Guwahati News Desk: The second serial model after the Kushaq model in the INDIA 2.0 project, under which Škoda auto operates for the Indian subcontinent, is called Slavia. The automaker unveiled the new model to the Indian public today through the World Static Premiere at 2 PM IST.
Apunar Skoda Showroom in Guwahati today played host to several media houses in the city for the same Premiere through a virtual press meet. The highlights of the release are as follows:
Zac Hollis, head of Skoda Auto India, says: “Skoda has a rich international legacy of more than 125 years. This traditional name now represents once again the beginning of a new era of Skoda, this time on the Indian market. Slavia will embody the perfect quality of workmanship, reliability and driving experience. We want to grow significantly in the Indian market and Slavia will play a key role in achieving this goal.”
Skoda Slavia is the second Skoda model specially developed for India after the Kushaq SUV, which was unveiled in the spring. As part of the INDIA 2.0 project, Skoda Auto is responsible for all volkswagen group activities on the Indian market.
This project includes a model offensive of a total of four new compact cars. Kushaq, Slavia and two Volkswagen models are built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which Skoda has specially modified for the needs of the Indian market. Production alone will be up to 95 percent localized. As clarified in the question-answer session in which our representative asked the Officials about Skoda’s plans on localizing their products to which they responded saying Skoda plans to continue the degree of localization they achieved with the Kushaq with a rough estimate of 93-95 percent of the work done in Indian manufacturing units.
The name Slavia refers to the beginnings of Skoda Auto. In 1895, the company’s founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, started repairing bicycles in Mladá Boleslav. Soon after, they designed their own bicycles and since 1896 they have successfully sold them under the Slavia brand.
The name of the new sedan designed for the Indian market is a tribute to the beginnings of Skoda Auto. While Skoda Kushaq is based on Indian traditions, Slavia symbolizes the close connection between Indo-European tradition and Czech and Indian culture.
While the car undoubtedly looks like a show-stopper it is true that the cost of maintaining a Skoda will still restrict buyers from opting it over the available Korean and Indian options. It shares the MQB platform designed specifically for India with the VW Taigun that could also present itself as another option in the segment. It is for time to see how Skoda’s new generation of automobiles will do in the World’s most challenging market.
