Mon Oct 21 04:00:02 UTC 2024: **Summary of the News Article:**
1. **Electric Vehicle Market Entry**: Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVIPL) is set to enter the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market using the affordable CMP 21 platform.
2. **Plans for ID.4 and Enyaq**: Previous discussions about bringing the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq to India are being reconsidered, with reports suggesting the ID.4 project may be abandoned due to high costs and lack of dealer confidence.
3. **New CMP 21 Platform**: Volkswagen Group is developing a new entry-level electric SUV based on the CMP 21 platform, which is reportedly 30% more affordable than the MEB 31 platform.
4. **Market Competition**: This upcoming VW electric vehicle will compete with the Tata Nexon, which is currently priced between ₹12.49 lakh to ₹17.19 lakh.
5. **Platform Specifications**: The CMP 21 platform is designed for mid-size SUVs and could potentially accommodate 7-seat configurations, making it suitable for future competition against models like Mahindra’s XUV.e9 and Tata Harrier EV.
6. **Production Timeline**: The first CMP 21-based product is expected to be a 5-seater electric SUV, slated for a 2027 release, adhering to upcoming Cafe III standards.
7. **Collaboration with Mahindra**: Reports indicate ongoing discussions with Mahindra to share the financial burden of the CMP platform’s development.
8. **Additional News Highlights**:
– New versions of popular models like Maruti Dzire and Scorpio are mentioned.
– Hyundai’s new EV is noted to have a range of 355 km on a single charge.
– Local incidents and various other news items are briefly touched upon.
This article outlines the strategic shift of Volkswagen Group towards a more cost-effective approach to entering the Indian EV market with the CMP 21 platform.
First Piper 