The Hindu Business Line : Skoda plans small car for emerging markets

Bangalore March 8 Skoda which was planning a small car for the Asian market some years ago, is now learnt to be considering launching a small car for the emerging markets like India and Brazil.

An official with Skoda India, however, refused to comment on the development. The much-awaited another small car Fabia will, however, be launched towards the end of the year, the official said. The model would be the new-generation Fabia being launched at the Geneva Auto Show, which is currently on. "We are concentrating on bringing in new technology, and working on the pricing to launch it in India. We plan to launch it by year end," the official said. Fabia was expected to be launched much sooner but because of a slew of launches of other models during the course of the last two years, its introduction into the Indian market was put off.

Fabia traditionally has four variants. Fabia Hatchback is considered the most spacious in its class; Fabia Combi is roomier; the Fabia Sedan is optically divided into three sections, like a limousine and competes with mid-sized vehicles. The Fabia RS is a sports-oriented car. Fabia could be available in petrol as well as diesel versions with 1.2 lt and 1.4 lt engine capacities. It is expected to compete with models such as General Motors' Aveo UVA.

Skoda also plans to launch a few more car models during the year, the official revealed. He said he expects that with the launch of Fabia, Skoda's market share could improve substantially. At present, Skoda's market share is around 28 per cent in the segment. Skoda has three product lines (Laura, Octavia and Superb) with 14 variants. Its sales have increased nearly 36 per cent to 12,202 car units in 2006. Since its operations in November, 2001, Skoda has sold close to 39,000 cars.