New Delhi: Czech carmaker Skoda is looking to drive new models, including the latest version of its premium SUV Kodiaq, in India to strengthen its presence in the country.
The automaker has already announced plans to introduce a sub-4 meter compact SUV in the country early next year.
Skoda already has a presence in the mid-size SUV segment with Kushaq.
In an interaction with , Skoda Auto India brand director Petr Janeba said that the car brand is also looking to reintroduce the Octavia premium sedan in the market later this year.
He said test mules of the new Kodiaq would likely reach Indian shores later this year and the model could be introduced this time next year.
Janeba pointed out that Skoda has a huge portfolio of cars globally, but in India it wants to introduce models "that have a great chance of being successful".
Currently, there are many people who prefer SUVs and that is why all brands are bringing more such models to meet the demand, he said.
For customers looking for a classic sedan experience, the company is also looking to bring back the Octavia, he said.
"Octavia is also on our radar to return to the Indian market. Slavia is targeting one segment, but Octavia is a completely different statement," Janeba said.
The company will likely start CBU (completely built units) sales later this year, while local assembly of the model would begin only next year, he said.
The company would also introduce the new Superb to the market as a CBU, Janeba said.
"We need to bring all the products that make sense because the brand is working with the models... the more cars you have, the bigger the brand you are..." he stated.
The company will have a healthy product mix with European legacy brands at the top tier and deeply localized, volume-oriented brands at the entry level, Janeba said.
The carmaker, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, is also looking to introduce battery-electric models in the country.
The automaker has already announced plans to introduce a sub-4 meter compact SUV in the country early next year.
Skoda already has a presence in the mid-size SUV segment with Kushaq.
In an interaction with , Skoda Auto India brand director Petr Janeba said that the car brand is also looking to reintroduce the Octavia premium sedan in the market later this year.
He said test mules of the new Kodiaq would likely reach Indian shores later this year and the model could be introduced this time next year.
Janeba pointed out that Skoda has a huge portfolio of cars globally, but in India it wants to introduce models "that have a great chance of being successful".
Currently, there are many people who prefer SUVs and that is why all brands are bringing more such models to meet the demand, he said.
For customers looking for a classic sedan experience, the company is also looking to bring back the Octavia, he said.
"Octavia is also on our radar to return to the Indian market. Slavia is targeting one segment, but Octavia is a completely different statement," Janeba said.
The company will likely start CBU (completely built units) sales later this year, while local assembly of the model would begin only next year, he said.
The company would also introduce the new Superb to the market as a CBU, Janeba said.
"We need to bring all the products that make sense because the brand is working with the models... the more cars you have, the bigger the brand you are..." he stated.
The company will have a healthy product mix with European legacy brands at the top tier and deeply localized, volume-oriented brands at the entry level, Janeba said.
The carmaker, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, is also looking to introduce battery-electric models in the country.
