Czech company keen on premium hatch segment.
On February 2, 2016, just a day prior to the Auto Expo 2016, VW India will stage the world debut of the VW Ameo compact sedan, its rival to the Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze and Ford Figo Aspire. The Ameo is based on the VW Polo's platform, which also forms the basis of the VW Vento and Skoda Rapid.
However, unlike the Rapid project, Skoda Auto India has not firmed up any plans to launch its version of the VW Ameo. The Czech car maker is in a consolidation phase as it tries to improve sales and after sales service. Even its sales and service outlets (66 and 74 in number respectively) will see an expansion only after 2018, Skoda Auto India chairman and managing director Mr. Sudhir Rao said during a recent interview.
Speaking to Indian Autos Blog in an interview last year, former Chairman of Skoda, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, said that the company already had a "nice sedan range" encompassing the likes of the Rapid, Octavia and Superb. He said he doubted a sub-4m sedan by Skoda as it didn't make for a good fit for the company. "I don’t know if it really fits for Skoda or not, I doubt it", he said.
Also read: Skoda 7-seat crossover to be called Skoda Kodiak – Report
Skoda Auto India, according to reports, will consider entering the premium hatchback segment by the end of this decade. For this calendar year, the brand will introduce the new generation Skoda Superb.
