"The introduction of the redesigned Superb is part of our ongoing model offensive strategy," said Sudhir Rao, Chairman & Managing Director, Skoda Auto India.
"We are still selling Fabia (hatchback) but we have stopped production of the car. Our present focus is on strengthening our image as a value for luxury provider," Rao said. He, however, said the company has not completely given up on the high volume compact segment.
"We will profitably re-enter the small car segment, once we get the fundamentals sorted out," Rao said, without sharing any time-frame. The company "clearly has volume aspirations, for that we need a volume car in the Fabia segment", he added.
At present the company has made "progress" in the development on an India specific compact car based on the platform of mid-sized sedan Rapid, Rao said but did not share when it would be launched here.
The company's main models in India are sedans Superb, Octavia and Rapid along with sports utility vehicle Yeti. Rao said Skoda India has been streamlining structures in the company as part of an exercise to make in lean and nimble footed to be able to respond to market demand quicker.
Skoda India had sold a total of around 22,700 units in India as against about 35,000 units in 2012. It is hoping that the new models and its new approach on image building through better relationship with customers will help in making a rebound.
