Skoda Auto reveals plans to enter Sri Lankan market soon

After success in SAARC countries like India, Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda Auto is planning to expand in the region. The company released a statement saying it will now tap into the neighbouring Sri Lankan market as well. Skoda also announced its target of May 2020 to open its first showroom in the island nation.

Skoda Auto CEO Bernhard Maier said, “Further internationalising our brand and conquering new markets are central areas of action laid out in the ŠKODA Strategy 2025. By re-entering the Sri Lankan market, we are taking the next step in raising Skoda’s position worldwide."

Skoda Auto is returning to Sri Lanka after a gap of 17 years. The company said it is going to open a central showroom and sales location in Colombo, the capital of the island state located off the southern point of India.

Skoda Auto will be collaborating with IWS Automobiles (Pvt) Ltd as an importer and trading partner.

Skoda’s initial line-up will include four model series: the small car Fabia, the mid-class Superb, the large SUV Kodiaq and the compact SUV Karoq. The brand’s bestseller, the Octavia, will expand the range of models later this year.

Skoda said, by utilising the existing synergies in the India 2.0 project, the company could also offer models in Sri Lanka that will be developed under the upcoming model campaign in the Indian market.

Customers can order the first vehicles from the beginning of March 2020, and the first deliveries will be made when the new showroom opens in May.