Skoda India is planning to launch 4 new models in 2021. Under its India 2.0 initiative, it plans to expand its footprint across the country. In an effort to do that, it has recently opened one of the biggest workshops in Navi Mumbai. This facility boasts of a massive 34,000 sqft area. It consists of 23 bays with a capacity of servicing 7000 cars per annum. This facility has more than 50 aftersales personnel to enable a smooth aftersales experience for the customers.
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All these signs suggest that Skoda India is certainly on the right path to achieve its goal of large scale market penetration under the India 2.0 initiative. It will launch 2 SUVs and 2 Sedans in 2021. Let’s have a look at these launches.
Skoda Kodiaq launch around mid-2021
The Skoda Kodiaq was discontinued in India, following the BS6 emission regulations, that came into effect from April 1, 2020. It had a diesel engine on offer and it would have expensive to update this engine to comply with BS6 norms. So, Skoda decided to take it temporarily off our markets. But now the Kodiaq is all set to make a comeback in a petrol-only disguise around mid-2021. It will come with a 2.0l turbo-petrol engine that will produce 190 bhp.
Skoda Vision IN-based SUV launch around March 2021
Skoda has finally decided to enter the fastest growing and the most popular segment in India, the mid-size SUV segment. This segment is a highly competitive one, with cars like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and MG Hector, already having made a mark in the Indian market. This could be a tough challenge to compete in this segment with some of the country’s most loved mid-size SUVs. Previewed by the Vision IN concept, Skoda will launch this SUV around March 2021, with deliveries expected to begin soon thereafter.
Skoda Octavia launch around mid-2021
The all-new Skoda Octavia will launch around the same time as the Kodiaq. Powering the Octavia will likely to be the 2.0l turbo petrol TSI engine churning out 190 bhp and 320 Nm torque. The only transmission likely to be offered is the already successful DSG transmission. Will it be as successful as the previous-gen Octavia, we will soon find out!
Skoda Rapid launch around end 2021
Skoda will also replace the existing Rapid with an all-new model based on is MQB A0 platform. This will translate into a bigger dimension as compared to the current model. The Skoda Rapid will come with the 1.0l TSI engine mated to a manual and an automatic transmission. The new Skoda Rapid is expected to launch around the end of 2021.
Also read: Skoda Rapid sold out till next year!
So the plans are set for the entire 2021 for Skoda India. It promises to be a busy year and probably a key time frame for the company. Skoda has made a lot of efforts to penetrate the market in a big way. It has decided to expand its sales and service touchpoints by increasing the number to three times than what it has currently, by 2022. This is a clear sign that the company plans to penetrate the Indian market in a big way and is here to stay and fight it out. This can potentially decide Skoda Volkswagen Group’s future in the country.
