Car buying, redefined

CEO Klaus Zellmer says the Slavia is proof that a shrinking segment can still be won. While SUVs continue to dominate global sales charts, Škoda Auto's global CEO Klaus Zellmer believes there's still meaningful room to win in the sedan segment — and the newly unveiled Slavia facelift is the brand's clearest bet on that thesis.Addressing what he called a broader shift in consumer sentiment — sometimes described as "SUV fatigue" — Zellmer didn't shy away from the data. "If you...

Global CEO Klaus Zellmer says a larger, fully localised EV is the "clear plan" for the Indian market. Škoda Auto has ruled out its compact EV, the Epiq, as the vehicle that will lead its electric push in India, with global CEO Klaus Zellmer confirming that a larger, more India-specific model is already in development.Speaking exclusively with ACKO Drive about the brand's electric vehicle roadmap, Zellmer acknowledged that the Epiq — which had a strong global premiere earlier this year —...

CEO Klaus Zellmer confirms ongoing discussions with multiple Indian groups, but urges caution. Škoda Auto is actively exploring a strategic partnership with an Indian company, according to global CEO Klaus Zellmer, who confirmed the brand has held discussions with "various different organisations" as it looks to deepen its roots in one of its most important growth markets.Speaking exclusively with ACKO Drive on whether a local partnership was a necessity or simply a welcome possibility, Zellmer avoided naming any specific group but...

Klaus Zellmer says India is Škoda's "second leg", as brand posts 96% growth and record sales. Škoda Auto's global CEO Klaus Zellmer has firmly dismissed speculation that the Czech carmaker is scaling back its India ambitions, calling such rumours baseless and "the opposite" of the company's actual strategy.Speaking exclusively with ACKO Drive, Zellmer addressed talk that has been circulating in trade circles suggesting uncertainty around Škoda's long-term India commitment. "There's no plan to leave India. It's quite the opposite," he said,...

The locally assembled i5 long-wheelbase variant is expected to challenge Mercedes-Benz and Tesla in India’s fastest-growing luxury segment. BMW is preparing to launch a long-wheelbase version of its i5 electric sedan in India, with the car set to become the German marque’s first all-electric sedan assembled locally, at its Chennai facility. At the launch of the X1 LWB, the company showcased the i5 LWB as well, formally acknowledging this launch for the Indian market.The move would give BMW a locally built...

The wheelbase has increased by 108mm, which gives second-row occupants a lot more knee room and a longer seat cushion. The BMW X1 LWB has been launched in India, priced at ₹49,90,000 for the sole petrol variant. This actually makes it slightly more affordable than the standard wheelbase version, which now starts at ₹50,90,000 (all prices ex-showroom). It is available in only a single trim: sDrive18i M Sport. The new SUV is manufactured in India, at the BMW Group Plant, Chennai....

The segment is among the most crowded in the Indian market, populated by strong-selling rivals and, notably, dominated in recent years by Volkswagen's own sister brand. Volkswagen is finally entering India's most fought-over car segment. Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Group Board of Management, CEO Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand, confirmed in an interview with ACKO Drive that the brand will bring a sub-4-metre compact SUV to India — a space it has stayed out of for years despite the segment's runaway...

Thomas Schäfer, CEO Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand, described the potential move as a trade-off between shared cost and shared reward. For months, speculation has swirled around Volkswagen potentially seeking a stake sale or local partner in India. Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Group Board of Management, CEO Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand, put that speculation to rest with a direct on-record confirmation in an interview with ACKO Drive that the company is actively looking at the option."Exploring options like having a local...