Škoda, Volkswagen open technology centre in Pune.

Škoda India and Volkswagen Group India inaugurated a new technology centre in Chakan in Pune. It was inaugurated by Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister, Czech Republic, recently. Vehicles tailored to the needs of customers in the subcontinent will be developed, and localisation of up to 95 per cent will be achieved under the ‘India 2.0’ project.

Babiš said the new plant was in consonance with the Government of India’s Make in India programme. “Under Make in India the strategy and target is to produce in India, and this is important for us as well,” he said.

Škoda is leading the ‘India 2.0’ project on behalf of the Volkswagen Group. Both Volkswagen and Škoda Auto are investing around Rs. 2,000 crore (€250 million) in research and development projects in India. Indian engineers will be responsible for project management, electronics, infotainment, body design, among others. .

Christian Strube, Member of the Board for Technical Development, Škoda Auto, said: “By opening the technology centre, we underline our determination to make the India 2.0 project a success. India has excellent universities and highly qualified staff; this state-of-the-art facility will help us to unlock that huge potential – especially with regard to design and development. Local development is the key to success.”

Gurpratap Boparai, Head, Volkswagen Group India, said: “The technology centre will lay the foundation for the development of products that are specially designed for Indian market. We expect to roll out the first products, for both Škoda as well Volkswagen brands, by 2020- 21, starting with a mid-sized SUV based on MQB A0 IN platform. I am convinced that we can use all the strengths of Škoda to the great benefit of the entire Volkswagen Group.”

HBL