ŠKODA continues its model campaign in India. The completely revised ŠKODA Superb and rejuvenated ŠKODA Yeti celebrate their premieres on the subcontinent at the New Delhi Motor Expo (5 to 11 February 2014). Both models sport new designs, fresh interiors and enhanced technological features. The Superb is to be launched in February, with the Yeti arriving in the second half of 2014.
“India is an important market for ŠKODA. The ŠKODA Superb and ŠKODA Yeti offer that ‘bit more car’ at an affordable price in their segments – now more than ever. This means that the cars meet the needs of Indian customers perfectly,” says Werner Eichhorn, Member of the Board responsible for Sales and Marketing.
The ŠKODA Superb is the flagship of the Czech brand. The completely redesigned mid-class saloon features the new ŠKODA design language. The front and rear sections have been completely redesigned. Clean lines and balanced proportions attest to precise design and the highest quality; the interior sports new steering wheels, while at the same time, the Superb confirms all the good values that have defined the model’s success in India over the past ten years: lots of space, maximum functionality, highest levels of comfort, best safety and fantastic value for money. The space and comfort in the Superb go well beyond the usual offers found in its class. The engines offered for the Superb in India – a petrol 1.8 TSI-118 kW and diesel engine 2.0 TDI-103 kW – win over customers with their performance and efficiency.
The second half of 2014 is to see the launch of the completely revised ŠKODA Yeti on the Indian market. The compact SUV now features newly-designed front and rear sections. The Yeti, soon to be available in India, is based on the Yeti outdoor version. Its hallmark: a distinctive off-road look. Design elements such as bumpers, air intakes, under-ride protection, side mouldings and door sills are customized in black lacquered plastic. In addition, there are other attractive comfort and design features fitted as standard, including bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, an electronically-adjustable driver’s seat, a multifunction steering wheel, electronic tyre pressure monitoring system, and the automatic locking and start system KESSY (Keyless-Entry-Start-and-Exit-SYstem). In addition, the enormously generous amount of room and the superior functionality of the compact SUV have won over customers around the world. There are two diesel engines available for the Indian Yeti: the 2.0 TDI/81 kW with manual five-speed gearbox and 2.0 TDI/103 kW with manual six-speed gearbox. The 2.0 TDI/81kW engine is available with front-wheel drive; the 2.0 TDI/103 kW comes with all-wheel drive fitted as standard.
“The success of recently launched new generation Octavia heralds a new era for ŠKODA India. The new design language has been well received and appreciated by our consumers. The redesigned Superb and Yeti will further strengthen ŠKODA’s position in the premium category in India,” says Sudhir Rao, Chairman & Managing Director, ŠKODA Auto India. “We will continue to focus on providing our customers with great products and an enhanced ownership experience. There will be an increased thrust in the aftersales domain with an aim to build a loyal customer base and strong lasting relationships with the customers in India,” adds Rao.
With the launch of the new models, ŠKODA is committed to further strengthening success of the Superb and Yeti on the Indian market: The Superb was launched on the subcontinent in 2004; the Yeti in 2010. By the end of 2013, the manufacturer had delivered more than 15,500 Superbs and more than 4,500 Yetis to customers in India. Both models are produced at the Indian ŠKODA plant in Aurangabad, where the Czechs also produce the Octavia model. The new Octavia made its Indian sales debut in the autumn of 2013.
The international product campaign is at the heart of the comprehensive ŠKODA growth strategy. Over the coming years, the carmaker plans to increase worldwide sales to at least 1.5 million vehicles per year. In 2013, ŠKODA sold 920,800 cars worldwide. That was the second-best sales year corporate history.
ŠKODA first appeared on the Indian market in 2001 and has since sold a total of 187,100 cars to customers in India. In 2013, the brand sold 22,600 vehicles in India.