The Fourth-Gen Skoda Superb production has moved to Bratislava, Slovakia.
Skoda Superb the flagship sedan, has entered its fourth modern generation. While previous versions have been popular in India, the new model’s future in the Indian market is now in question due to significant production changes and associated costs.
Key Highlights:
- Production Shift: Skoda Superb production has moved to Bratislava, Slovakia.
- High Import Duties: CBU import duties could raise prices significantly.
- Diesel Engine Option: Possible return via the CBU route.
Skoda Superb Production Changes and Impact
The new Skoda Superb will be produced at the VW Group’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, instead of the Kvasiny plant in Czechia. This move is aimed at increasing production capacity for the Octavia and Skoda’s electric vehicles (EVs) at Kvasiny. However, the Bratislava plant does not produce Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits, which are essential for cost-effective local assembly in India.
As Petr Janeba, Skoda India’s Brand Director, explains, “The Bratislava factory doesn’t have a CKD facility. They can make one, but the investment would be too high for just one market.”
Local Assembly vs CBU Import
Demand for sedans, particularly in the premium executive segment, has been declining in India. The Superb competes primarily with the Toyota Camry, but sales have dropped significantly. At its peak in 2010, Skoda sold 4,161 units of the Superb in India. By 2022, this number had fallen to 1,609 units.
The third-generation Superb was reintroduced as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) import in March 2024, but the high price of ₹54 lakh (ex-showroom) has deterred buyers. Dealers have struggled to sell the imported units, with less than 40% of the allocation finding buyers.
Challenges with CBU Import
Importing the new Superb as a CBU presents several challenges. The 100% import duty significantly increases the price, making it more expensive than competitors like the Audi A4. Additionally, the new model would include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which require calibration for Indian conditions, further driving up costs.
Opportunities with Diesel Engine
One potential advantage of importing the Superb is the possibility of reintroducing the diesel engine, which could differentiate it in a market dominated by petrol and hybrid options. Diesel engines still have a loyal following in India, and the VW Group’s TDI engine is particularly missed. However, even without homologation costs, a fully imported diesel Superb would likely remain prohibitively expensive.
AI Expert Verdict:
The new Skoda Superb faces significant hurdles in the Indian market. High import duties, declining demand for sedans, and the added costs of ADAS calibration make its viability uncertain. While the reintroduction of a diesel engine could provide a unique selling point, the overall cost remains a major concern.
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