INDIA 2.0 WORLD PREMIERE of concept studies.

INDIA 2.0: WORLD PREMIERE of concept studies from ŠKODA AUTO and Volkswagen 

› The first product concepts ŠKODA AUTO’s VISION IN and Volkswagen Compact SUV were showcased at an exclusive media event together with Audi A8, Lamborghini Huracán and Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

Together with ŠKODA AUTO, the Volkswagen Group is investing a total of Euro one billion in the INDIA 2.0 project of which Euro 250 million is dedicated to research and development.

› Newly setup ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab India and Software Development Centre to develop tailor-made mobility solutions for India

› Five strong brands in India catering to a wide range of customer requirements New Delhi, 03 February 2020: In less than 18 months of ŠKODA AUTO assuming the responsibility of the region India, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India is showcasing the results of the India studies with the first concepts being showcase at the group’s first Media Night in India with presentations from all five passenger vehicle brands. The studies give a concrete preview of a new mid-size family SUV both from ŠKODA and Volkswagen.

The ŠKODA VISION IN and Volkswagen Compact SUV are the first concepts to use the MQB-A0-IN variant of the MQB car platform, which has been specially developed for the Indian market. The media night also witnessed the presentation of Audi A8L, Lamborghini Huracán and Porsche 911 Cabriolet marking the first time the group brands were showcased together.

Bernhard Maier, CEO ŠKODA AUTO highlighted, “India is one of the most exciting and most promising growth markets for Volkswagen Group. A year and a half ago, we set the course to help write this story of growth with our INDIA 2.0 project. Together with the Volkswagen brand, we are seeking a combined market share of five per cent by 2025, depending on market and segment development. For ŠKODA, India would thus become one of the five largest markets in the world. The first models being developed as part of the INDIA 2.0 project are on the home stretch, and – by unveiling the ŠKODA VISION IN – we are giving a concrete preview of the first production car.” 

Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited, added, “The first showcase of the INDIA 2.0 concepts offers a glimpse into the exciting range that is in preparation for our customers in India. By investing in the Technology Center, state-of-the-art production processes and competent supplier partners, we are aiming to reach up to 95% localization in the new range, while maintaining the stringent quality and performance that ŠKODA and Volkswagen are known to deliver.”

Models developed for India to be based on market-specific MQB-A0-IN platform

All models designed and produced locally in India in the future will be based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0-IN platform, which already fulfils the stringent regulations for India that comes into effect from April 2020. With a focus on India, ŠKODA has developed the MQB-A0-IN platform variant, around which various ŠKODA and Volkswagen models will be built. The ŠKODA VISION IN and the Volkswagen Compact SUV concept are the first of a number of products that are being built on this versatile platform. 

Developed in India, for India and the World ŠKODA and Volkswagen Group India took the first major step in the INDIA 2.0 project by opening the Technology Centre in Pune in January 2019, creating 250 new jobs. The Technology Center is responsible for project management, electronics, infotainment, body design, interior, chassis and the vehicle as a whole with an aim to achieve high localisation of up to 95 per cent. The products developed on the MQB-A0-IN platform are based on extensive market research and intense focus on local requirements. Subsequently, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India will assess the possibility of exporting vehicles manufactured in India to markets with similar conditions.

Digitalisation is an integral part of the INDIA 2.0 project led by ŠKODA AUTO The newly established ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab India will support the core business of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited by developing digital and mobility solutions. In addition, a dedicated Software Development Centre has been established by Volkswagen IT Services India Private Limited in Gurugam and Pune to support ŠKODA AUTO’s IT requirements globally and develop digital solutions. The services as well as digital and mobility solutions developed by the two new organisations will benefit all Volkswagen Group brands in India. Both are integral to the INDIA 2.0 project – a ŠKODA AUTO-led market strategy for the entire Volkswagen Group in the Indian market. Volkswagen Group has five strong brands in India.

ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India offers close to 30 models from five different Volkswagen Group brands in India. These therefore caters to a wide range of needs from compact models to SUVs and high-performance sports cars. ŠKODA first dipped its toes into the Indian market, exporting up to 90 vehicles a year to India, back in the second half of the 1930s. In 2001, the Czech brand made its first appearance on the Indian market with its own subsidiary; ŠKODA now offers four different model ranges - SUPERB, KODIAQ, OCTAVIA and the RAPID. Volkswagen current portfolio offers the Tiguan, Passat, Vento and the Polo. The company’s luxury range is represented by Audi and the brand offers A3, A4, A5, A6 and A8 saloons, the Q3, Q5 Q7 and Q8 SUVs, the sporty RS5 and RS7 as well as the R8 mid-engine sports car. 

The groups marque brands - Porsche and Lamborghini each have their entire global model range on offer. At Porsche, these are the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, the Macan and Cayenne SUVs, the brand icon 911, the Panamera saloon and the new, all-electric Taycan. Lamborghini offers its sports cars, the Huracán and Aventador, and the Urus SUV.