Skoda has been undergoing a big transformation in our market under the Group’s India 2.0 plan. This was clear with the launch of the all-new Kushaq midsize SUV, new Octavia executive sedan and updated Superb luxury sedan last year. The Czech carmaker aims to keep up the momentum in 2022 and has planned a further six launches for the year, which it is banking on to massively increase its sales volumes.
- Skoda to launch 6 new models, including Kodiaq and Slavia
- Kushaq and Slavia sales expected to be around 2,500 units monthly
- Sales network set to expand to 140 cities and 225 touchpoints
Skoda to launch 6 models in 2022
One of the key announcements made by Skoda today is that it plans to launch six models (some new and some variants) over the course of 2022. We know that the updated Kodiaq is set to arrive on January 10, with the all-new Slavia (the Rapid’s replacement) set to follow in March. A new-top-spec Kushaq Monte Carlo trim is also set to launch this year. The remaining three models/variants have yet to be announced.
Speaking to the media, Zac Hollis, director sales, service and marketing, Skoda Auto India, confirmed that they won’t be bringing any units of the new Octavia vRS to our market this year. He also stated that a new model based on the MQB A0-IN platform is also in development, but it won’t be launched this year.
Skoda expects over 70,000 cars sales in 2022
The carmaker has also stated its plans to triple its 2021 sales figures in 2022, with the number expected to be around the 70,000-unit mark. Every month, Skoda will be targeting to sell 2,500 units of the Kushaq and Slavia each. This will make the two models its biggest contributors, clocking in roughly 60,000-unit sales over the year. Even the upcoming Kodiaq is expected to achieve 100-unit sales a month.
Speaking to Autocar India, Zac Hollis was frank about the ambition for their premium SUV, saying “Yes you are right, we know we are entering a segment where diesel has a significant share and thus obviously we will only be looking at the sales from the petrol segment, and targeting about a 100 units per month.”
Skoda aims to expand sales network and Certified Pre-Owned brand
Besides this, Skoda also aims to expand its sales network to 140 cities in India (compared to the current 117) and grow from 175 to 225 touchpoints by the end of the year (over 25 percent growth). Over 60 of these will be in rural areas and will follow the brand’s recent ‘compact’ workshop format. This will also be accompanied by a reduction in service costs – greatly helped by the over 90 percent localisation of its volume models (the Kushaq and Slavia).
Additionally, the carmaker also wants to build upon its ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ by incorporating the service in all of Skoda’s outlets in India.
Skoda aims for an increase in corporate sales
In the 2020-2021 period, Skoda has already witnessed a 127 percent growth in its corporate sales number, owing to tie-ups with various banks and financial institutions. In 2022, Skoda hopes to continue this growth trajectory by increasing sales to companies instead of fleet buyers.
Given that companies leasing cars generally have a higher predisposition towards sedans, this works in Skoda’s favour, as it will have a well-spaced out sedan line-up.
Zac Hollis further added. “We have always been known to build great sedans and this will continue in this year, and our sedans have always been seen as very good luxury cars that offer great value and are thus a great buy for corporates.”