Volkswagen (VW) Group has entrusted the responsibility of strengthening its position in the growing Indian market to its unit Skoda Auto as part of ‘India 2.0’ project.
“Volkswagen Group has tasked us with this responsibility, thereby highlighting the level of trust that Volkswagen Group’s management places in the expertise of the Škoda team,” said Bernhard Maier, CEO, Skoda, after the board approved the project.
MQB platform
All models designed and produced locally in India in future will be based on VW Group’s MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten or modular transverse matrix) platform, which meets the stricter legal requirements for India that come into force from 2020. Under the ‘India 2.0’ project, Skoda Auto would take over the responsibility for the sub-compact platform which has the code name MQB A0. The introduction of the first Skoda model based on this platform is scheduled for 2020.
“Together with Volkswagen, we now have a suitable approach to bring the right vehicles into the Indian market at the right time,” said Mr. Maier. The project would be headed by Gurpratap Boparai, MD, Skoda Auto India, who has extensive leadership experience in the Indian car market.
Under the MQB platform, costs would be lowered and production time reduced by standardising components, dimensions and production processes.
