Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVIPL) is near to finalizing its next potential investment expansion in the country. However, the company is currently exploring new vehicle architecture and all-new models to make a comeback in the Indian market. Will this be a turnaround for the Skoda-Volkswagen?
Skoda-Volkswagen Platform Update: What’s New
For the upcoming generation of cars, Skoda and VW are planning to consider the MQB A0 37 platform. This platform could sit beside the MQB A0 IN architecture. Currently, Volkswagen and Skoda Auto are running on the second-generation MQB A0 27 platform, introduced in 2016. However, this platform is designed for the brand’s smaller models. This has been a pain point in the models life cycle, making it look smaller than competition.
But industry sources suggest that the brand has already started research to update its India 2.0 models to the larger MQB A0 37 platform. Skoda-Volkswagen India has already started conversations with suppliers to localising the MQB A0 37 platform. However, the MQB A0 37 platforms electronics package will need to be updated to include e-SIM connectivity, ADAS and more. These electronics are critical components for a new car in today’s day and age.
New Platform Compatibility
Skoda-Volkswagen Auto is planning to roll out the MQB A0 37 platform for the next-generation cars. The new generation of Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq is expected to be based on this platform. This platform will give Skoda and VW more flexibility with design as it can support a 7-seater SUV based on the Kushaq and the Taigun.
The MQB A0 37 platform for India is expected to be designed to accommodate bigger-sized vehicles and will be able to handle petrol-hybrid powertrains. Essentially, this will most likely be the all-new modular platform, specially tweaked to target the Indian market. Governments at the state level may offer incentives for hybrids, making this updated platform an attractive option.
Skoda-Volkswagen Platform Update: What Else
Skoda-Volkswagen Auto is exploring four new vehicles to be launched with this new platform; the list includes, new-gen Slavia, Virtus, Kushaq, and Taigun. Earlier it was reported that the next phase of investment in India is approved and the company is looking to expand the MQB A0 37 platform in the market. However, the platform is in the final stages of some electrical updates and the company is likely to launch new vehicles addressing this platform by 2027.
