Skoda
and Volkswagen Group India have inaugurated a new Technology Centre in Pune,
India. The opening ceremony was attended by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis
and other government officials. On behalf of the Volkswagen Group, Skoda is
leading the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, which sets out the Volkswagen Group’s model campaign
on the Indian market.
At
the new Technology Centre, 250 engineers will be developing vehicles tailored
to the needs of customers in the subcontinent. Products developed under the
INDIA 2.0 project will achieve up to 95% localisation.
The
Technology Centre in Chakan (Pune), represents the first major step in
implementing the INDIA 2.0 project. The Volkswagen Group and Skoda Auto are
jointly investing around Rs 2,000 crore (Euro 250 million) in research and
development projects in India. The Indian engineers will be responsible for
project management, electronics, infotainment, body design, interior, chassis
and complete vehicle.
Andrej
Babis and other members of his government travelled to Pune for the
inauguration ceremony. The delegation was received by Christian Strube - Member
of the Board of Managment for Technical Development, Skoda Auto a.s., and
Bohdan Wojnar - Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources
Management, Skoda Auto a.s., as well as Gurpratap Boparai - Head Volkswagen
Group India.
Babis
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.”
Christian
Strube said that “By opening the Technology Centre, we underline our
determination to make the INDIA 2.0 project a success. India has excellent
universities and highly qualified staff; this state-of-the-art facility will
help us to unlock that huge potential – especially with regard to design and
development. Local development is the key to success.”
Gurpratap
Boparai emphasised that “The Technology Centre 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.”
Approximately
250 engineers will be working at the new Technology Centre. Around 95% of the
vehicle components for the localised MQB A0 platform will be manufactured
locally. The vehicles developed in India will meet the same core standards for
safety, quality and design that the Volkswagen Group represents worldwide. At
the same time, both ŠKODA and Volkswagen will be showcasing models with their
own typical characteristics on the market.
In
July 2018, the Volkswagen Group confirmed Rs 7,900 crore (EUR 1 billion)
investment in the INDIA 2.0 project, which will primarily be used in developing
Skoda Auto and Volkswagen vehicles for the Indian market. The first of these
models will be a mid-size SUV in the A0 segment, which will be unveiled in
2020.