VW Group gives Skoda responsibility for core TSI gasoline engines

As Volkswagen Group increases its focus on battery-electric cars, the automaker has given its Skoda brand responsibility for the future development of the group's EA 211 series internal combustion engines.

The engines will power 50 model lines across seven VW Group brands, including VW, Audi and Cupra.

Skoda is typically handed group responsibility for older automotive technologies or those focused on cost-conscious emerging markets. For example, the brand is in charge of developing drum brakes, as well as the MQB A0 small car platform, which is aimed at India and southeast Asia.

Skoda currently oversees development of naturally aspirated MPI versions of the EA 211 range but will now be responsible for turbocharged TSI versions as well.

The EA 211 TSI versions are available in three-cylinder and four-cylinder formats and range in size from 1.0 liter to 1.6 liters. They are used in mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and non-electrified models and are fitted in the bulk of VW Group's cars sold in Europe.

Skoda said its developers will continue to improve and adapt the engines to the needs and regulations of dozens of global markets.

"The aim is to develop even more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines with lower emissions, with an emphasis on maximum reliability," the brand said.

Skoda began production of 1.0-liter MPI-type engines from the EA 211 series in 2012 at its headquarters in Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic. Shortly afterwards, the brand was put in charge of the complete development of MPI power units for VW Group.

Skoda developed the 1.2 HTP three-cylinder EA 111, the forerunner of the EA 211, which has been installed in 3.5 million VW Group cars over 15 years of production.