the brand’s India division taking through the proceedings on a highly-anticipated press conference. The Czech firm has already confirmed of playing the main role for VW Group under the new project with India at the heart of action.
The ‘INDIA 2.0’ has its primary goal of sustainability in the long term as a massive investment of 1 billion euros (Rs. 7,900 crore) will be made between 2019 and 2021 as part of implementation of the new project in India. Mr. Maier targets up to five percent market share in the near future and to ensure all products rightly suit India, an exclusive “world class” engineering centre will be established in the country.
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Excitingly, the project is estimated to give 4,000-5,000 new employment in India as well. About one and half years ago, Skoda was handed with the task of developing a sustainable model campaign for both companies in the domestic volume space. India saw past Germany as the fourth largest car market in the world last year and has attracted the VW Group as third position is predicted to firmly up for grabs in the coming years.
All the products designed and produced in India will be based on the flexible MQB platform that already conforms with the safety standards and stringent emission norms coming into effect in 2020. The MQB is widely used by Volkswagen Group brands and under ‘INDIA 2.0’, a localised MQB A0 base will take the charge.
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The MQB A0 IN platform is optimised for India and comes as a direct derivative of the expensive MQB. Skoda will be rolling out its first vehicle based on the new platform as early as 2020 and it’s confirmed to be a mid-size SUV. Developments based on technologies and production processes of the new models for Škoda and Volkswagen are well underway with all the technical aspects affirmed to be carried out locally.
Courtesy of the new volume-based platform, standard components, dimensions and production processes meant costs will be significant lowered and production times will be drastically reduced. It will enable Skoda and Volkswagen to pitch their products against rivals in a much competitive manner.
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Skoda’s upcoming vehicles will be encouraged by the 30 percent increase in volume sales last year. Volkswagen Group is still open for collaboration with other manufacturers for mutual benefits and the new strategy prompts India as a major player for its global volume aspiration in the coming years.
From 2021, two new cars from each brand will be rolled out every year. With Skoda largely concentrating on compact crossovers globally, and VW finding resonating success with compact SUVs recently, we can expect the upcoming MQB A0 IN based products to address the mounting craze for SUVs on a large scale.