Skoda India pauses plans to import diesel cars & EVs

Skoda has also deferred its plans to manufacture EVs locally.

Skoda recently launched the second-generation Kodiaq in India. The carmaker also has plans to import other petrol and diesel models, along with EVs. However, these plans have been put off till the government clarifies its customs duty policy.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director of Skoda Auto India, said, “We are not sure whether under the current conditions when the customs duty is a question mark, and in all likelihood, it will see a downward revision, whether it makes sense to get a CBU.” Janeba added, “There will be a resolution on customs duty within the next three months. We can then consider an EV introduction from Skoda this year.”

Skoda was also looking at manufacturing its EVs locally. However, these plans too have been put on the backburner till the government finalizes advanced fuel efficiency guidelines under CAFÉ 3 (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency).

Besides the new Kodiaq, Skoda was preparing to launch diesel variants of the Superb and Octavia in India. Another CBU model that was bound for our shores was the Octavia RS. As far as EVs are concerned, the automaker has been evaluating the launch of the Enyaq electric SUV for quite some time.

Source: ET Auto