
This European automaker has big plans for India
Ashish Gupta, brand director, Skoda Auto India.
advertisementAshish Gupta, brand director, Skoda Auto India, stated, 'India is the most important growth market for Skoda Auto outside Europe. We are focused on building a strong, future-ready brand with strength of purpose, clarity of vision, and agility of execution. 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. 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.'
Skoda Octavia RS
advertisementSkoda's current range includes the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia and Kodiaq. The Czech automobile manufacturer has plans to bring a new model to India in the year 2025, and it is likely to be the latest generation of the Octavia RS. Skoda refers to this upcoming launch as a 'global icon'. Furthermore, Skoda Auto India will continue to expand its horizons to tier II and tier III markets. Currently, the brand is present in over 165 cities, and there are plans in place to expand this to over 200 cities by 2025. The company has already grown from 120 customer touchpoints in 2021 to over 290, with an aim for 350 touchpoints by the end of 2025.
Skoda Kylaq
Interestingly, Skoda also plans to enter the pre-owned car business and further cater to government agencies and other fleets. Last but certainly not least, the VW-owned automotive brand will focus on the quality of the purchase and ownership experience. Skoda Supercare, which is standard across its range, is one such initiative that ensures customers pay for their routine service only at the end of their second year of ownership or after completing 30,000km (whichever is earlier).Subscribe to Auto Today MagazineMust Watch
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
MLAs can now use funds to carry out development works through MCD: CM Gupta
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday said the MLAs can now use their funds to carry out development works through the MCD as against the earlier norms when such projects could only be executed through the Irrigation and Flood Control Department or the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). The chief minister said this often caused delays in completing smaller projects, as these departments prioritised larger works. With this change, minor development works will now be handled more swiftly by the Municipal Corporation, she added. The chief minister has introduced key reforms to fast-track development projects, enhance transparency and eliminate financial hurdles, and taken crucial decisions in construction-related procedures, said an official statement. Gupta said these decisions will ensure rapid execution of development works, ease the burden on implementing agencies and provide financial relief to construction companies, steering the capital swiftly towards the vision of a Developed Delhi. Highlighting the state of delayed and stalled projects over the past several years, the chief minister said that slow pace of construction had adversely impacted the city's infrastructure. From the day we assumed office, our priority has been to revive and accelerate development works. During our review, it became evident that certain procedural changes could significantly speed up project execution, she added. The new measures and amendments to existing rules governing construction projects have been formulated following extensive consultations with senior departmental officials, public representatives and construction contractors to identify bottlenecks. Gupta said the purpose of the Chief Minister's Development Fund is to meet the infrastructural needs of Delhi. A budget allocation of ₹1,400 crore has been approved for the Delhi government's Planning Department for implementation of this scheme in 202526. Any MLA requiring funds for a development project in their constituency can utilise this fund, she added. The maximum cost of a single project has been fixed at ₹10 crore. This scheme will provide a flexible and dynamic mechanism for development at the local level, the statement said. A key feature of the scheme is that administrative departments, local bodies and autonomous institutions (through their administrative secretaries) will be responsible for preparing project proposals based on the chief minister's directives. The Planning Department will release 50 per cent of the total project cost in advance, while the remaining 50 per cent will be disbursed upon completion of the work. Payments will be made to the concerned department or agency based on the project's progress, utilisation certificates and completion certificates, it said. The MLAs can undertake development works in their respective constituencies under the MLA Fund Scheme. A major change has now been introduced in the payment release process for these projects. The Urban Development Department disburses funds under this scheme. The first instalment, amounting to 10 per cent of the estimated cost, will be released to the executing agencies at the time of project approval. The second instalment, which along with the first instalment will make up 50 per cent of the tender amount, will be released upon submission of the required documents. This means that half of the project's total funds will be disbursed as soon as the work begins. The remaining 50 per cent will be released upon completion of the work in a bid to reduce delays in payments to construction companies and contractors. Gupta said the Delhi Schedule of Rates (DSR) 2023 is now being followed for all construction works, replacing the earlier DSR 2016. Although some interim modifications were made in between, they were not comprehensive. The DSR provides a detailed list of rates for various construction items, materials and labour, serving as a standard reference for cost estimation and tendering processes. It is published by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). With the implementation of DSR 2023, contractor companies will now be paid according to the updated rates for construction materials and labour. One key advantage of this change is that it is expected to attract larger companies to actively participate in development works.


News18
2 hours ago
- News18
MLAs can now use funds to carry out development works through MCD: CM Gupta
Agency: PTI New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday said the MLAs can now use their funds to carry out development works through the MCD as against the earlier norms when such projects could only be executed through the Irrigation and Flood Control Department or the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). The chief minister said this often caused delays in completing smaller projects, as these departments prioritised larger works. With this change, minor development works will now be handled more swiftly by the Municipal Corporation, she added. The chief minister has introduced key reforms to fast-track development projects, enhance transparency and eliminate financial hurdles, and taken crucial decisions in construction-related procedures, said an official statement. Gupta said these decisions will ensure rapid execution of development works, ease the burden on implementing agencies and provide financial relief to construction companies, steering the capital swiftly towards the vision of a 'Developed Delhi". Highlighting the state of delayed and stalled projects over the past several years, the chief minister said that slow pace of construction had adversely impacted the city's infrastructure. 'From the day we assumed office, our priority has been to revive and accelerate development works. During our review, it became evident that certain procedural changes could significantly speed up project execution," she added. The new measures and amendments to existing rules governing construction projects have been formulated following extensive consultations with senior departmental officials, public representatives and construction contractors to identify bottlenecks. Gupta said the purpose of the Chief Minister's Development Fund is to meet the infrastructural needs of Delhi. A budget allocation of Rs 1,400 crore has been approved for the Delhi government's Planning Department for implementation of this scheme in 2025–26. Any MLA requiring funds for a development project in their constituency can utilise this fund, she added. The maximum cost of a single project has been fixed at Rs 10 crore. This scheme will provide a flexible and dynamic mechanism for development at the local level, the statement said. A key feature of the scheme is that administrative departments, local bodies and autonomous institutions (through their administrative secretaries) will be responsible for preparing project proposals based on the chief minister's directives. The Planning Department will release 50 per cent of the total project cost in advance, while the remaining 50 per cent will be disbursed upon completion of the work. Payments will be made to the concerned department or agency based on the project's progress, utilisation certificates and completion certificates, it said. The MLAs can undertake development works in their respective constituencies under the MLA Fund Scheme. A major change has now been introduced in the payment release process for these projects. The Urban Development Department disburses funds under this scheme. The first instalment, amounting to 10 per cent of the estimated cost, will be released to the executing agencies at the time of project approval. The second instalment, which along with the first instalment will make up 50 per cent of the tender amount, will be released upon submission of the required documents. This means that half of the project's total funds will be disbursed as soon as the work begins. The remaining 50 per cent will be released upon completion of the work in a bid to reduce delays in payments to construction companies and contractors. Gupta said the Delhi Schedule of Rates (DSR) 2023 is now being followed for all construction works, replacing the earlier DSR 2016. Although some interim modifications were made in between, they were not comprehensive. The DSR provides a detailed list of rates for various construction items, materials and labour, serving as a standard reference for cost estimation and tendering processes. It is published by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). With the implementation of DSR 2023, contractor companies will now be paid according to the updated rates for construction materials and labour. One key advantage of this change is that it is expected to attract larger companies to actively participate in development works. PTI SLB AS AS First Published: July 31, 2025, 22:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
Skoda Vision O Concept Previews Brand's Future Estate Car's Design
Skoda has now revealed the first details of the Vision O concept car, due to premiere in Munich in early September. The study will give an outlook on the brand's future in the estate segment and marks an evolution of the Modern Solid design language. At the same time, the Vision O is reflecting Skoda's 130-year tradition and underlines the company's commitment to sustainable innovation. Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, has stated, "The Skoda Vision O design study will highlight the future trajectory of estate models under the influence of new technologies, sustainability, and the deep experience of Skoda Auto in this segment. This will be one of our most significant steps in developing and evolving our design language even further for this period of transition in the automotive industry. It will position us to remain a major player in the estate segment, where Skoda Auto has been engaged since the 1920s. We are excited to present this concept to the world in early September 2025, marking a new era for Skoda Auto. Stay tuned for further information which will be released in advance of the Skoda Vision O world premiere". The brand claims that the Vision O study presents a consistent evolution of the Modern Solid design language. At first sight, the estate concept features a sleek, distinctive silhouette. The design is predominantly shaped by the light contours, the aerodynamic body, the steeply raked windscreen, and the gently sloping roof typical of Skoda estate models. The model designation "Vision O" is derived from the concept of circularity. This holistic approach to recycling and reusing components minimises the environmental impact of vehicle development and production. Furthermore, the concept is also characterized by the combination of functionality and user experience. The Vision O concept continues the manufacturer's legacy of estate cars, encompassing models such as the historical L&K 110, known for its variable body options. The most successful is the Skoda Octavia estate, first introduced in 1960. Modern versions of the Skoda Octavia estate have already surpassed the milestone of more than 3 million units produced in four generations since 1998, making it also the best-selling estate model in Skoda history. First launched in 2008 with the second-modern-generation Superb, the Skoda Superb estate is also highly popular. Other well-liked Skoda estate models include the Skoda 1101 Tudor Station Wagon (STW) with a folding rear seat, as well as the Skoda 1200/1201/1202 car family. The Skoda Vision O design concept will be presented in Munich at the beginning of September 2025.