Czech carmaker Skoda has been chalking out plans in recent times to gain a good amount of popularity in the local market. Recently, Skoda India has launched the new Rapid sedan with 1.5 Liter TDI engine and 7 speed DSG automatic transmissions. The new Rapid is available at a starting price tag of Rs. 7,22,230 (Ex-Showroom Delhi). As for colours, the new Rapid features options like Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Deep Black Pearl, Flash Red and the new Toffee Brown colour.
Skoda has been particularly doing well with its cars in the premium segment, whereas entry level segment has been badly affected by poor sales. Primarily, sources have attributed the loss in sales to lack of localization of its cars. At a recent event officials from Skoda were heard as stating that the company shall not invest huge amounts to introduce new compact model and may rather focus on bigger cars. The company has reportedly blamed the uncertain business environment and policies in the country. As of now, Skoda has invested about 750 Million Euros in the country and has no immediate plans of investing any further.
The recent CCI decision on imposing heavy penalty on major carmakers in the country for manipulation of spare parts seems to have hit the brand hard and has also affected its growth in the domestic market. Reportedly, Skoda Auto has also been planning on launching the Citigo small car for the Indian market, but shelved the plans later.
Source: ET
