Skoda to launch new model

Skoda Auto India, subsidiary of Czech major Skoda Auto, plans to launch a new model and a diesel version of an existing one shortly.

Imran Hassen, managing director, Skoda India, said the company would launch the Octavia Kombi within a month and the Superb Diesel V6 by October.

Both the cars will be priced at a premium to the company's existing Octavia and Superb brands. The company also has plans to launch a car codenamed A5 by the next year.

Seeing a huge potential for niche cars in the country, the company plans to expand its capacity every year.

"By 2008, Skoda India has plans to bring out 50,000 cars per year. The company also sees opportunity to use India as a hub to export cars to neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan," said Hassen. The company produces nearly 7,000 cars a year.

India would also be utilised as a base by parent Skoda for providing software- and technology-related solution to global auto companies. The company is keen to outsource components and accessories from India, he said.

Skoda India, during the last four years of its operations in the country, has sold 21,000 cars in the country. It is currently doubling its capacity to 30,000 cars per year from the current 15,000, which will be achieved by November, 2005.

Skoda India sold 801 cars in June, which is 31.3 per cent year-on-year increase compared with a sale of 610 cars in June 2004.

After the opening of the company's dealership network at Vashi in Navi Mumbai, the company's total number of dealership in the country has reached 38.

SkodaAuto India has ten luxury models, such as SkodaSuperb, SkodaL&K, SkodaRS, SkodaElegance 1.9 TDI, SkodaElegance 2.0 MPI, SkodaElegance Automatic, SkodaRider 1.9 TDI, SkodaRider 1.8 Turbo, Skodarider 2.0 MPI and SkodaRider Automatic, available in the country.