The new CEO of Skoda, Thomas Schaefer, spoke about the manufacturer’s plans for the near future. According to him, Skoda is determined to make serious competition for Hyundai and Kia in the European market. To this end, Skoda will release several budget electric variants of the popular compact models.
Thomas Schaefer is absolutely sure that Skoda products perfectly combine price and quality. However, he believes that the manufacturer should bring more budgetary and simpler models to the market. He noted that the recently unveiled Kushaq crossover, which was created for the Indian market, will soon enter the global stage.
A top manager said Skoda is working on several new electric models that will be installed under the Enyaq iV. This will enable the manufacturer to take a competitive position in small segments. “By the middle of the decade, we will have at least one such model, and after that we will offer an all-electric Octavia,” he says.
According to Thomas Schaefer, Hyundai, Kia and Citroen are hugely popular among motorists in Southern Europe. In order to compete with them, Skoda will sell its models at better prices.
The head of Skoda also added that the manufacturer is considering entering new markets. He said that gradually the range of Skoda electric models will be increased in the markets of Russia, the CIS countries, North America and Egypt.
Thomas Schaefer predicts that in 2030, about 60% of Skoda’s sales will cover electric cars. However, the electrification of the manufacturer’s models will be gradual – starting from mild hybrids.