Mexican Media Brands
Skoda Confirms EV, Hybrid Plans
Volkswagen AG’s Skoda unit will launch its first hybrid and full-electric vehicles in three years as part of a new “green” initiative, Handelsblatt reports.
#hybrid
Share
Volkswagen AG’s Skoda unit will launch its first hybrid and full-electric vehicles in three years as part of a new “green” initiative, Handelsblatt reports.
The rollout will start with a plug-in hybrid variant of the Superb sedan in 2019, Skoda boss Bernhard Maier, tells the German newspaper. This will be followed by an electric car early next decade and grow to five EVs by 2025, he says.
Previous reports have indicated the new EV will be built on VW’s Modular Electric Platform that was unveiled earlier this year. Skoda’s Fabia hatchback and Octavia sedan also are said to be candidates for electrification.
By 2025, Maier aims to expand the Czech Republic-based brand’s sales to 120 markets from 102 countries today. Planned additions over the next year include Iran, Singapore and South Korea.
A decision on whether to enter North America will be made next year, Maier says. He notes that Skoda is evaluating “under what conditions and with what cars” a U.S. presence would make sense. Analysts note the budget brand, which has focused on Europe and China until now, would face an uphill climb to break into the U.S. market.
RELATED CONTENT
-
On Ford Maverick, Toyota Tundra Hybrid, and GM's Factory Footprint
GM is transforming its approach to the auto market—and its factories. Ford builds a small truck for the urban market. Toyota builds a full-size pickup and uses a hybrid instead of a diesel. And Faurecia thinks that hydrogen is where the industry is going.
-
Startup Readies Solar-Powered EV
Germany’s Sono Motors GmbH says it has received 5,000 orders for its upcoming Sion electric car, which can be partially recharged by it attached solar panels.
-
On Military Trucks, Euro Car Sales, Mazda Drops and More
Did you know Mack is making military dump trucks from commercial vehicles or that Ford tied with Daimler in Euro vehicle sales or the Mazda6 is soon to be a thing of the past or Alexa can be more readily integrated or about Honda’s new EV strategy? All that and more are found here.