Skoda India recently announced its plans to introduce 5 new CBU models in the year 2025. However, these plans seem to have hit a roadblock now, as the company has announced that these plans have been put on hold.
Statement From Skoda’s Higher Executives
The brand’s higher executives have mentioned the uncertainty regarding the current customs duty scenario. The brand hopes that the tariffs will see a downward revision, but as of now, this seems to be highly unlikely. Apparently, there will be a resolution on the customs duty within the next 3 months, post which Skoda will have room for reconsidering CBU introduction in our market. Hopefully, they are able to achieve a middle ground and the Indian market sees the launch of these European cars.
Local Assembly Of Skoda EVs
Skoda was also planning to manufacture its EVs locally, but even these plans have been put on hold. Skoda is awaiting more clarity from the government regarding advanced fuel efficiency guidelines under CAFE 3 norms. For those who are wondering, CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency. Government policy hasn’t been particularly consistent and has changed overnight, leading to hesitation from global car brands.
CBU Skoda’s Planned For Introduction
Skoda was preparing to introduce the diesel iterations of the Superb and Octavia and the new gen Octavia RS in our market. Skoda was also evaluating the Enyaq EV, but all of these plans have been put on hold for now. For now, Skoda has launched the new-gen Kodiaq in our market. The Octavia might be launched as a CKD, but the Superb is assembled at the VW Group’s Bratislava plant, which doesn’t produce CKD kits and hence can only be brought as a CBU.
