Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Tuesday, Dec 07, 2004 |
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Marketing
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Strategy Corporate - Announcements Skoda launches upgrade scheme Our Bureau
Hyderabad , Dec. 6 SKODA Auto India, a group company of the German automotive major, Volkswagen AG, has rolled out an innovative branded upgrade programme christened Signature here today. It plans to launch a range of cars in 2005 entering new segment categories and make Indian operations its regional hub. The Managing Director of Skoda Auto India, Mr Imran Hassen, said: "We expect to grow the overall company sales by about 50 to 55 per cent next year riding on the launch of new models in segments we are currently not present. These include a `C' segment sedan Skoda Fabia, `D' plus segment Octavia II built on a bigger platform and the launch of a diesel variant of high-end Skoda Superb, which is currently selling about 35 units a month." Addressing a press conference here at Mahavir Auto today, Mr Hassen said, "the company has sold 16,000 cars in the last three years and the launch of Skoda Signature enables a Skoda car owner to upgrade to another car. In case a consumer plans to exchange, the dealer will purchase the car and the amount could thereby be used for down payment for the upgraded model. "We see India becoming a regional hub for Skoda Auto. To begin, we plan exports to neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and as we consolidate operations, eye other markets," he said. Referring to new models, Mr Hassen said that Fabia would be first off the block in India and cater to a new C segment category. This would be followed by the launch of Octavia II in the middle of next year followed by the launch of a luxury segment diesel variant of Skoda Superb. "The company manufacturing base at Aurangabad has a capacity to produce 15,000 cars in two shifts. However, for the time being, we plan to focus on one shift and depending upon volumes, expand operations," he said.
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