Skoda Auto has announced receiving complete responsibility for developing the Volkswagen Group's MQB-A0 global platform, for various markets across the globe. This is the first time that the Czech carmaker is taking on responsibility for a global platform. The company says that it will be developing new entry-level models for Skoda and Volkswagen brands, specifically for regions with high growth potential like India, Russia, Africa, as well as the ASEAN countries and Latin America. The announcement comes soon after Skoda Auto India launched its first SUV, built on the specially adapted MQB-A0-IN platform for the Indian market.
Commenting on the announcement, Thomas Schafer, CEO, Skoda Auto said, "We are applying our development expertise, taking on even more responsibility within the Volkswagen Group and at the same time strengthening Skoda Auto's headquarters as an important European development centre for the Group. I am convinced that we will be able to win over many new customers thanks to the MQB-A0 Global Platform and bolster the Group's position in the entry-level segments."
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Skoda's focus is on India, Latin America, Russia, Africa and the ASEAN countries where the entry-level segments are of major importance
Ralf Brandstatter, Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen, further explains, saying, "As a brand with significant expertise in entry-level mobility, Skoda is ideally positioned to assume worldwide responsibility for the successful further development of the MQB-A0 Global Platform within the Volkswagen Group. This way, we are creating synergies that will further increase profitability within the volume group."
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Skoda says that one of the main reasons why it has received the responsibility of the platform is because of the company's development expertise and many years of experience in the price-sensitive entry-level segments. The carmaker is already leading the group brands in markets like India, Russia and North Africa. Currently, the MQB-A0 Global Platform is used worldwide by VW Group for new models with combustion engines in the entry-level segments. Apart from Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun, which are based on the adapted MQB A0-IN platform, other global products like the Audi A1, Skoda Scala, new Fabia, Volkswagen Polo, T-Cross, and Virtus are also built on the MQB A0 platform.
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Skoda will introduce its second product, a notchback sedan, based on the MQB A0-IN platform this year, and it will be called Slavia
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But that's not it, the company plans to take this further by launching the Kushaq in other emerging markets and is simultaneously working on new products as well. In India, both Skoda and Volkswagen brands will introduce their second product, a notchback sedan, based on the MQB A0-IN platform in the coming months. Skoda's version will be called Slavia. Skoda also says that it will require highly qualified employees to work on the MQB-A0 Global Platform, especially for technical development. This will allow the company to create new job opportunities because some will transfer to the project from other positions, the majority of the workforce will be new recruits.
In the long-term, Skoda says this opportunity will help the Czech carmaker to attain its aim of becoming the leading European carmaker in markets like - India, Russia and North Africa, which is part of the company's Skoda Strategy 2030.
