Skoda will take charge of developing the MQB-A0 platform used in the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia.
It’s the first time the Czech brand has been given the reins of a Volkswagen Group platform, and is part of a broader push into developing markets by the Group.
This move follows the development of the MQB-A0-IN platform, which is aimed specifically at the Indian market and underpins the Skoda Kushaq small SUV.
Eventually, Skoda is expected to lead the Volkswagen Group in Russia, Africa, south-east Asia, and Latin America.
Currently, the Volkswagen Group’s biggest rival automotive groups have turned the world’s developing markets into strongholds. Russian sales are led by Lada, which is owned by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance under the AutoVAZ umbrella, followed by Hyundai and Kia.
Stellantis dominates in Latin America, with almost 40 per cent market share in some markets, while the African market is led by Toyota – although there are lots of countries making up that market, each of which has its own quirks.
All these markets are expected to take much longer to transition to electric power than Europe, which is legislating its way to an electric-first market with a combination of
As the Volkswagen Group moves make the majority of its sales electric in developed markets, the MQB-A0 platform is for petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles aimed at cost-conscious markets.
“Our development team has a deep understanding of the entry-level segments. We are now bringing this to bear with the development of the MQB-A0 Global Platform,” said Johannes Neft, Skoda board member for technical development
“For us, this is a great award and at the same time strong motivation to make the project a success. Based on this platform, new models will be created that are precisely tailored to the diverse customer needs in the various regions.”
Although it’s not a developing market price-leader in Australia, Skoda is still the most value-oriented Volkswagen Group brand Down Under.
The Octavia has more space and equipment than the equivalent Volkswagen Golf, while the Scala is a more spacious take on the Polo’s underpinnings.
