MQB-AO Global Platform to be used by Skoda and VW to develop new entry-level models for regions with high growth potential including India, Russia, Africa as well as the ASEAN countries and Latin America.
14 Oct 2021 | 7069 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
Skoda Auto is now responsible for developing the Volkswagen Group’s existing MQB-A0 Global Platform. This will be used by the Group brands Skoda and Volkswagen to develop new entry-level models for regions with high growth potential including India, Russia, Africa as well as the ASEAN countries and Latin America.
According ...
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Skoda Auto is now responsible for developing the Volkswagen Group’s existing MQB-A0 Global Platform. This will be used by the Group brands Skoda and Volkswagen to develop new entry-level models for regions with high growth potential including India, Russia, Africa as well as the ASEAN countries and Latin America.
According to Thomas Schafer, Skoda Auto CEO, “By assuming responsibility for the MQB-A0 Global Platform, Skoda Auto in charge of the worldwide development of a platform for the first time. We are applying our development expertise, taking on even more responsibility within the Volkswagen Group and at the same time strengthening Skoda Auto’s headquarters as an important European development centre for the Group. I am convinced that we will be able to win over many new customers thanks to the MQB-A0 Global Platform and bolster the Group’s position in the entry-level segments.”
Ralf Brandstatter, Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen, explained, “Through our comprehensive platform strategy, we achieve economies of scale that enable us to offer our customers worldwide state-of-the-art technology and high quality at competitive prices. Based on this, the Group’s volume brands – Volkswagen and Skoda – can quickly deliver products to customers that are unique in the volume segment. As a brand with significant expertise in entry-level mobility, Skoda is ideally positioned to assume worldwide responsibility for the successful further development of the MQB-A0 Global Platform within the Volkswagen Group. This way, we are creating synergies that will further increase profitability within the volume group.”
Johannes Neft, Skoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, added, “Our development team has a deep understanding of the entry-level segments. We are now bringing this to bear with the development of the MQB-A0 Global Platform. For us, this is a great award and at the same time strong motivation to make the project a success. Based on this platform, new models will be created that are precisely tailored to the diverse customer needs in the various regions.”
The MQB-A0 Global Platform is used worldwide and forms the basis for new models with combustion engines in the entry-level segments. The focus is on India, Latin America, Russia, Africa and the ASEAN countries where the entry-level segments are of major importance and at the same time offer further growth potential.”
Targeting entry level segment
The Volkswagen Group is relying on Skoda Auto’s high level of development expertise and many years of experience in the price-sensitive entry-level segments. The Czech car manufacturer already has responsibility within the Volkswagen Group for India, Russia and North Africa.
On June 7, series production of the Kushaq midsized SUV started at Skoda India's plant in Chakan, Pune. This is the first series model based on the MQB-A0-IN version of the Modular Transverse Toolkit that Skoda has specially adapted for the Indian market. The platform will also be used for other Volkswagen and Skoda models. In the medium term, there are plans to offer the Kushaq in other emerging markets, as well. The second model is already in the starting blocks and will be unveiled later this year.
Skoda says it will require highly qualified employees for the MQB-A0 Global Platform, especially in the area of Technical Development. While some will transfer to the project from other positions, the majority will be newly recruited.
By assuming responsibility for the MQB-A0 Global Platform, the Czech carmaker is creating an important prerequisite for becoming the leading European carmaker in the growth markets of India, Russia and North Africa over the long term as part of its 'Next Level - Skoda Strategy 2030'.
Coming on the heels of Skoda’s specially adapted MQB-A0-IN platform for the Indian market, the Czech carmaker is taking on responsibility for a global platform for the first time. The company is drawing on its high level of development expertise, ability to coordinate complex Group projects and experience in entry-level segments to implement this project in individual regions.
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