Skoda India focusing on 2014 Rapid Face-lift

Skoda India, Czech automaker Indian counterpart is currently focusing on increasing the localization of the products without skimping on quality. The present line-up contributes to only 60 percent of the localization, further localization will reduce car costs, making them more competitive in the segment to tackle rivals like - Honda, Hyundai, etc.

Mr. Sudhir Rao, Managing Director, Skoda India, stated to Economic times on their upcoming product strategies, "We have taken a conscious decision to focus on value for luxury and not the volume segment. In the short-to-medium term we will be focusing on the mid-sized sedan Rapid segment and above."

What to expect on the new Rapid

• The new sedan will be downsizing the diesel powerplant, Rapid will borrow the new 1.5 liter TDI from the updated Polo (launching on July 15). The car will also borrow transmission from VW.
• The engine belts out power in excess of 100bhp but with better fuel-efficiency, it will keep the Rapid competitive in the segment.

• Though the car will be designed in India, but it will get Skoda's new face, grille and designing cues from European Rapid.
• Expect tweaked interiors in the upcoming Rapid.
• The 2014 Skoda Rapid is likely to enter later this year around the festive season.
• Upcoming products from Skoda India

"Next year, depending on the results on the new strategies, will see a new phase of products from Skoda stable. By the end of the next year, we would have clarity on products and if the results show that we could come with a sustainable profitable model, then we can even look at segment below Rapid,"  Mr Rao added.

Speaking in this context, if current strategies work well for Skoda India, we could get a volume gainer product from the company by the end of 2015, will it be Skoda Citigo? No confirmation as of now. About the Fabia, the nex-gen Fabia will grace the Paris Motor Show in October, while its Indian debut is still uncertain, but certainly Skoda will introduce Fabia as it is one of the important players for the company in India.

2014 Skoda Yeti facelift

The updated Yeti is also likely to launch this year, the company showcased the Yeti facelift just before the 2014 Indian Auto Expo along with the upgraded Superb. The company has already launched the Superb, while the Yeti is still awaited. Speaking of the changes, the new 2014 Yeti will adorn the Czech company's new face.

The squarish wrap-around headlamps and the new grille will be the highlight of the new crossover. The side profile of the car is kept untouched, while the rear gets subtle changes. Just like the Superb, Yeti is also getting LED treatment, headlights features day-time-running-LEDs, while the rear gets LED taillamps.  

Source: ET Auto 

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