The Hindu : Business : Skoda launches luxury sedan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 25, 2004

Business

Business

Skoda launches luxury sedan

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JUNE 24. SkodaAuto India, a fully owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen group, today launched its luxury sedan, SkodaSuperb, in India. The company aims to sell 10,000 cars by the end of next year besides introducing more models and widening its product portfolio to break-even, said Imran Hassen, Managing Director, SkodaAuto India Pvt. Ltd., while launching the sedan.

In India, SkodaSuperb will be available in petrol with a 2.8 litre, V6 petrol engine that churns out 190 bhp. Rolled out as a completely built unit (CBU), the new sedan will initially be available in two colours, Sahara Beige and Black Magic, at Rs. 23.45 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).

"The 4,803 mm long car is structured around a wide wheelbase of 2,803 mm and based on the B5 platform of the VW group. Passenger comfort and convenience have been accorded the highest priority and the comes equipped with power seats, six air bags, a trip computer, CD-player, `auto' air-conditioner, heating elements and a steering wheel that is adjustable for reach and height. Another unusual yet very useful feature is the umbrella compartment inside the left rear door, with a drain that funnels water away and outside the car," Mr. Hassen informed.

"Seeing the overwhelming response to SkodaOctavia, we have identified India as one of the key growth markets in the region. We are studying the possibility of introducing more models in the near future and widening our product portfolio. Accordingly, we have embarked upon an ambitious programme to widen our reach and network," said Shashank Vaid, the company's Manager, Marketing.

The company expects to sell around 500 units of SkodaSuperb in the first year of its launch. It will be available in Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Bhubaneshwar and Chennai. And to support the sales of the new car, the company will increase the number of dealers from 35 to 40 this year.

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