Škoda Auto India focuses on automatic vehicles to propel its growth
Škoda Auto India, celebrating 25 years in India, has now decided to focus on automatic cars as a major differentiating factor to power its next round of growth.
While the industry automatic average is 25%, it is 53% for Škoda Auto and the company plans to take it to over 70%, Ashish Gupta, brand director, Škoda Auto India told The Hindu.
'We are very strong in automatic and have a robust portfolio. We want to play on our strength in the market. Our automatic technology is proven and there is opportunity in the market and we can influence this as a strategy,' he said.
With this the company is planning to double its market share in 2025 from 1.8% from year till date and 0.9% in 2024. Besides this it plans to retain its number 7 rank among passenger car companies in the country which it has achieved from 11th position previously, he said.
'India is the most important growth market for Škoda Auto outside Europe. We are focused on building a strong, future-ready brand with strength of purpose, clarity of vision, and agility of execution,' Mr Gupta said.
'Our product offensive strategy is in tune with evolving consumer needs and aspirations, fuelling our journey of progress. We are getting closer to customers, strategically expanding our network, and reinforcing our legacy of quality, safety, and value,' he said.
'With the wheels in motion across all our business imperatives, 2025 will be the year where we significantly strengthen the brand and surge ahead in India,' he added.
In products line up Škoda Auto India which is having a strong SUV portfolio with its slogan 'SUV for Everyone' with the Kylaq, Kushaq, and Kodiaq SUVs which are positioned at different price points, the company said it will build its sedan legacy driven by the Slavia and a soon-to-be-launched 'global icon'.
Škoda Auto India is expanding to tier II and tier III markets. From over 165 cities today, It targets to be present in over 200 cities this year. The company has already grown from 120 customer touchpoints in 2021 to over 290 today, with an aim for 350 touchpoints by the end of 2025.
Škoda Auto India said it would further strengthen its certified pre-owned business to power its growth. While it already caters to government agencies and other fleets, it will focus on renewed actions at garnering further growth from these avenues, while enhancing corporate and rural channels.
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