BANGALORE:
Czech automaker Skoda is working to develop an all-new platform for its proposed
small car project, distinct from the existing platform of parent Volkswagen, a
top company official said.
To
be made in India, the car is expected to make its debut within two years and
will be sold globally, Skoda India Director Thomas Kuehl said. Skoda’s
smallest offering is the premium hatchback Fabia, which was launched in India in
January. “Our small car will be launched first in India. The car will
cater to virgin markets and will be priced in the Rs 3-5 lakh bracket,” he
said. Simultaneously, Skoda will focus on expanding its product portfolio and
has eight models lined up for launch in the country within five
years.
"We
hope to sell 100,000 cars annually beginning 2012." To support its growth, Skoda
plans to expand capacity at its Aurangabad facility. The company has applied for
the allotment of 50 hectares acres at the location. The plant — which
makes the Laura, Superb, Octavia and the Fabia — has the capacity to build
30,000 vehicles annually.
The
production of the Fabia will move to VW’s Chakan facility by 2009 and free
up space at Aurangabad. Skoda will introduce its Roomster multi-utility vehicle
by the end 2008. Plans are being made to launch within a year the Fabia Combi
— a longer version of the hatchback — and the new Superb sedan built
on VW’s B6 platform. In 2010, the company will launch the Yeti sport
utility vehicle.