In an effort to strengthen its position in India, Czech carmaker Skoda today said it would launch four new models including the Skoda Kodiaq SUV, the Octavia RS and the Rapid facelift in the country in 2017. Moreover, a sporty version of the Rapid and Octavia, called the Rapid Monte Carlo and Octavia Black Edition, dubbed 'Action Models' by the company, have also been confirmed for launch in India next year.

 

The company announced an investment of Rs 100 crore and outlined plans to bolster its dealership and sales and service network in the country. Moreover, to enhance the safety quotient on its cars, Skoda will make ABS standard on all its cars by December this year. 

 

As part of its efforts to modernise the Skoda brand, the carmaker will revamp its entire sales outlets, rollout a new brand campaign from September and introduce new service initiatives such as a mobile application called ‘My-Skoda’ and offer extended warranty. While the brand has been doing well in India and its cars are well-known for its build quality, the company’s poor after-sales and service has been an area of concern in the past. 

 

The carmaker, which currently has a small presence in the Indian automotive segment, will aim to expand its volume with the addition of fresh models in its portfolio. It registered sales of 15,368 units in the year ending March 2016, marginally higher than the previous year with a market share of around 0.55 percent. It aims to increase sales to around 20,000 units by end of next year. 

It currently sells four models in India, the Superb, Octavia, Rapid and Yeti and has a manufacturing facility near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The Rapid is its best-seller with sales of 10,935 units in the year ending June 2016 followed by the Octavia (2,552 units).