With development and localization of sedan and SUV, if the group feels there is a business case for hatchbacks, it may well reconsider it around 2022, he said.To be sure, this is not the first time VW has put the small car plan on hold, it has explored the project more than three times in India.“Škoda was commissioned by the Volkswagen Group to develop a platform for cars in the emerging markets, initially focusing on India. VW currently sells about 2000 units of the Polo hatchback every month in India with sub optimal market presence.The MQB A0 - the next generation modular vehicle architecture plan for India 2.0 is being spearheaded by Skoda Auto . The Czech car maker is likely to oversee the development and manufacturing of cars under the leadership of Gurpratap Boparai, MD of Indian operations, who recently joined the company from Fiat India Automobile.The group is likely to set up a new manufacturing line at Chakan which will be modular in nature in order to accommodate a new-gen platform, which enhances economies of scale. It is also expected to set up a local R&D centre which may house over 300-400 engineers.Skoda and VW are two separate legal entities, with the Czech partner likely to lead the new plan, the operational structure may change, said several people in the know.Under the previous 6 product plans, an estimated investment of over 1 billion Euros was required, however under 4 product plan – the tune of investment may be lower.“There is a critical meeting on 29th of May which will finalise the India blueprint that will be presented to the supervisory board in the coming weeks. The commitment towards India 2.0 is almost a done deal, the final sign off should be coming soon,” added third executive.

Source: Economic Times May 25, 2018 02:07 UTC