In India, the used-car market has become larger than the new-car market. According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence, the used-car market will continue to grow and is expected to reach a market size of USD 75 billion by 2023. Indian consumers are becoming more aware of their options that yield value for money.

Second-hand cars are always a good option as they save you money, depreciation, premium cost, etc. In the past, the used-car market was dominated by unorganised players. But with the advent of organised players and certified vehicles being readily available on digital platforms, buying a second-hand vehicle has become a cakewalk.

What about the insurance of the second-hand vehicle, though? The new owners are seldom aware of the insurance factors to be careful about when buying a new car. Most purchasers are unaware of No Claim Bonus (NCB) and Third-party Assistance (TPA) policy needs and face issues at the time of claims.

Following these tips will help you have a hassle-free claims process, if needed, in the future:

Insurance policy coverage
Since this is unlike any policy for a new car, you should opt for comprehensive car insurance as apart from a TPA, this would also cover damages to your own vehicle. A motor insurance policy covers third-party damage and their own vehicle’s damage. Depending on the car’s age and location, you can also look at the relevant add-ons.
For cars that are less than three years old, Return to Invoice (RTI) should be considered as it covers the cost of buying a new car if the current vehicle gets damaged or stolen.
For cars that are less than five years old and >INR 5 lakhs sum insured, a zero-depreciation cover is most apt as it covers the vehicle’s depreciation. Also, Road-side Assistance (RSA) is a must for challenging situations where you can get stuck needing a tyre change or a towing facility.

The process of insurance transfer from the seller
When you buy a second-hand car, you have to apply for the transfer of the insurance policy in your name within 14 days under section 157 of the Motor Vehicle Act. The third-party section of the policy gets transferred automatically within these 14 days. According to this law, if the new owner fails to apply for a policy transfer within 14 days, then the insurance company is not liable to compensate for any losses.
You will need to fill a proposal form and then submit the proof of sale, which includes registration certificate and forms 29 and 30 signed by the previous owner to facilitate the policy transfer. You will also need to remit a transfer fee and submit a copy of the previous policy to the insurer. The insurance company will then start the transfer process.

In case of an accident while the transfer is still in process, the claim will be initially rejected. However, once the proof of change in registration certificate is submitted, the claim will be honoured.

Other tips to remember while buying your vehicle
• When you buy a second-hand vehicle, you can either buy a new policy, transfer your older
policy to your new car or transfer the old owner’s insurance policy to the car bought.
• If the former owner’s policy is transferred, then the owner needs to intimate the insurance
company about the change in ownership.
• Here, the new owner has to pay any NCB difference, since NCB will remain with the old owner
and new NCB will apply to the new owner.
• The insurance document should have a change in the name of the owner, and the RC
(Registration Certificate) needs to be changed as well.
• The RC and the insurance document should be in the same owner’s name.

While selling your used car, it is to be noted that your NCB still stays with you because NCB is applied only on the driver and not on the car. A seller can utilise the NCB on a new policy bought within three years. It is important to be aware of the factors that will protect your vehicle and save you from a lengthy insurance claims process in future.

Tips by Mr. Adarsh Agarwal, Appointed Actuary, Digit Insurance

Global consumer insights and data analytics leader J.D. Power’s 2019 India Original Equipment Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study has ranked Bridgestone India highest is customer satisfaction. The study ranked Bridgestone India highest in Midsize Car Segment and Utility Vehicle segment with remarkable score of 861 and 836 respectively in the said categories.

“We are happy with this recognition and it only reinforces our confidence in the quality of our product offering. Bridgestone quality benchmarks is one of the key that brought us to the leading position in the industry globally. It is this commitment that has been key to our success in the Indian market and we are confident of retaining these rankings and consumer trust in the future as well” said Parag Satpute, Managing Director, Bridgestone India on gaining this recognition.

The J.D. Power 2019 India Original Equipment Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index Study focuses on the tyre design, climate, road conditions and driver habits influence in the lifespan of a vehicle’s tyre thereby projecting a factual picture in terms of their findings.

Deepak Gulati, Chief Marketing Officer said, “This ranking is indeed an honour for all of us at Bridgestone and is a reflection of the trust that our OEM partners have in our product. Our continuous partnership and connect with our customers helps us understand their needs and requirements. We give the best to our customers and are committed to delivering world class products.”

The study, now in its 19th year, measures satisfaction among original equipment tyre owners during the first 12 to 36 months of ownership across four factors (listed in order of importance): wear; ride; traction/handling; and appearance. Some other key findings of the 2019 study are that tyre satisfaction decreases with use; increased usage leads to more problems and satisfaction drives loyalty and advocacy.

Datsun India announces segment-first safety feature, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) technology, in the New Datsun GO and GO+ in line with the commitment to offer enhanced safety to the car owners in India. New Datsun GO will also be available in new ‘Vivid Blue’ colour option.

Hardeep Singh Brar, Director Sales and Commercial, Nissan India said, “Datsun is committed to transform customer experience with new and innovative products. Underscoring our focus on progressive mobility backed by safety, technology, style and convenience, the New Datsun GO and GO+ now comes with VDC so that the Datsun owner can drive with confidence.”

The VDC system monitors wheel speed, steering wheel position, and lateral acceleration via onboard sensors to provide electronic stability control. Responding to car oversteering and understeering, the system facilitates a safer driving experience, superior drivability and enhanced power. New Datsun GO and GO+ comes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA) and traction control system (TCS).

Making journeys more enjoyable, all variants of the New Datsun GO and GO+ are available with a new music system, featuring a seven-inch display, smartphone connectivity via Apple Car Play and Android Auto, voice recognition, among other standard in-car music features. The New Datsun GO and GO+ are available at all Nissan and Datsun dealerships across India.

In the year Bentley Motors celebrates its 100th anniversary, the British luxury carmaker is promising to once again set new standards of both driving enjoyment and luxury when it reveals the all-new, third generation Flying Spur Grand Touring Sedan on Tuesday, June 11.

This will be the very first Bentley to feature All-Wheel Steering enhancing both stability at cruising speeds and agility around town. During high-speed manoeuvres, the electronic system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, making overtaking and lane-changes more assured. All-Wheel Steering also means no compromise between high speed confidence and low speed convenience.

Like every Flying Spur of recent times, the third incarnation features All-Wheel Drive for optimum traction. For the first time, drive is supplied only to the rear wheels in standard road conditions giving classic sports sedan handling characteristics. If any slip is detected, the system can instantly send drive to the front wheels providing active All-Wheel Drive, fully automatically.

Bentley Dynamic Ride is designed to further improve both handling and ride comfort. New to the Flying Spur, the innovative system changes suspension stiffness on demand to combat cornering forces and minimise body roll that might otherwise disturb occupants.

Like the recently launched Continental GT, the all-new Flying Spur is a ground up development. Owing only its historic name to the preceding model, the four-door sedan aims to deliver a praiseworthy touring experience for the driver and passengers alike. Quite simply, Bentley is intending to create the world’s best luxury Grand Touring sedan when the all-new Flying Spur is revealed in just a few weeks’ time.

Volvo Car Group has signed long-term agreements with leading battery makers CATL and LG Chem to ensure the multi-billion dollar supply of lithium ion batteries over the coming decade for next generation Volvo and Polestar models.

The agreements cover the global supply of battery modules for all models on the upcoming SPA2 and the existing CMA modular vehicle platforms and represent a major step towards realising Volvo Cars’ ambitious electrification strategy.

In 2017 Volvo Cars made a commitment that all new Volvo cars launched from 2019 would be electrified. The company has since reinforced this strategy, by stating that it aims for fully electric cars to make up 50 per cent of its global sales volume by 2025.

“The future of Volvo Cars is electric and we are firmly committed to moving beyond the internal combustion engine,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “Today’s agreements with CATL and LG Chem demonstrate how we will reach our ambitious electrification targets.”

CATL of China and LG Chem of South Korea are renowned battery manufacturers, both of which have long and successful track records supplying lithium ion batteries to the global automotive industry. They fulfill Volvo Cars’ strict sourcing guidelines in terms of technology leadership, responsible supply chains and competitive cost models. In China, battery supply will benefit from the scale of the wider Geely Group.

“With today’s agreement we effectively secured our battery supply for the upcoming decade,” said Martina Buchhauser, Senior Vice President for procurement at Volvo Cars. “By having two suppliers available in each region we also ensure that we have flexibility in our supply chain going forward.”

Volvo Cars’ first battery assembly line is currently under construction at its manufacturing plant in Ghent, Belgium. It will be finalised by the end of this year and the first fully electric Volvo to be built in Ghent is the award-winning XC40 small SUV. Already now, plug-in hybrid variants of the XC40 are manufactured there.

The Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) currently underpins the XC40, as well as the fully electric Polestar 2 fastback and several models sold by LYNK & CO, Volvo’s sister brand which it co-owns with Geely. As of this year, all three models will be built on a single production line at a Volvo-operated manufacturing plant in Luqiao, China.

The upcoming SPA2 architecture is the next generation of Volvo’s in-house developed Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) and will be launched early next decade. SPA is one of the most advanced vehicle platforms in the car industry and currently underpins all Volvo models in the 90 and 60 Series. The first Volvo to be launched on SPA2 will be the next generation of the XC90 large SUV.

Earlier this year, Volvo Cars revealed a number of upgraded and newly-developed electrified powertrain options, to be made available across its entire model range going forward. It has upgraded its existing T8 and T6 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrains, with plug-in options now available on every model it produces.

The all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure will be available as completely built-up units (CBU) and can be booked at BMW Motorrad dealerships effective immediately at an ex-showroom price of Rs 15,40,000.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India, said, “For more than ten years, the GS models in the BMW Motorrad F series have embodied the premium range in the middle class travel and adventure enduro segment. With the launch of the all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure, we are now expanding the premium BMW Motorrad range in this segment. The all-new F 850 GS Adventure offers travel enduro riders, off-road oriented touring riders and globetrotters the perfect companion for exploring the remote corners of the world by motorcycle.”

The all-new BMW F 850 Adventure GS is available only with the Style Rallye package that includes Lupine Blue metallic including tapes in Racing red uni / Light white uni / Blackstorm metallic under paintwork), Windshield sport, Golden anodised rim rings and Golden anodised upper front fork tube.

The design of the all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure is more dynamic and robust, which clearly signals adventure and travelling the world suitability. The distinctive GS flyline is visible from all perspectives. Iconic design features such as the asymmetric headlamp and the GS typical flyline clearly identify it as a member of the BMW Motorrad GS family. Starting from the front “beak” of the GS, the flyline extends over the fuel tank and seat to the rear.

The LED headlights and iconically designed LED daytime riding light and LED turn indicators illuminate the road ahead and increase active safety. The low double seat, ensures better access to the ground and facilitates handling while standing. With wide enduro footrests, adjustable shift and foot brake levers and center stand, you can tackle any tour in even more relaxed fashion and focus fully on the pure riding pleasure.

High-positioned air intake, ground clearance, functionally designed surfaces and a precise panel alignment underline the robust off-road attributes. The visual appeal is emphasised by equipment features such as engine protection bars and stainless steel luggage rack.

The all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure feature the powerful two-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 853 cc. It generates 70 kW (95 hp) at 8,250 rpm to deliver supreme level of engine power. An extremely powerful and emotional sound is produced by a crankshaft journal offset of 90 degrees and firing interval of 270/450 degrees.

The all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure comes with the two riding modes “Rain” and Road” as standard, to allow the individual desires of the rider to be accommodated. Also included in the standard features is the ASC automatic stability control, which ensures a high degree of rider safety. With the riding modes “Rain” and “Road”, the riding characteristics can be adapted to the majority of road conditions.

The standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC) ensures a high level of riding safety due to the best possible traction. Riders can choose optional riding modes – ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Enduro’ along with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and the banking capable ABS Pro. Dynamic ESA opens up new dimensions of rider safety, performance and comfort. The new self-boosting anti-hopping clutch reduces engine drag torque and adds significant riding safety- especially in braking manoeuvres associated with downshifting.

The all-new BMW F 850 GS Adventure is equipped with a completely new instrument cluster design, consisting of an analogue tachometer and a multi-functional display, alongside a number of control lamps. Fast and clear information is available with the optional equipment known as Connectivity, with a 6.5 inch full-colour TFT display. Integrating operation via the BMW Motorrad multi-controller, it gives the rider quick access to vehicle and connectivity functions. Phone and media functions can be used without having to install an app. The rider can easily make telephone calls and enjoy listening to music with Bluetooth connection. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Connected app offers everyday-suitable and practice-oriented arrow navigation directly via the TFT display.

(L-R) Sachin Tendulkar and Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India with the all-new BMW X5

The all-new BMW X5 was launched in India. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary sportsman unveiled the all-new BMW X5 in Mumbai. Locally-produced, the all-new BMW X5 is available in a diesel variant at BMW dealerships effective immediately. The petrol variant will be available later in 2019.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India said, “BMW established the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the launch of BMW X5 in 1999. The BMW X5 has been the best-selling car in this segment for many years and has become one of our most successful models. The fourth generation embodies this model’s typical characteristics – versatility, sovereignty and luxury. The all-new BMW X5 is bound to add another chapter to this success story by introducing a new interpretation of the letter X. Combining an elegant and strong design with supreme on and off-road ability, the all-new BMW X5 has an even greater blend of premium luxury performance, technology and comfort.”

The all-new BMW X5 is available in three design schemes – Sport, xLine and M Sport. Sport celebrates the gust of adrenaline with sporty style and self-confidence. xLine puts on a powerful character that enhances the car’s off-road looks. M Sport enhances the dynamic character distinguishing itself as an elite sports model.

The all-new BMW X5 is available in two diesel models – BMW X5 xDrive30d Sport and BMW X5 xDrive30d xLine. The petrol variant BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport will be available later in 2019.

The ex-showroom prices are as follows :

BMW X5 xDrive30d Sport: Rs 72,90,000

BMW X5 xDrive30d xLine: Rs 82,40,000

BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport:Rs 82,40,000

Sachin Tendulkar with the all-new BMW X5

The all-new BMW X5 is available in the following metallic paintworks: Mineral White, Phytonic Blue and Black Sapphire. The all-new BMW X5 features Fine upholstery Leather ‘Vernasca’ as standard with the following combinations – Ivory White | Black, Coffee | Black, Cognac | Black and Black | Black.

The design of the all-new BMW X5 makes a powerful statement. It has grown in all dimensions compared to its predecessor while retaining its character and proportions. Its design language has become more athletic, with more clearly defined surfaces and even more precise lines. The enlarged one-piece hexagonal kidney grille paired with a sculptured bonnet and short overhangs gives the front an imposing appearance. BMW Laser Light technology with blue X-shaped elements makes a distinctive visual proclamation. The car makes a solid and dynamic impression on the road because of its muscular stance – an effect that is supported by the 3D wrap-around LED taillights that reach far into the sides.

The interior boasts an exceptional level of comfort and functionality in an extremely sporty ambience. Together with an elevated seat position and generously proportioned interior, the front and rear occupants enjoy ample accommodation. Folding down the 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest increases boot capacity from 650 litres to 1,870 litres, making the all-new BMW X5 suitable for all kinds of journeys. The absolute highlight in the interior is the new unique feature – ‘Crafted Clarity’ – which is a host of operational features crafted in exquisite glass that embellish the insert of the gear selector, the iDrive control wheel, the audio control button and the start/stop button. The panoramic glass roof sky lounge with LED light graphics, welcome light carpet appeal to the senses in many ways.

The Comfort Access System remotely detects the key within a 1.5 meter radius and unlocks the doors and the two-section tailgate. The Luggage-Compartment Package includes slide rails for easy loading and an electrical luggage compartment roller blind. Soft close function for doors adds to the increased levels of comfort for the all-new BMW X5.

A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continues to break the innovation barrier in automotive industry – BMW Gesture Control, BMW Display Key, Wireless Charging, BMW Head-Up Display and Wireless Apple CarPlay. The modern cockpit concept BMW Live Cockpit Professional running on latest BMW Operating System 7.0 includes a 3D Navigation, with a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a 12.3-inch screen and a control display also measuring 12.3-inch.

Sachin Tendulkar with the all-new BMW X5

The spread of driver assistance systems is more extensive than ever. Parking assistant plus with surround view camera makes parking in tight spots easier by taking over acceleration, braking as well as steering. The new reversing assistant provides unmatched support in reversing out of a parking spot or through narrow driveways. It keeps a record of the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering.

Thanks to the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the petrol and diesel engines meld maximum power with spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The three-litre six-cylinder diesel engine of the BMW X5 xDrive30d produces an output of 195 kW / 265 hp and a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.5 seconds. The three-litre six-cylinder BS VI compliant petrol engine of the BMW X5 xDrive40i produces an output of 250 kW / 340 hp and maximum torque of 450 Nm at 1,500 – 5,200 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 5.5 seconds.

BMW xDrive, an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, monitors the driving situation constantly and is quick to respond. Electronically controlled ‘Automatic Differential Brakes/Locks’ (ADB-X), extended ‘Dynamic Traction Control’ (DTC), Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control help to conquer every terrain. Dynamic Damper Control improves ride quality and suspension by stabilizing all irregularities of the surface. The Adaptive 2-Axle Air Suspension enables raising and lowering of vehicle at the touch of button and automatically adjusts the height of the car to suit any given driving situation.

BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as 8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission, Auto Start-Stop, ECO PRO mode, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution, Driving Experience Control switch and many other innovative technologies.

BMW safetytechnologies includes six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.

Jehan Daruvala once again created history, winning in the inaugural round of the all new FIA Formula 3 Championship, in Barcelona, in front of a huge F1 audience. The Indian National Anthem rung out at the Spanish F1 Grand Prix event thanks to the F3 races being one of the support events to F1, along with the FIA F2 races.

The only Indian on the grid started from second and was able to grab the lead into the run down to the first corner. With an accident involving 4 cars at the back of the grid, the safety car was deployed on lap one. At the restart Kari was able to benefit from Jehan’s slipstream during the restart, and Jehan had to defend hard to keep the lead. Over the next 2 laps Jehan quickly opened up a gap of over 1.5 seconds so as to prevent Kari from deploying DRS (Drag Reduction System).

The safety car was deployed a second time negating the advantage of a 2 second gap which Jehan had built up.  During the restart, Jehan was much better prepared and was able to open up a gap of over 1.5 seconds in less than 2 laps. He thereafter controlled the race well and also bagged the fastest lap of the race. Later, Jehan cruised to take the chequered flag 2.121 seconds ahead of Estonian racer Juri Vips, who by then had managed to move upto second.

“During the race I was, let’s say, in control, except for the first restart when I didn’t surprise the guy behind, enough, so I had to defend. After that, I was just managing the pace. I have to thank everyone at Prema Racing for giving me a fantastic car. I did not overdrive it, although if I needed more I could have pushed in the final couple of laps.” said the former multiple International Karting Champion.

The all new FIA F3 Championship was created by merging the erstwhile GP3 Championship and FIA F3 European Championship, resulting in an ultra-competitive 30 car grid. The championship will be the perfect training ground for the world’s best upcoming talents, to race at F1 events and the opportunity to prove themselves to all the F1 teams.

20 year old Jehan began his career in Karting at the age of 10. Since then he has won the Indian National Karting Championship, the Malaysian Junior Yamaha Karting Championship, the FIA CIK Asia Pacific KF3 Championship and the British Superone National Karting Championship. Jehan remains the only Indian on the podium of any FIA World Championship, when he was second runner up of the FIA CIK World Karting Championship. Jehan also remains the only Indian to win a Grand Prix, when he won the New Zealand Grand Prix and later went on to become the only Indian to win a race in the erstwhile FIA F3 European Championship, which used slower cars. Earlier this year Jehan was selected by Prema Racing, one of the world’s most successful Junior Racing teams’ to drive for them in this year’s new, FIA F3 Championship.

Jehan’s next race will be along with the French Grand Prix from 21 to 23 June.

Kia Motors India has revealed the first sketch of its upcoming mid-SUV manufactured in India. Due to be revealed fully in the summer, the new vehicle possesses the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV in a compact package. Based on the SP concept, the illustrations give a sneak-peak into the much awaited and anticipated, mid-SUV from Kia Motors.

Kia’s very first product for India is set to flaunt a bold, distinctive and dynamic design; the mid-SUV will come with a wide Tiger nose grille, one of the unique design elements of Kia Motors global design philosophy. With a modern and urbane design, based on the 2018 Kia SP Concept unveiled at the Auto Expo, the SUV will stand apart from rivals by matching the unique preferences and needs of customers who are young at heart.

The robust design character of a traditional SUV co-exists with sophisticated exterior design details, such as its long hood, a strong character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork. Its strong shoulder line, matched with a glasshouse which tapers towards the rear of the car, as well as rear bumper with a metallic muffler effect, lends the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness.

The new compact SUV brings a sense of style to its exterior design with LED headlamps which extend over the radiator grille. The lamps feature a three-dimensional light graphic and a technical diamond pattern at their trailing edges. The design is also echoed in the rear LED lamps.

Byung Chul Juh, Head of Kia Styling at Kia Motors Corporation, comments: “We have created a car which stands out everywhere, from the city to the countryside. Its robust yet sporty design will be matched by a wide range of features and technologies that are universally suited to younger buyers in markets around the world. Our new mid-SUV is a proposition that no other car in its class will match.”

The 85th anniversary of four Popular vehicles’ long-distance journey from Prague to Calcutta commemorates Skoda’s impressive tradition in India. The country soon became the seventh largest export market of the automobile manufacturer from Mladá Boleslav. In 2001, Skoda became the second European manufacturer to enter the Indian market and since then has steadily strengthened its position in the region. Under the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, the company has been responsible for the Volkswagen Group’s model campaign on the Indian market since 2018.

In 1925, the engineering and defence company Skoda joined forces with the automobile manufacturer Laurin & Klement from the Bohemian town of Mladá Boleslav. The Pilsen-based company was already active in India at the time, and so the high-quality commercial and passenger vehicles with the winged arrow quickly gained acceptance on the roads of the subcontinent. Long-distance trips, especially in the 1930s, were among the most successful types of advertising at that time.

Eighty-five years ago, on Saturday, 12 May 1934, a group of four Skoda Populars set out on a trip from the Prague Automobile Club to India. The semi-convertibles had one-litre four-cylinder engines with an output of 15 kW (20 hp). Skoda’s new entry-level model, weighing in at 700 kg, carried a total load of 800 kg, including passengers. Led by Zbislav Peters, a lawyer and Czechoslovak ice hockey player, the seven participants embarked on a journey to India via the Balkans, Turkey, today’s Syria and Iraq.

One crew even made a detour via Afghanistan. After arriving in Calcutta the Skoda Populars went on to Mumbai, and from there by ship to Trieste. From the northern Italian port, the vehicles headed back to the Czech Republic. By the time they arrived in Prague on 10 September 1934, they had covered nearly 15,000 kilometres, often over rough terrain and in harsh climatic conditions. On this long-distance journey, the new generation of Skoda vehicles proved their quality and reliability just as impressively as their technical standards – the cars featured central tube frames and independent all-round suspension.

In the summer of 1936, Czech globetrotters Břetislav Jan Procházka and Jindřich Kubias circumnavigated the world in 97 days in a slightly modified open-top Skoda Rapid with an output of 23 kW (31 hp) and powerful hydraulic brakes. The journey also took the vehicle through India. Because of the ship’s early departure to Japan, the Quetta-New Delhi-Mumbai stage resembled a car chase: the fast and reliable Rapid made it in just three days.

Not least thanks to the advertising effects of these expeditions, the number of Skoda vehicles exported to what was then British India totalled 90 units per year in the second half of the 1930s. In 1938, India ranked seventh among the Czech automobile manufacturer’s 39 export markets. In light of the global social and economic change after the Second World War, only 150 Skoda vehicles were exported to India between 1947 and 1955, followed by ad hoc deliveries from the 1950s to the 70s. The brand, however, had no permanent representation.

The next chapter in Skoda’s success story in India began in 2001 when the company from Mladá Boleslav became the second European carmaker to operate in the local market with introduction of the Octavia (2001), followed by flagship Skoda Superb (2001) and models Laura (2006), Fabia (2008), Yeti (2010) and Rapid (2011). Currently, Indian customers can choose from four model series: the Rapid, which is manufactured locally in Pune, and the Octavia, the Superb and the Kodiaq, which are manufactured at the Aurangabad plant.

Over the past 18 years, Skoda has steadily consolidated its position in the Indian market, both in terms of the number of vehicles delivered and in brand awareness among Indian customers. The potential of the Indian market is immense: with currently more than 1.3 billion inhabitants, the country has the second highest population in the world, and GDP is growing at an annual rate of around seven per cent.

This makes the Indian market an important pillar of Skoda Auto’s strategy. As part of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, the car manufacturer has been responsible for the Volkswagen Group’s model campaign on the Indian market since 2018. In January 2019, the technology centre was opened in Pune where vehicles that are tailored to the needs of customers on the subcontinent are being developed. These are to be manufactured 95 per cent locally based on the localised MQB A0-IN platform. This means that almost all vehicle components will be made in India. The car manufacturer will be presenting its first design study next year at the Delhi Motor Show. In the next phase of the project, the Volkswagen Group will examine the possibility of exporting the vehicles manufactured in India.