Skoda is reportedly considering the launch of a coupe-styled model in its range, but has not decided what kind of body style to use for its next creation.
Apparently, Skoda has to choose between a four-door coupe model that is built on the Superb’s platform, or a coupe-styled SUV that is based on the Kodiaq. Launching both vehicles in the same timeframe is not a possibility, as Skoda is expected to reach its maximum production capacity if it introduces another model.
The coupe-styled SUV is an attractive market segment these days, but four-door coupes are also popular in Europe because of their blend of design and practicality. In either case, the new model from Skoda is a few years away from its production version and market launch, so there’s time for a final decision in that direction.
According to Bernhard Maier, the current boss of Skoda, the company’s factory in the Czech Republic is already operating six-day work weeks, and all of them involve continuous manufacturing. A new model line could not be introduced without reducing output for anything else in the range.
Skoda also has a factory in China, which serves the local market, but the company is not considering making the new model in Asia and exporting it to Europe. According to Mr. Maier, that decision would bring logistics issues, along with duty costs and shipping charges. All of the above might make the new model less profitable on the Old Continent, which is not something the company desires.
Another possibility for Skoda’s new design would involve building the car in a different facility owned by the Volkswagen Group, which could be one of Seat’s factories, or even a VW plant. With several options existing in Europe, the VW Group would have to decide which of its facilities most needs the extra output.
The coupe-styled SUV is an attractive market segment these days, but four-door coupes are also popular in Europe because of their blend of design and practicality. In either case, the new model from Skoda is a few years away from its production version and market launch, so there’s time for a final decision in that direction.
According to Bernhard Maier, the current boss of Skoda, the company’s factory in the Czech Republic is already operating six-day work weeks, and all of them involve continuous manufacturing. A new model line could not be introduced without reducing output for anything else in the range.
Skoda also has a factory in China, which serves the local market, but the company is not considering making the new model in Asia and exporting it to Europe. According to Mr. Maier, that decision would bring logistics issues, along with duty costs and shipping charges. All of the above might make the new model less profitable on the Old Continent, which is not something the company desires.
Another possibility for Skoda’s new design would involve building the car in a different facility owned by the Volkswagen Group, which could be one of Seat’s factories, or even a VW plant. With several options existing in Europe, the VW Group would have to decide which of its facilities most needs the extra output.