Skoda Auto is strategically planning to introduce a greater number of its international model offerings into the Indian market. This expansion aims to serve a more varied customer demographic. Simultaneously, the company has decided to hold back its electric vehicle (EV) launches in India for the time being. The current Skoda India portfolio spans a price range from over Rs 7 lakh to more than Rs 40 lakh.
An executive highlighted that while the core range of locally manufactured vehicles will continue as is for the next year, the company intends to bring in select global, celebrated car models to India. This move is positioned as a way to generate significant interest and excitement in the market, similar to the positive impact seen with the Octavia’s recent introduction. Beyond the locally built Kylaq, Kushaq, and Slavia, Skoda also imports models such as the Octavia and Kodiaq.
Skoda India is celebrating its best-ever sales performance, recording 61,607 units sold from January to October. This figure exceeds the previous annual record of 53,721 units achieved in 2022. The company is determined to maintain its position with a 2% share of the Indian passenger vehicle market. The current upward trend in sales is anticipated to continue through the end of the year.
Further enhancing its current offerings, Skoda plans to introduce additional trims for the Kylaq model and will be updating both the Kushaq and Slavia. On the subject of electric vehicles, Skoda has expressed that while it boasts a vast EV range globally, the Indian market presents significant challenges. Factors such as policy uncertainties and trade agreement discussions have made it difficult to finalize a stable roadmap for EV introductions. Skoda is resolute that EVs are the future and is indeed planning for them in India, but the timeline for their arrival will be determined by market conditions.