The new vehicle is based on the MQB A0 IN platform as Skoda assumes major role in developments of ‘INDIA 2.0’ project for VW Group
Skoda Auto has confirmed to play the ace role for Volkswagen Group in the upcoming developments for the conglomerate in the domestic passenger car market. The devised ‘INDIA 2.0’ project is handed over to Skoda and has its main goal of sustainability in the long term as VW and Skoda will be looking to build a strong foundation.
About 18 months ago, Skoda was given the task of developing a sustainable model campaign for both the brands in the Indian volume segments. With the domestic car space growing rapidly, it is only logical to pour in resources to attain sustainability. India overtook Germany as the fourth largest car market in the world last year and is significantly luring in new car makers as well with Kia, MG and PSA making their debuts soon.
Also Read: Skoda Plans Unleashing Hyundai Creta Rivalling SUV In India
It has been stated that all the vehicles designed and manufactured locally in the future will be based on the VW Group’s flexible MQB architecture and it conforms with the basic requisites coming into effect in 2020 in India. The MQB platform is vastly used by VW Group brands with appreciable degree of success in the international arena. Under the ‘INDIA 2.0’, Skoda takes over the proceedings of the subcompact MQB A0 platform with focus on India.
The MQB A0 IN architecture is an affordable derivative of the expensive MQB and the time taken to give it a green signal has hampered Volkswagen Group from launching brand new products in recent years. For instance, the latest global Polo is more upmarket than the existing version in India and it would have been deemed unfeasible.
Also Read: Skoda’s New Affordable Platform For India To Spawn 3 Lakh Cars Per Year
With the MQB A0 IN comes into act, the scenario is about to change and Skoda will roll out its first product based on the new platform as early as 2020. Development based on the India-bound technologies as well as production processes of the new volume models for Škoda and Volkswagen is already underway. Majority of the technical developments will take place in India as well.
The project will be headed by Skoda Auto India’s Managing Director Gurpratap Boparai, Due to standardisation of components, dimensions and production processes, costs are lowered and production times gets drastically reduced courtesy of the MQB. It also offers flexibility in developing new vehicles.
As for its own portfolio, Skoda is trying to build on its over 30 percent increase in volume sales last year with the MQB A0 IN based new vehicles. With Skoda concentrating on SUVs and crossovers for its global fleet, and the Kodiaq as well as Karoq have endured huge success, its upcoming product in India is expected to be a new compact SUV.