Volkswagen Group to launch new SUV in India by 2013

Czech car-maker Skoda today said a new sports utility vehicle will be introduced in

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India by 2013 from parent Volkswagen Group's portfolio.

The company is expecting its sales to increase by about 50 per cent this year, mainly on the back of the robust performance of its Rapid sedan.

"The VW group is adding one more production line at the Aurangabad plant for rolling out a new SUV by 2013. We will also announce a new investment for this purpose," Skoda Auto Member of the Board (Sales and Marketing) Jurgen Stackmann told PTI at the 11th Auto Expo here.

He, however, declined to share details such as which company of the group will roll out the SUV and what could be the investment for this project.

Yesterday, Volkswagen Group had announced that it will invest a minimum of Rs 2,000 crore on its Indian operations by 2013 to ramp up capacity, launch new models and strengthen research activities.

At present, the group -- comprising Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda -- has two manufacturing facility at Chakan and Aurangabad, in Maharashtra.

The capacity at Chakan will be increased to 1.3 lakh units annually this year from 1.1 lakh cars. Aurangabad can produce 20,000 units annually at present.

Talking about sales of Skoda Auto in India, Stackmann said: "Last year, our sales grew by 50 per cent to over 30,000 units. In 2012 also, we are expecting same growth."