Skoda plans to expand Indian SUV portfolio
, ET Bureau|
Updated: Oct 05, 2017, 12.11 AM IST
MUMBAI:Having created a strong niche for itself in the premium sedan space, Czech carmaker Skoda Auto is planning a portfolio of sports utility vehicles in India across price points and further reinforce its image as a provider of value luxury in the market.
It launched the Kodiaq SUV on Wednesday at Rs 34.49 lakh ex-showroom, aiming to wean away buyers of luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Land Rover Discovery. Skoda said it is evaluating bringing in the Karoq C-segment SUV to India and also exploring if it can participate in the mainstream SUV market in the coming years to take on models such as Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
Skoda, which had vacated the mass market three years ago to focus on premium products, has decided to return after the VW Group gave its Czech unit responsibility to devise an Eco-Car platform for India and other emerging markets. SUVs are expected to be part of its plan to expand in the mass market post 2020.
It launched the Kodiaq SUV on Wednesday at Rs 34.49 lakh ex-showroom, aiming to wean away buyers of luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Land Rover Discovery. Skoda said it is evaluating bringing in the Karoq C-segment SUV to India and also exploring if it can participate in the mainstream SUV market in the coming years to take on models such as Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
Skoda, which had vacated the mass market three years ago to focus on premium products, has decided to return after the VW Group gave its Czech unit responsibility to devise an Eco-Car platform for India and other emerging markets. SUVs are expected to be part of its plan to expand in the mass market post 2020.
