The Volkswagen Group is finally putting an end to the sale of diesel engine versions in the Indian automobile market. At the same time, the brand is exploring alternative fuel options so that they can reap an advantage in this fiercely competitive market scenario.
As per the VW Groups India Plan 2.0, Skoda and Volkswagen are going to launch four new cars. These vehicles will be developed as per the MQB AO IN platform. These models are expected to be launched before the end of the upcoming financial year. The second quarter of 2021 can be the ideal time around which the first model will be released.
According to the speculations, Skoda is looking for CNG alternatives for the upcoming models. Last year, there was a downfall in the sales of passenger vehicles by almost 18%. However, the FY20 witnessed a 7% increase in the sales of CNG cars. Even the Government of India is taking humongous steps by expanding the network of 2200 CNG stations to a whopping 10,000 in the coming ten years’ time. All these steps will definitely give a boost to the CNG car sales in the near future.
At present, Skoda is testing rapid CNG. The VW Group, during the Auto Expo 2020, has hinted towards the launching of CNG vehicles. It is possible to pair the 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol to a CNG kit. Even the 1.5 litre, the 4-cylinder petrol engine can be paired with CNG kits. VW Group is successfully selling these factory-fitted CNG cars in international automobile markets. The factory-fitted CNG Polo by VW Group is capable of producing 89 bhp and 160Nm torque.
Skoda’s Kamiq middle-sized SUV also comes equipped with a CNG engine. It produces 90 bhp and has a 1.0 litre petrol engine as well.
