The Czech car maker Skoda Auto will be introducing its made-for-India car Rapid on 16th November and is confident that the offering would probably be its ‘best-selling' car in the coming time. It is expected to go ahead of the premium hatchback Fabia, in terms of sales. Thus, it would prove to bring much laurel for the company that is eyeing a bigger market share in the Indian car market.
From the appearance to its interiors and other innovative features, Rapid has been produced to satiate the basic needs of the Indian customers. Moreover, in order to entice the masses further, the sedan will be launched in petrol and diesel variants. Rapid has been priced aggressively to befit the entry-level sedan car market in the best possible way.
“We will compete against Honda for the petrol variant of Rapid, while it will be Hyundai for the diesel variant…we hope that this car will make Skoda a more acceptable brand in India,” Skoda Auto India Board Member, Sales and Marketing, Thomas Kuehl stated at the test-drive session organised for journalists.
A Volkswagen Group company, Skoda Auto made its entry in India around 10 years back, and since then it has carved a distinct identity in the market by frequently introducing new models. However, the car maker got noticed in a big way, a year ago, when it cut down the prices of Fabia, available in both petrol and diesel variants. So far this year, Skoda Auto India has sold almost 25,000 units, ruling over one per cent market share.
Though Rapid has been exclusively designed for the Indian car market, the car maker may spread its wings by possibly exporting Rapid to global markets, particularly in Asia and Africa. “We have not decided anything about exports yet as the car is meant for the domestic market. However, we may export Rapid to some neighbouring countries later,” said Skoda Auto India Marketing Head Tarun Jha said. As a matter of fact, Skoda does not export any of its models from India.
The Czech car maker is also expanding its dealer and service network across the country to keep abreast of the plunging demand for its cars. “At present we have 82 dealerships in over 40 cities and it will be increased to about 100 in 50 cities by the end of this year…by the end of 2012, we will add another 20 outlets, targeting mainly tier-II and III cities for expansion of its dealership network,” Jha added.
