[S.MJet]

Originally Posted by GTO

Personally, I think it's a waste of time & unnecessary distraction for Tata. The Indian company is finally showing signs of revival with competent cars. Why partner with Skoda...a 'has been' in India?

Agree to some extent, a partnership works mostly when DNA, the strategic goals, etc. have some similarity, here not much similarity between Tata & VW/Skoda exists.
But on the other side this deal is only about platform sharing to get cost benefits from volumes, very less chance anything to go wrong.

[motorworks]

I just hope this whole partnership and platform sharing doesn't dilute the core quality of VW / Skoda cars. Although we speak about reliability issues, the fact is that VW's build quality is simply unmatched by Honda / Hyundai and Suzuki. And that's the reason for a certain fan following. If they move away from that then they lose that customer base.

Just look at Ford, they were known for well made cars that were fun to drive, now with the new Figo and aspire they have let go off that core USP and are struggling to match the Japanese and Koreans in pricing, servicing network and sales. Ford is in no man's land now, luckily the Ecosport and the Endy sort of help them maintain a certain perception.

[volkman10]

Mahindra and Skoda are rumored to engage in talks over after sales service.

Mahindra FirstChoice Services, the company is close to completing the deal with Chevrolet. In addition, Mahindra FirstChoice is in talks with Skoda to provide car owners with a wider service network. The bigger Mahindra Skoda network will come as a boon for potential and existing Skoda car owners.

If the deal comes through, Mahindra FirstChoice won’t become the exclusive service outlet for Skoda. They’ll complement and work along with the existing Skoda service network.

link

[volkman10]

Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo coming soon,




India-spec Rapid Monte Carlo to get special paint combination and unique equipment.

The India-edition Monte Carlo will naturally be based on the Indian car but will be done up on the same lines as the international model. It will thus come with a red exterior shade and an all-black interior. Additionally, it will also get an all-black grille and wing mirrors, along with 16-inch alloy wheels and a tailgate spoiler, both in black shade.

On the inside, the India-spec Rapid Monte Carlo will get unique aluminium scuff plates, faux-carbon fibre trim on the dashboard, a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, mobile holder, unique floor mats and upholstery with red stitching on the gear knob and aluminium sport pedals. The Skoda Rapid Monte Carlo for India will be priced around Rs 30,000 more than the standard top-spec trim.

link

[volkman10]

Rapid Monte Carlo edition launching by Diwali. New grille, alloys and black detailing and more sporty steering some of changes.



Source- ACI

[volkman10]

Skoda shows its 2017/18 portfolio,



Source: Skoda

[volkman10]

Skoda Karoq is being evaluated for India. Will replace the outgoing Yeti.

The all-new Kodiaq is set to spearhead Skoda's re-entry into the SUV world when it goes on sale towards the end of this year. The SUV will also strengthen the carmaker's positioning in the premium segment when it joins the Skoda Superb. Replacing the Yeti in Skoda's global portfolio, the Karoq will sit below the Kodiaq and give Skoda further volumes in India

Link

[volkman10]

Skoda to develop low-cost ‘Eco’ car platform for India, wants 5 percent market share by 2025.

Skoda’s engineers hope to ‘de-content’ the MQB by removing some of these systems which will reduce cost and weight. It is also likely that the high-tensile steel body panels which are hot stamped will be replaced with cold-stamped lower-grade steel, which according to a source “will still exceed the standards in the Indian market.”

Skoda Auto has indicated that it will take the lead in developing a low-cost ‘Eco’ car platform for the VW Group to serve cost-sensitive markets like India

The Eco platform is essentially a re-engineered version of the VW Group’s MQB platform – a highly modular architecture that underpins almost all the current compact and mid-size models from the group's brands

Skoda has an inherently lower cost base than sister brand VW, and is more flexible and a lot leaner in its engineering approach. For example, it is faster to embrace Indian engineering services and suppliers and a lot more pragmatic in finding solutions. Besides, Volkswagen simply doesn’t have the engineering resources nor the mindset to address the needs of emerging markets, especially now that its hands are full developing the future electric mobility solutions for the group, like the MEB platform – an all-electric architecture that will underpin all its future EVs.

link

[volkman10]

SUVs to lead Skoda’s fresh charge into India. In the first phase of the product plan.

VW and Skoda are expected to get three all-new models each. An SUV, a mid-size sedan and a premium hatchback.

Skoda Auto has confirmed that it will take the lead in developing a low-cost ‘Eco’ platform for the VW Group to serve cost-sensitive markets like India.

The first models to be built on the Eco platform are due in 2020, with the initial one likely to be a five-seat, mid-size SUV to rival the Creta. Both VW and Skoda will individually develop their own SUVs but will share the powertrain and other mechanicals

The next model is likely to be a mid-size sedan that could replace the VW Vento and Skoda Rapid, which are due for a model change in 2021. Moving further down the pyramid, Skoda will finally get into the hatchback segment it had vacated since it discontinued the Fabia in 2013. However, this won’t happen till 2022 by which time VW will finally replace the Polo in India as well, but not before skipping the current generation (in Europe) altogether.

Link

[volkman10]

Skoda’s 2 new SUVs for India will be Creta & Compass rivals.
Skoda Karoq to rival Jeep Compass and the other will be based on the New Eco platform ( (MQB - modified). The Karoq is likely to arrive in late 2018 or early 2019, while the Creta rival could in 2021.
This compact SUV will also get VW badging, but with different styling, and probably slightly higher positioning.

link

[Reinhard]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Skoda Karoq to rival Jeep Compass and the other will be based on the New Eco platform ( (MQB - modified). The Karoq is likely to arrive in late 2018 or early 2019, while the Creta rival could in 2021.

If 2021, then it will rival a very old Creta post 2-3 facelifts or an all new Creta and possibly other new entrants in what mostly will be the next "hatchback segment of the early 2000s" (by % growth) in near future.

Interesting times ahead!

[volkman10]

Skoda delays its entry to the USA, prioritizes the Indian Market.

We will need more time to work on the U.S. plans now" as Volkswagen has tasked the brand with leading the development of a low-cost vehicle for India.

link

[volkman10]

Nothing new, but here is their new announcement!

Volkswagen's Skoda to go it alone in India

- No partnership with any other manufacturer.

We could start selling cars in India based on our new platform in early 2021

- New platform - what is it - MQB/A0 (modified?)

In a first step, we are planning a production of more than 300,000 cars per year. Skoda would share the platform with the Volkswagen brand

Link

[arunramaswamy]

All talks no walks. How many times have we heard this "studying" jargon from Volkswagen?

2021 seems to be a really long time. Competition would have moved on by that time. Hope they plan to sell hybrids at least at that time. Planning for 300,000 cars per year? Steep target especially when they (VW+Skoda) have not sold that many in 5 years, let alone in a single year. Well good luck VAG. How about improving the after-sales experience while you are at it?