Skoda Auto will be taking on an even more important role for Volkswagen Group in the development of the Indian car market. As part of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, Skoda is taking over responsibility for the MQB A0 platform. The first model built on the new MQB-A0-IN platform will arrive in the market as early as 2020.
Earlier VW Group had planned to collaborate with Tata Motors and introduce new India-specific products based on the latter’s Advanced Modular Platform (AMP) which had a cost advantage against VW’s MQB-A platform. Later the two companies found out that the technical nor are the economic synergies achievable as originally assessed and hence ended the partnership.
In order to bring word class and class leading products, Volkswagen had to introduce its MQB platform which it will do now. Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform already fulfils the stricter legal requirements for India that come into force in 2020.
Preparations for the India-based development and production of the new, technologically pioneering volume models based on the MQB-A0-IN platform for the Skoda and Volkswagen brands are already in full swing.
The first model to be produced using the MQB-A0-IN platform is expected to be an all-new SUV which will be inspired by the Skoda Vision X concept. Later, the company will also introduce a rebadged Volkswagen version as well. In future, all models designed and produced locally in India will be based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform.
“We are firmly convinced that – after one and a half years of intensive work – together with Volkswagen we now have a suitable approach to bring the right vehicles into the Indian market at the right time. We will present the first model built on the new MQB-A0-IN platform as early as 2020. I am confident that we can make the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project a success,” said Skoda Auto CEO, Bernhard Maier.
The new VW MQB platform allows standardising components, dimensions and production processes. The costs are lowered and production times are reduced. Furthermore, the MQB increases flexibility when developing new vehicles. Most of the technical development will take place in India. The project will be headed by Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of Skoda Auto India Private Ltd, who has extensive leadership experience in the Indian car market.
