Skoda & Volkswagen Inaugurate New Technology Centre In Pune

Volkswagen Group had announced a Rs. 7900 crore investment towards developing Skoda and Volkswagen vehicles in India in July last year. Now, Skoda and Volkswagen Group India have inaugurated their new Technology Centre in Pune, India on 19th January,2019 in the presence of Czech Prime Minister Andrei Babiš. This marks the beginning of Skoda’s vision for the Indian car market called, ‘India 2.0’. 250 engineers will develop vehicles tailored to the especially for Indian customers.

The Volkswagen Group and Skoda are jointly investing around Rs. 2000 crore in research and development projects in India. The 250 Indian engineers will be bestowed with the task of developing complete vehicles for the future including electronics, infotainment, body design, interior, chassis and will also be responsible for project management.

Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, said at the opening ceremony: “I am delighted that Skoda Auto is expanding its presence and involvement in India with such significant investments and promising projects. The fact that Skoda is creating great opportunities for the high potential market here in India demonstrates the long-term strategy of the brand.”

“The Technology Center will lay the foundation for the development of products that are specially designed for Indian market. We expect to roll out the first products, for both the Skoda as well Volkswagen brands, by 2020- 21; starting with a mid-sized SUV based on MQB A0 IN platform. A model campaign, led by Skoda, will follow. I am convinced that we can use all the strengths of Skoda to the great benefit of the entire Volkswagen Group.” said Gurpratap Boparai, Head – Volkswagen Group India

The new development centre will help Skoda achieve 95 per cent localization of the vehicle components. The brand will begin developing the localized MQB AO platform initially. According to the company, the vehicles developed in India will meet the same core standards for safety, quality and design that the Volkswagen Group represents worldwide. Meanwhile, both Skoda and Volkswagen plan on bringing in newer models to India. The first of these models will be a mid-size SUV from Skoda which is set to be unveiled in 2020.