Volkswagen’s Czech Republic brand, Skoda, has started production of its sixth model line – the Rapid compact sedan – at its plant in Pune, India.
Skoda says the Indian version of the Rapid will launch later this year ahead of similar models planned for Europe, Russia and China in 2012-13.
Measuring 4.39-metres in length, 1.7-metres in width and standing 1.47-metres tall, the Skoda Rapid sits between the Fabia and Octavia is size and is powered by1.6-litre petrol or turb-disel engines, each with an output of 77kW.
Skoda says the Rapid is a family car with room for five peaople and luggage capacity of 500-litres.
Skoda has been in the burgeoning Indian automative market since 2001 and, as the Czech republic brand has plans to sell more than 1.5-million cars annually by 2018, has identified the need to grow buisness outside Europe. India, Russia and China are therefore key markets for Skoda.
“India is the first market in which we will introduce the new Rapid. It highlights the significance of that country for our company,” revealed Skoda Chairman, Professor Winfried Vahland. “ In this context, the Indian market plays a central role, because besides China and Russia, it is among the markets with the most potential.”
While the Skoda Rapid will be produced at the company’s plant in Pune, India, it also manufactures the Superb, Octavia and Yeti at its other Indian facility in Maharashtra.
