The Czech auto maker Skoda Auto is planning a next big launch in the Indian market. Skoda is a part of Volkswagen Group and is now planning to bring its SUV model Skoda Yeti to India. It already has popular models like Fabia, Octavia, Laura and Superb in its product portfolio. Skoda Fabia is the hatchback model which competes well in its segment against Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz and Maruti Swift. Skoda lacks its presence in the SUV segment which is a fast growing segment in India.

The new Skoda Yeti was first unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show 2009 and is set to arrive in Indian showrooms by mid-2010. It is expected to be priced at Rs. 10-12 lakh. Once launched it will be the first SUV to be launched in that price bracket from a non-Indian auto maker. The model will be imported as a CKD unit and assembled at Aurangabad plant. It will compete with the likes of Toyota Innova, Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio and soon-to-be-launched Tata Indicruz.

Skoda also intends to launch a more powerful version of Fabia – the new Skoda Fabia RS at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010. Skoda’s popular hatch Fabia might get the heart from the Laura to create a deeper brand engagement than increasing sales numbers.