Skoda Auto’s global CEO, Klaus Zellmer, told HT Auto in an exclusive interaction that the brand is actively developing a new, affordable electric vehicle tailored specifically for the Indian market.
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Check Offers Skoda is preparing for the next chapter of its journey in the Indian market. At IAA Mobility 2025, the company demonstrated its growing expertise in electric mobility with several key unveilings. Among them was the near-production Epiq EV (Electric Vehicle), which is set to define affordable electric mobility for the brand in Europe. Also on display was the striking Skoda Vision O, a brand-new electric wagon concept that reflects the company’s evolving vision—shifting from a traditional, design-enabled approach to one that is driven by technology.
On the sidelines of the event, Skoda Auto’s global CEO, Klaus Zellmer, told HT Auto in an exclusive interaction that the brand is actively developing a new, affordable electric vehicle tailored specifically for the Indian market.
Localizing New CMP 21 EV Platform In India
Zellmer emphasized the importance of localizing a new electric vehicle platform, originally developed in China and now being adapted for the Indian market. This localized architecture will serve as the foundation for future Skoda and Volkswagen EVs designed specifically for India. “The big game in terms of battery electric vehicles will start once we have localized our platform called the CMP 21. It’s a platform that has been engineered and developed in China, but we want to fully localize that in India. This platform will then get two hats from Volkswagen and from Skoda. We’re also working on potentially bringing over another small battery electric vehicle,” said Zellmer.
The CMP 21 platform will enable Skoda to develop multiple EVs in India that can effectively compete with rival brands already making steady inroads into the fully electric vehicle segment.
Skoda Epiq Not Planned For India
When asked whether the upcoming Epiq EV would be introduced in the Indian market, Zellmer clarified that Skoda has different plans for India, and the Epiq is not part of the company’s strategy for the region.
Skoda views India as an essential “second leg” to its business, reducing dependence on European markets. This diversification is crucial, given the volatility and geopolitical risks in other regions like China and the US. By investing heavily and committing to localized platforms, Skoda aims to establish a strong foothold in India.
“To depend just on one region is not a good idea. Many other car companies have found that out the hard way with China and the US as we speak. So we want to develop a second pillar or a second leg that we stand on. And the second leg clearly is India,” said the Skoda Auto CEO.
GST 2.0 A Boon For The Indian Car Market
Skoda’s global CEO praised India’s GST reforms, calling it a great initiative. “This is really a great initiative that will help boost a car industry and car sales that are currently more stagnating than soaring. So I think it’s the right decision. It drives consumers towards the lower end of segments,” he said.
Moreover, sharing his thoughts on India pushing E20 fuel, he added that it’s a positive approach since it’s efficiently cutting down on CO2 emissions. “You know, generally speaking, I can’t talk about the balance between nutrition and biofuels. You know, this is something that needs a deep dive. But generally speaking, the enemy to fight climate change is CO2 and it’s not the drivetrain. So anything that cuts back on CO2 emissions, because it’s a circular CO2 that is being taken out of the atmosphere when plants grow and then being put back in the atmosphere so it’s neutral, is a good move. And that’s why I completely appreciate it, as long as it fits in the overall society and its structure,” added Zellmer.
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First Published Date: 11 Sept 2025, 14:30 pm IST
