Volkswagen opens new R&D facility in Pune
- Published | 21 January 2019
The investment of Rs 2000 crore into R&D center in Pune by Skoda Auto –led Volkswagen group will push India as new auto manufacturing hub in the world which will also drive the India SUV Market over the forecast timeline.
India: Skoda Auto-led Volkswagen Group India opened a new research and development facility in Pune as part of the group’s ‘India 2.0’ plan that calls for a Rs 2,000-crore investment into R&D which will in helping enhance the local content in the cars to be sold in the world’s fastest-expanding major economy. This R&D center is part of the German auto major’s Rs7,900 Crore investment plan in India to develop new generation vehicles under Volkswagen and Skoda brand names. The objective of this center is to capture 5% combined market share in one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile markets. This technology center would be developing vehicles under provision to targeting customers in subcontinent. At the technology center in Pune, Indian engineers would be responsible for project management, electronics, infotainment, body design, interior, chassis, and complete vehicle. Christian Strube - member of the board for technical development, Skoda Auto said, “By opening the technology centre, we underline our determination to make the INDIA 2.0 project a success. India has excellent universities and highly qualified staff; this state-of-the-art facility will help us to unlock that huge potential – especially with regard to design and development.
According to Blueweave Consulting, India is fastest growing economy where all sectors growing with steady rate. In the same direction, Skoda Auto-led Volkswagen Group major investment in India will give more pace to auto industry of India. This investment in Research & Development, will give new opportunity to Indian technocrats to show up their technical skills in global market. This will also provide better platform for Indian Government’s Major project ‘Make in India” through which India can be next Manufacturing hub in world. The best thing of this R&D is that it will utilize 95% local technocrats, engineers and management along with major local auto parts for vehicles. This R&D center will provide India to grow in manufacturing hub on global standards as per their localize skills and localized auto parts which can be suitable for global customers.
According to BlueWeave Consulting‘s upcoming reports, Titled-“India Automobiles SUV Market by Vehicle type (multi-utility vehicles (MUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs)), by fuel type (diesel, gasoline and hybrid.), by seating capacity(5 seater, 7 seater and 8 Seater) – Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2019-2024”- The major growth of India in automobiles industry especially in SUV market will grow with a significant rate in forecast period. The keys factors are major investment by world’s leading auto manufacturing companies, technical advancement in local auto industry of India, increment in income levels of various groups, major demand of vehicles in India in various categories. Also, factors for growth of SUV vehicles are facilities of, ample room and leg space, appealing and strong looks, and additionally, economical since they are fuel efficient and most suitable for bad patch of roads which can affordable by middle-class family of India.