German auto giant Volkswagen group has recently stated that it has started testing EVs (electric vehicles) in India from the Skoda brand. The move comes as the firm analyzes the products that need to be brought into the regional market for electro-mobility aiming at the masses.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India, said that the group which has given the responsibility of heading its expansion in India to ŠKODA AUTO, is also said to be focusing on ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles as bringing EVs at a huge level relies heavily on the India’s ecosystem & infrastructure development.
Mr. Arora further noted that India offers a strong market for electric vehicles; the firm has thus unveiled Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-Tron, which are performing extremely well in the Indian market.
Meanwhile, the firm is also checking what products for ŠKODA and Volkswagen should be brought to the Indian market for electro-mobility.
It has successfully rolled out some tests for the ŠKODA brand; however, the discussions about the right time for unveiling them in the country are still under evaluation.
Considering electro-mobility, he mentioned that the firm had followed a top-down approach with its luxury brands, launching products into the market.
Mr. Arora noted that both Porsche and Audi offer very successful electric vehicles in the Indian market. The firm is also considering bringing Volkswagen and ŠKODA cars into the market. Some of the tests of those cars are going on.
Once the model is finalized, it will look forward to assembling one of the cars locally. Following this, the firm will begin localizing the portfolio when the market gets ready.
Commenting on the global market, Arora stated that electrification is taking different levels worldwide. With Europe committing to selling all new zero-emission vehicles by 2035, China and North America are also expected to move faster.
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