Eyeing bigger share in the entry-level sedan market, Skoda Auto will be introducing its made-for-India car Rapid next week. The Czech carmaker is hopeful that its new offering will also become its ‘best-selling' car ahead of premium hatchback Fabia, thus proving to be a game changer for the company that is eyeing a bigger market share in the Indian car market. From designing to interiors and other innovative features, Rapid is being introduced keeping specific needs of Indian car users in mind. And to further increase its acceptability, the sedan will be launched in petrol and diesel variants, and priced appropriately to shake up the entry-level sedan car market. Hitherto known as a premium brand, Skoda now hopes to appeal to more Indian car lovers with Rapid.
“We will compete against Honda for the petrol variant of Rapid, while it will be Hyundai for the diesel variant…we hope that this car will make Skoda a more acceptable brand in India,” Skoda Auto India Board Member (Sales and Marketing) Thomas Kuehl told The Hindu at the test-drive session for journalists organised on the outskirts of this historic city.
A Volkswagen Group company, Skoda Auto made its entry in India a decade ago and since then it has been regularly introducing new models. However, its fortune started changing almost a year ago when it cut down the prices of Fabia, available in petrol and diesel variants, leading to spurt in its sales. So far this year, Skoda Auto India has sold almost 25,000 units, capturing over one per cent market share.
Though Rapid has been especially designed for the Indian car market, Skoda may also explore possibility of exporting Rapid to global markets, particularly in Asia and Africa. “We have not decided anything about exports yet as the car is meant for the domestic market. However, we may export Rapid to some neighbouring countries later,” said Skoda Auto India Marketing Head Tarun Jha said. The company does not export any of its models from India.
The Czech carmaker is also expanding its dealer and service network across the country to meet the growing of its car. “At present we have 82 dealerships in over 40 cities and it will be increased to about 100 in 50 cities by the end of this year…by the end of 2012, we will add another 20 outlets, targeting mainly tier-II and III cities for expansion of its dealership network,” Mr. Jha added.
