Can you name a hybrid or electric Skoda? That’s because there isn’t one, but things will change starting with 2019.
As part of Volkswagen Group’s master plan of launching a fleet of 30 battery-powered cars by 2020, Skoda will introduce its first sustainable model – a plug-in hybrid Skoda Superb – a year earlier.
Autocar reports that the model will kick-start the Czech car maker’s electric agenda, that will lead to the launch of a fully-electric model by 2020, based on VW’s tech.
According to Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier, the hybrid Superb will be underpinned by the Passat GTE’s platform. Moreover, other Skoda models will soon follow suit, including the Kodiaq, and like its counterpart, the seven-seater SUV will be made available only in China, at first.
“We will start with the Superb as it has the strongest following in China, which is where we anticipate the greatest demand coming from. Some will say we are late to the market, but actually we see 2019 as being a point where demand for such cars will actually start to build to a level that is strong enough to bring down costs,” said Bernhard Maier.
To be fair, Skoda isn’t an innovative car maker, but it excels at offering modern amenities and technologies at a fair price to its customers, as Maier acknowledged:
“As a brand, Skoda does not need to be first to market – it needs to offer technology people want at a price they can afford. That is why 2019 is our target.”
Although details remain unclear about the future EV, it is expected to adopt the Group’s MEB platform, and to feature Skoda’s own design language – all while concentrating on interior space:
“I cannot tell you much, but I promise this all-new car will be awesome. The advantages of lots of space in a smaller footprint play to Skoda’s strengths for offering good value,” concluded Maier.
Skoda Vision C Concept pictured
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