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.

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.