| The expansion would double Skoda's production capacity from 15,000 units to 30,000 units. Work for the expansion was started in March this year and was completed ahead of schedule. |
| The unit located at Shendra, Aurangabad, is the only Skoda plant outside Europe. While on a state visit to India, the Czech president came visiting emphasising the significance of the Skoda brand and the plant's role in regard to the relationship between the two countries. The expansion of the plant was necessitated for introducing new technologies and products by the company. |
| Speaking on the occasion, Klaus said, "We are pleased and honoured to see part of our country functioning in a very successful manner in India. The commissioning of this new capacity is indeed a memorable moment for Skoda Auto India and the Czech Republic. It gives me great pleasure to know that Skoda Auto India has been introducing such good quality cars which have been very well accepted in the Indian market." |
| The commissioning of the expanded capacity at Aurangabad also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the first car manufactured by Skoda Auto at its factory in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic. |
| Recently the five-millionth car came down the production line which consists of the whole range of Favorit, Felicia, Octavia, Fabia, Superb as well as new Octavia II, covering many of the world markets. |
| In his address to the gathering, Horst Muehl, chairman, Skoda Auto, said, "The market reactions to our products in the last four years have crossed all our expectations. Our plant here in Aurangabad manufactured and delivered to the customers in India its 20,000th Octavia in the middle of this year. The figure will cross 25,000 by the year-end. While this figure sounds small in the Skoda worldwide concept, if we look at the short evolution of Skoda Auto India, one can tell that the growth was rather steep. Today, by expanding our current manufacturing facility, we are preparing for the unfolding of the next stage of Skoda story in India. Hereby, securing further capacity increases upto 30,000 units per year and launching manufacturing lines for our further products." |
| Imran Hassen, managing director, Skoda Auto India, said, "It is a joyous moment for us at Skoda Auto India as this expansion marks another step in our commitment of providing latest technologies and quality products to our valued customers here. As we get ready to celebrate 4 years of our presence in this country later this month, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the government of Maharashtra and the authorities here in Aurangabad for their continuous support through these years. With the setup of this plant we strategically placed Aurangabad on the international map by having the only plant outside Europe and now we shall make it the manufacturing hub for the south Asian region." |
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