Skoda could be planning its expansion in the Indian market and may be finalising the next phase of investments on the country. According to reports, the brand is also considering to bring all-new models in the Indian market as well as planning for new vehicle architectures that could be localised. Sources also report that the company is in talks with the Indian suppliers to localise the MQB-A0-37 platform in the Indian market.
MQB A0 37 – Localisation
According to reports, the MQB A0 37 platform is the first generation MQB platform which underpinned popular Skoda cars such as the 3rd-generation Octavia as well as Volkswagen Golf Mark7. If the brand localises the MQB A0 37 it is likely to produce C-segment models in the Indian market.
The Volkswagen-Skoda current line-up under the India 2.0 are built on the MQB A0 27 platform which is smaller the MQB A0 37. The brand opted the platform as it was the latest evolution of the MQB architecture at the time. But, the platform was designed for the VW Polo, T-Roc as well as the Kamiq and is limited in both length as well as width.
Future Proof Cars
Therefore, for the next-generation Skoda/VW cars the brand could be considering the MQB A0 37. The larger platform will not only have more flexibility but will be capable of accommodating a 7-Seater SUV, one of the much popular and growing SUV segments in the Indian market. However, the brand will have to upgrade its E/E Architecture as it is now old and may need heavy investments to keep up with today’s modern features as well as future connectivity and ADAS requirements which are likely become the new normal in the near future. Also, the MQB A0 37 platform is also compatible with hybrid powertrains which also make them future proof as well as viable.
According to reports, the Kushaq, Taigun, Slavia and Virtus are likely to underpin the MQB A0 37 in their next-generation. In addition to this, the new vehicles could arrive as soon as 2027 or by 2030. Reports also suggest that the company could be planning to invest around INR 9,000 Crore to localise the MQB A0 37.
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