Skoda Auto India: Facts & Figures

[Akash1886]

Volkswagen Group India consolidates into a new entity: ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited

› Regulatory authorities approved the transformative merger of Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. (VWIPL), Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. (NSC) and ŠKODA AUTO India Pvt. Ltd. (SAIPL)
› The merger of the three Volkswagen Group passenger car companies is a crucial milestone in the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project
› Mr. Gurpratap Boparai appointed Managing Director of the new company
› The integration will make more efficient use of the existing synergies in this important growth market

Pune/Mumbai/Aurangabad, October 7, 2019 : The ŠKODA AUTO led Volkswagen Group India, having secured the prerequisite regulatory and statutory approvals, announced the transformative merger of its three passenger car subsidiaries - Volkswagen India Private Limited (VWIPL), Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited (NSC) and ŠKODA AUTO India Private Limited (SAIPL). The merger of three former Volkswagen Group entities is an important milestone in the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project. The merged entity will be referred to as ‘ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited’ (SAVWIPL). The entity will be led by Mr. Gurpratap Boparai, who will assume the role of its Managing Director. The company will be headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, operate two production facilities in Pune and Aurangabad, and have regional offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, and other locations across the country. The integration will make more efficient use of the existing synergies in this important growth market.

Mr. Bernhard Maier, ŠKODA AUTO CEO, explains: “The operational launch of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited marks an important milestone in the INDIA 2.0 project. This merger creates one of the key prerequisites for working together more efficiently at all levels and achieving our long-term goal: to gain significant market shares for Volkswagen and ŠKODA by 2025. We will now proceed in a series of quick steps: As early as next year, we will be presenting a specific outlook for our INDIA 2.0 model portfolio at the Auto Expo in Delhi.”

Mr. Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd., adds: “With this merger, we plan to combine the technology and management expertise of our team in India and realize our true potential in a challenging, competitive environment. We want to further strengthen our presence in India, ensure the professional development of our employees and safeguard sustainable profitability for our dealers.”

The emergence of the merged entity with a strong brand portfolio – ŠKODA AUTO, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini is envisioned to serve across market segments and budgets. These brands shall retain their distinctive identities, dealer network as well as implementing their own customer experience initiatives. However, they will be pursuing a shared vision and strategy for the Indian subcontinent.

In July 2018, the Volkswagen Group announced investments of around one billion euros as part of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project. In January 2019, a new technology centre was opened in Pune, India, where vehicles will be developed based on the localized MQB-A0-IN subcompact platform, tailored to the wishes and requirements of local customers. The first step in the model campaign will involve ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited launching a mid-size SUV model that will be available from both ŠKODA and Volkswagen. The company will be presenting the studies at the Auto Expo 2020, which is held in New Delhi from 6 to 9 February 2020.

Regards

Akash

 

[Nairrk]

Here’s The India-bound 2020 Skoda Octavia: Cleaner, Meaner, And Bigger Than Ever Before!

Skoda fanboys rejoice! Skoda Auto has taken the wraps off the 2020 Octavia at Prague, Czech Republic. Further good news is that it’s coming to India and is likely to be showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. The Octavia celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and this is the fourth generation of Skoda's bread and butter model. It will be available in both sedan and estate body styles. Just like every cyclical generation update, the Octavia is bigger, comes with revamped styling, a well-appointed interior and a lengthy feature list. It also comes with Euro-6d compliant powertrains that are much cleaner than BS6.

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[Nairrk]

New Skoda Octavia India launch confirmed by company Director

While 2020 has just gotten underway, Skoda Auto India gives a fair idea of what the year is going to look like. The company commits to ‘5 new or updated models to be launched this year.’

One of them could be the Octavia new gen, which is slated for launch either in late 2020 or in early 2021. The other launches expected include the Rapid facelift and Superb facelift. The Skoda Kamiq too has been spied testing here.

Over recent months, Skoda has redesigned its footprint in India. This revolves around renewed interest in the market and would entail products that keep the brand relevant and competitive. Skoda Karoq would be one such launch. The CBU, a midsize SUV will be available as a petrol option to start with.

Coming back to the new gen Octavia, on the design front, the next gen Skoda Octavia will get a new front grille and headlamp cluster. It will also sport LED DRLs and a new bonnet with deep crease lines while at the rear, new L shaped tail lamps and a Skoda logo on its boot lid will be noted. It could also come in with increased dimensions in which case interior space will be at a premium.

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[Akash1886]

#WeNotMe. ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India pledges support to fight COVID-19​

› Donates financial aid of rupees 1 Crore to Sassoon Hospital in Pune

› Will set up Covid-19 facility with critical care equipment and essential medical consumables

› ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India has also prototyped, developed and produced reusable face shields to offer a primary level of protection to healthcare providers treating Covid-19 patients.

› Partnered with NGO to distribute 50,000 food packets to those in need in Aurangabad

› Will support hospitals with 35,000 sanitizers across Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad

› Will import essential medical supplies to India through Volkswagen AG

Pune, 1st April, 2020: ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited (ŠAVWIPL) pledges financial aid of INR 1 crore towards the setup of the dedicated COVID -19 facility by Pune based Sassoon General Hospital. The contribution is made towards essential medical consumables and critical care equipment for the medical team and patients fighting the COVID-19. In addition, ŠAVWIPL will donate over 35,000 sanitizers to hospitals in Pune, Aurangabad and Mumbai and distribute over 50,000 food packets in the Aurangabad region. The company is also producing reusable face shields within the Chakan factory which will distributed amongst healthcare providers treating Covid-19 patients.


Face shields help protect the wearer's face from body fluids and can be worn in conjunction with masks while offering clarity for procedures. Designed to prevent fogging while being light weight to allow healthcare personnel to communicate freely talk at the same time be movement friendly. Approval has been obtained from Dr. Ajay Chandanwale, Dean of the Maharashtra State Government run Sassoon General Hospital. The Face masks produced by SAVWIPL has been certified by the team for Indoor and outdoor use, will be used in ICU while doing procedures and for COVID -19 OPD consultation. The transparent sheet that forms the shield, can be sanitized after 6-8 hours before reuse.


Considering the surging shortage of sanitizer’s in the market, ŠAVWIPL will donate over 35,000 sanitizers to Sassoon General Hospital (Pune), Kasturba Gandhi Hospital (Mumbai) and Government Hospital (Aurangabad). The company also lending its support to Annamitra Foundation who will be distributing 50,000 food packets to the needy people in and around Aurangabad till the lockdown is lifted. The company is also looking at utilising its global supply chain capabilities to organise essential medical supplies that India needs to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.


#WeNotMe. Our parent company, ŠKODA AUTO a.s. in collaboration with the Czech Technical University, Prague, has developed and producing reusable FFP3 respirators for hospitals using 3D printers. It is also helping charities, municipalities and volunteers distribute medicines and food by offering the use of its fleet of owned vehicles. The Volkswagen Group is organizing medical materials including face masks, gloves, disinfectants, clinical thermometers, protective goggles and protective clothing – is to be made available to medical personnel providing emergency treatment and care.

Regards
Akash

 

[Akash1886]

Buying a ŠKODA – now a click away!​

› ŠKODA AUTO will continue to support the nation's fight against the coronavirus pandemic
› With the introduction of the OCTAVIA RS 245 in March, the Czech marque pioneered the digital sales experience in INDIA
› The portal offers the convenience to choose a ŠKODA AUTO offering round the clock at the comfort of one's abode - now that’s ‘Simply Clever!’
› Integrates 80 plus dealership touchpoints nationwide and boasts a robust consultation programme
› ŠKODA AUTO celebrates 125 years of its glorious history and heritage world over

Mumbai, 30 April 2020

: ŠKODA AUTO India set the precedence in the digital purchase ecosystem of the country with the market introduction of the OCTAVIA RS 245 early this year. The overwhelming response from automobile enthusiasts and brand loyalists from across the nation obligated the Czech marque to broaden the scope of its centralized booking platform (https://www.buyskodaonline.co.in/) that now transcends its entire range of products. ŠKODA AUTO India commenced the booking window for the luxurious new SUPERB FL and the much-awaited KAROQ against a refundable booking fee of INR 50,000 (Rupees Fifty Thousand Only) and for the new RAPID 1.0 TSI at INR 25,000 (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only).

The portal is designed by ŠKODA AUTO in cognizance of the expectations of its discerning customers and befits a transparent and contactless experience the marque commits to deliver in wake of the coronavirus pandemic - thereby securing the health and safety of its employees as well as its patrons.

Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director - ŠKODA AUTO India, said: “We championed an online sales experience with the launch of the OCTAVIA RS 245. The results were astonishing, and the two hundred units of the RS 245 sold out in a jiffy! It has compelled the brand to extend the facility across its product portfolio. The move is apt and acknowledges the demand for a contactless experience. ŠKODA AUTO will continue to support the nation's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with numerous CSR initiatives.

The seamless and secure booking platform (https://www.buyskodaonline.co.in/) offers the flexibility to choose a ŠKODA AUTO vehicle in a hassle-free and convenient manner round the clock (24x7) at the comfort of one's residence. The venture is supported by a robust consultation programme and integrates over 80 dealership touchpoints of the Czech automaker pan India.

Regards
Akash

 

[Nairrk]

Skoda India Hints At Plans For Local Assembly Of Karoq

Recently, the local subsidiary of Skoda launched the Karoq in India at a starting price of Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The new model sits below the Kodiaq and is pitted against the VW T-Roc as well as the top-end variants of the Jeep Compass. It has even come to light that the company could be interested in the local assembly through CKD (Completely Knocked Down) model in the future.

Speaking to a media outlet, Zac Hollis, director, sales, service and marketing, Skoda Auto India has said,“I would certainly like to bring in local assembly of this car.” However, the executive has clearly added that the plan to commence local assembly would be dependent on many factors and could take some time to materialize.

Another important factor that will play a role in Skoda decided to commence local assembly will be the country’s swiftly evolving regulations. While the BSVI norms came into effect recently, the emission targets will get even tighter with the introduction of the RDE (Real Driving Emissions) norms that will come into effect in 2023.

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[Nairrk]

Skoda Supercare, Extended warranty for 6 yrs – Rapid, Superb, Karoq

Skoda Extended Warranty Programme Skoda Extended Warranty Programme is available at a starting price of Rs 30,975, and entails additional warranty for fifth and sixth year or 1,50,000 kilometres (whichever is earlier) from purchase date. Curated for six year hassle free ownership experience, the programme is for all Skoda cars on sale (Rapid, Octavia RS245, Karoq, Superb). Warranty extension can be availed by existing customers who have a vehicle under the four year warranty programme (purchased on / after 1 September 2016, and below 97,000 km). All who avail of the package, can transfer it to the next owner at the time of resale.

Zac Hollis, Brand Director – ŠKODA AUTO India, said: “In line with our customer centric approach, the new extended warranty programme now takes the PEACE OF MIND philosophy to the next level. Customers can now avail the attractive offer of fifth and sixth year warranty – coupled with convenient and ‘value for money’ 2 year and 4 year ŠKODA SuperCare service and maintenance packages.”

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[Nairrk]

Skoda To Add 100 New Dealers In India By The End Of 2020

Skoda Auto India is currently focusing on expanding its footprint across the country. Apart from adding new outlets, the company will also be replacing the existing ones, who do not have enough financial resources to expand with the brand. The Czech automaker is working on the dealer expansion network throughout the country alongside its digital sales growth. The automaker intends to double its dealership network by 2022 as a part of project India 2.0.

As per the original plan, the company aimed to strengthen its network by opening 124 new dealers by the end of this year. However, the plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the brand has revised its target to 100 new outlets by the end of this year.

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[Nairrk]

Skoda Rapid & Superb Now Available On Lease; Rentals Start At ₹ 22,580

Skoda Auto India has introduced its new 'Clever Lease' program that leases the company's cars to customers. Under the new leasing services, the Skoda Rapid TSI and the Skoda Superb facelift will be the first cars to be made accessible and will be available with a range of flexible ownership solutions. Customers can lease the Skoda sedans for a minimum period of 24 months, or choose from 36, 48 and 60-month options. The monthly lease rental for the range starts from ₹ 22,580 onward. The automaker has tied up with Orix Auto Infrastructure Services to facilitate the leasing option.

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[Akash1886]

ŠKODA AUTO India expands its footprint in South India with its first dealership in Puducherry​

• ŠKODA AUTO’s state of the art facility with KUN Motors in Puducherry boasts of a 3,000 sq. ft. modern showroom and 11,000 sq. ft. of premium service space with 20 plus technicians and staff members
• The new facility is the first outlet of the Czech marque, in Puducherry, and aims to enhance the overall purchase and ownership experience for ŠKODA AUTO customers in the region
• Under the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, ŠKODA AUTO India will double its network penetration, and expand to 50 new cities over the next three years

Puducherry, 03 March 2021

: With the inauguration of KUN Motors in Puducherry, ŠKODA AUTO India aims to strengthen its position and push forward its campaign of establishing a strong foothold in the southern markets of India. The new state of the art dealership facility sports the new Corporate Identity and Design as a part of ŠKODA AUTO’s global redesigning process. The Czech auto manufacturer, under the purview of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, will have twice as many sales and service touchpoints, as it does today, by 2022.

The new KUN Motors dealership facility is strategically located in a prime location at RS.No.57/5A, Plot no 3, Puducherry to Cuddalore NH /ECR Road, Junction of Manavely Road, Ariyankuppam, Puducherry – 605007 and offers utmost ease and convenience across the region. The Showroom boasts of the latest CI & design language of ŠKODA AUTO and can display 4 cars in an overall area of 3000 Sq. feet. Also, the new workshop facility is located at No 148/50, ECR Road, Kottupalayam, Next to Amuthasurabi Petrol Bunk, Lawspet, Puducherry. 605008. The workshop is spread across 11,000 Sq Feet with a capacity to service approximately 800 cars per month. The State-of-the-art facility is equipped with 06 bays, latest infrastructure & equipment as per ŠKODA Standards for serving the customers. Both the Showroom and Workshop facilities are well located to serve customers of Puducherry.

Commenting on the inauguration of the new facility, Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India said, “To ensure preparedness for INDIA 2.0 launches, we at ŠKODA AUTO India are continually striving to expand our network reach, across the nation, so that more and more customers can experience our products and also enjoy easy access to our customer centric aftersales solutions. South India is one of the key markets for us and we are excited about the launch of our first dealership in Puducherry. We are confident that our partnership with KUN Motors will be pivotal for our growth in the region.”

Mr. Arun Uppuswamy, Dealer Principal, KUN Motor Enterprises Private Limited said, “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with ŠKODA AUTO India and introduce the first dealership facility in Puducherry. With the global best practices and processes of ŠKODA AUTO coupled with our understanding of the customer preferences, we endeavour to provide best-in-class customer experience.”

ŠKODA AUTO India currently has two models in India, namely RAPID and SUPERB. The company will soon be launching its mid-size SUV Kushaq based on the MBQ – A0 IN platform , which will be the first ŠKODA SUV to be manufactured in India.


MODERN DEALERSHIP FACILITIES WITH STREAMLINED BUSINESS PROCESSES
In line with the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, the corporate architecture, functional interiors, and rationalized business processes, aim to enhance the overall customer experience. The new architectural concept of the dealership design reflects ŠKODA AUTO’s philosophy expressed in the slogan: “Simply Clever with a Human Touch”.

The new architecture of the dealership facility is characterized by clear and simple shapes, a harmonious colour concept, modular design features, and a modern lighting concept. The new exteriors of the ŠKODA AUTO dealerships will be the brand’s powerful statement during both day and night - clear, transparent, modern, and open.

In addition to sustaining ŠKODA AUTO’s proven strengths, the company is placing an increasing emphasis on enhancing the emotional appeal of the brand. It is conveyed by the sophisticated and logical arrangement of all the key elements, business areas, customer zones, and the use of cutting-edge technology.

The high-quality materials, new design features, effective lighting solutions, architectural graphic elements, and warm wooden tones create an inviting atmosphere. Fresh hues, clarity, openness, and transparency are the highlights of the new interiors of ŠKODA AUTO showrooms.

Regards
Akash

 

[Akash1886]

ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India pledges free Covid-19 vaccination for its employees/dependents​

› ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India will be covering the vaccination cost of all its employees and their dependents

› ~ 36,000 people will be covered under this program

› Vaccination will be covered as part of the phased drive in line with the government guidelines.

› While the company is encouraging its employees to get inoculated, the drive is voluntary

Pune, 10th March, 2021:

ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited (ŠAVWIPL) has announced the commencement of the Covid-19 vaccination drive for all its employees as well as their dependents in line with the ongoing government guidelines. The inoculation drive will cover both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine in phases as defined by the authorities covering senior citizens and people with co-morbidities first, followed by a wider application in the general population. Apart from the on-roll employees, the program will also cover the apprentices, and will be working with its suppliers to cover the third-party workers.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, ŠAVWIPL said, “The safety, health and wellbeing of our employees and their families are of our paramount importance. The commencement of the public vaccination drive is a huge relief and a step towards being able put the pandemic behind. As a responsible organization, SAVWIPL is contributing to the same by covering the cost of vaccination for all employees and their dependents, in line with government guidelines.”

The vaccination drive is part of the voluntary workplace wellness program and eligible employees / dependants can choose to receive the Covid-19 vaccination from their preferred private hospital, the cost for which will be covered by SAVWIPL.

India, which began its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on January 16, 2021, started the second phase of vaccination on 01 March 2021, under which people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years with co-morbidities will be vaccinated. As per the current government process, one needs to register via Arogya Setu app / COWIN portal and schedule his/her vaccination at a nearby hospital.

Regards
Akash

 

[350Z]

Skoda India has extended Warranty, Services & SuperCare Maintenance Plans which were due to expire between April and June to 31st July. Roadside Assistance (due to expire in April – May) is extended to 30th June.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[Nairrk]

Skoda Auto India Plans To Expand Dealership Network To 150 By End Of 2021

Skoda Auto India is set to have a busy second half of 2021 with the company planning multiple product launches and dealership expansion to further strengthen its presence in the country. The automaker will finally bring its first locally-made product under the India 2.0 strategy, and the Skoda Kushaq is by far, the manufacturer's most important launch. To facilitate better sales, the automaker also plans to improve its network presence and will aim to expand its sales and service presence to 150 touchpoints by the end of this year from the current 105. The automaker has widened its expansion plans further, having announced a target of 130 touchpoints earlier this year.

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[350Z]

Skoda Auto India Plans To Expand Dealership Network To 150 By End Of 2021

Skoda India has shared in a Press Release that it will be present in more than 100 cities by next month:

• It’ll have 170 sales and after sales touchpoints.
• This count is expected to cross 225 by next year.
• This will be the brand’s largest coverage ever since it commenced operations in India.
• Skoda India claims to have received over 200 applications for dealerships after the launch of Kushaq.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[Akash1886]

Official Press Release by Skoda Auto India for Expansion (@350Z )

ŠKODA AUTO TO BE PRESENT IN MORE THAN 100 CITIES IN INDIA​

Network augmentation important part of the KUSHAQ launch strategy

› To reach more than 170 customer touchpoints, including sales and after-sales facilities, by August 2021; will cross 225 by next year
› More than 200 applications received for ŠKODA dealerships post the KUSHAQ launch
› Continues with aggressive actions aimed at increasing the network presence in line with its customer-centric strategy
› Several actions in place to build on the ownership experience, led by the recently bolstered ‘Peace of Mind’ Campaign

New Delhi, 27th July 2021 – ŠKODA AUTO, the Czech Marque, has grown its network presence by almost 15% with the launch of the KUSHAQ, less than a month ago. This has been enabled by a focused effort on expanding the network, which formed an important part of the KUSHAQ launch strategy. The brand will be present in more than 100 cities across India by August 2021, and this will be its largest coverage in the country since it entered this market. With this, ŠKODA AUTO India will have more than 170 customer touchpoints including sales and after-sales facilities.

The rollout of the network expansion strategy is a result of tremendous efforts over the last year in identifying the right partners, as ŠKODA AUTO India is gearing up to cater to the growing demand across the product range. The increased network reach will also support the brand’s three-pronged strategy of launching new products, introducing new services and building on its promise of customer centricity.

The launch of KUSHAQ has infused tremendous confidence and excitement across the dealer fraternity. There have been more than 200 dealership applications by potential partners who want to be part of the growth of the brand in India. This includes a mix of new dealers, and also existing dealers who want to build on the brand association and open additional facilities.

Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director – ŠKODA AUTO India, said, “The launch of KUSHAQ stands testament to a new era for ŠKODA AUTO in India. On the back of this world-class SUV, we had a clear vision of taking the ŠKODA brand to new and emerging markets across the country. I am delighted to share that we will be present in more than 100 cities from the coming month. Enhancing the ownership experience is a key pillar of our growth strategy and increasing our network presence is one of the important pillars to meet this objective.”

The 100 cities that ŠKODA AUTO India will be present in by August 2021 will include new markets like Sangli, Bhilwara, Faridabad, Panchkula, Navsari, Vapi and Hardoi, amongst others. This will enhance the brand’s existing presence in over 90 cities which includes Patiala, Sirsa,
Ghaziabad, Alwar, Aligarh, Siliguri, Bhavnagar, Satara, Ahmednagar, Belgaum, Shimoga, Kannur, Alleppy, Dindigul, Karur, Nellore, Bhimavaram and many other tier II-III cities, apart from all metro and most state capital cities.

ŠKODA AUTO India also recently announced its Peace of Mind Campaign to provide additional benefits and an enhanced experience to customers in India. The Peace of Mind Campaign is built on four pillars – Cost of ownership, Customer Reach, Convenience and Transparency. Through this initiative, the company plans to build its after-sales offerings, providing an unparalleled ownership experience to customers.

Regards
Akash