Gurpratap Boparai is new Managing Director of Skoda Auto India

In this role, he will be reporting directly to Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier. Boparai has many years of experience in the international automotive industry and was most recently CEO of Fiat India Automobiles Ltd. The Indian market plays an important role in Skoda Auto’s global growth strategy.

The Volkswagen Group recently commissioned Skoda Auto to evaluate a global architecture for volume segments with the modular MQB A0 IN system. Skoda’s strategic approach is to launch this localised platform on the Indian market in 2020 when more stringent crash and emissions standards come into force. Skoda also plans to produce competitive volume models for the Skoda and Volkswagen brands in India. In the medium term, Skoda Auto aims for sustained, stable growth in India.

Skoda Auto India’s current offering in the Indian market include the Octavia, Superb, Rapid and the Kodiaq, which was launched in October 2017. The Rapid is manufactured at the Pune plant, while the Octavia, Superb and Kodiaq models are produced in Aurangabad where the company headquarters are located. Skoda vehicles are sold in India through 70 dealerships and 70 service centres are available to customers.