According to reports, Czech carmaker Skoda is planning to drive in electric vehicles in the Indian market as it expects the green mobility segment to pick up significantly in the country over the next few years.

The automaker, which is witnessing a turnaround in its domestic business, however, has no plans to get into the CNG space in the immediate future, as per the reports.

Zac Hollis, Skoda Auto India Brand Director says, “we will have to (get into the EV segment) because we plan a long term future in India.”

Hollis noted that group firms like Audi and Porsche have already started to launch high-end electric vehicles in the Indian market.

“The electric car launches from the group enable us to see how the technology is working in the Indian road conditions and climate and also it will help us learn from the dealer aspect as well,” Hollis adds.

Hollis says, “can't give a timeline as it is still under discussion. We have no short term plans for CNG, the problem is that with our platform, technology and TSI engines we cannot be competitive and a CNG car is predominantly at a lower end of the market. I think that is the issue we need to look at. So no plans in the short term but we will keep reviewing it.”

According to reports, “many domestic carmakers are expanding their CNG product lineup in the country amid an increase in fuel prices and a drop in diesel car sales. Skoda, which now sells models like Kushaq, Slavia, Octavia, Superb and Kodiaq in the Indian market, is witnessing a turnaround in its business.”

“We are receiving a robust response. The turnaround is clearly happening. We increased the volume last year by 140 per cent; we intend to treble our volumes this year from 2021,” adds Hollis.