VW’s business unit Skoda reportedly contemplates penetrating the Indian electric vehicle market by 2023, as per QUARTZ.
After setting a new high in the world’s third-largest auto market in 2022, Skoda is now planning to debut its EV offering in the country.
“We have achieved 53,721 unit sales in 2022, which were more than twice the unit sales in the previous year.”
Skoda brand Director Petr Solc
Below is the table of Skoda’s total sales in India in the last four years:
| Year | Units |
| 2022 | 53,721 |
| 2021 | 23,858 |
| 2020 | 11,372 |
| 2019 | 15,285 |
Skoda’s first-ever electric car in India
Excitingly, the Czech-based automaker aims to further increase its sales in India this year with its electric cars.
“Enyaq is the first electric model in Skoda’s global range. Skoda is ready to export the cars. We (India) would like to be the next market where Skoda will bring Enyaq.”
Skoda brand director Petr Solc
Skoda will export the Enyaq iV to India as a completely built unit (CBU) from its Mlada Boleslav factory. It is remarkable that the automaker contemplates this concept despite India’s higher CBU tariffs.
“The company would like to test the demand and if demand is high, we can think of the next steps.”
Skoda brand director Petr Solc
Skoda Enyaq iV
Skoda Enyaq iV boasts five modes: Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Traction. The automaker claims it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 36 minutes.
Furthermore, the electric SUV is equipped with an 82KWh battery.
As for the pricing, the company has yet to announce the final prices. However, it is expected to have a starting price of up to 60 lakh rupees ($73,329) in India.
How can the pricing affect Skoda’s sales growth in India?
The affordability of automobiles is a top priority to survive or grow in the Indian market, as explained by experts.
That said, Skoda’s high EV prices might affect its sales growth momentum. In fact, the EV sector only accounts for 1% of India’s overall sales, per the report.
“…Only vehicles with a high level of localization and adoption of cheaper but efficient technologies can companies penetrate the common man’s and Indian EV sector’s needs,”
Rohit Sharma, Director of Engineering at the Noida-based JD Concord Design Solution
Despite the issue with affordability and high CBU taxes, Skoda seems optimistic with its endeavor in the Indian market. It would be exciting to see how it would fare in the country this year.
