Skoda, Volkswagen hybrid cars India launch by 2028 — Details inside

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is gearing up to join the hybrid race, with plans to introduce strong-hybrid midsize SUVs and sedans in the Indian market by 2028. The move is part of the group’s wider strategy to deal with India’s regulatory environment and the rising demand for fuel-efficient mobility solutions.

New hybrid models to use localised IMP21 platform

The upcoming hybrid models from Skoda and Volkswagen will be underpinned by a new platform dubbed IMP21. This architecture is an India-specific evolution of the VW Group’s CMP (China Main Platform), tailored to support internal combustion engines (ICE), strong-hybrid systems, and even fully electric powertrains.

The IMP21 platform has been developed with a strong focus on localisation, aimed at optimising costs and complying with Indian safety and emissions regulations. This flexibility also gives the group the option to adapt to changing market conditions and policy incentives in the coming years, including all-electric derivatives. While there is no official confirmation, reports suggest that these new hybrid models from Volkswagen and Skoda could get launched in India by 2028.

Also Read: Tata Motors open to hybrids if market demands — says Shailesh Chandra

Part of CAFE 3 compliance and electrification roadmap

The move towards hybrid technology is a key pillar in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s broader compliance roadmap, especially in light of the upcoming CAFE 3 norms. The new hybrid models will play a critical role in helping the group meet fuel efficiency targets, while also acting as a bridge towards its long-term electrification goals.

While exact model details remain under wraps, both brands are expected to introduce hybrid versions of their midsize SUV and sedan offerings, which will be launched progressively through the second half of the decade. These upcoming SUVs and sedans could be the spiritual successor to Volkswagen’s and Skoda’s India 2.0 cars—namely the Taigun, Virtus and Kushaq, Slavia. 

Upcoming hybrid cars in India

Skoda and Volkswagen’s midsize hybrid SUVs will compete with a growing list of upcoming rivals from Hyundai, Kia, Renault, and Nissan. These include the third-gen Hyundai Creta, second-gen Kia Seltos, the new Renault Duster, and Nissan’s yet-unnamed midsize SUV—all of which are expected to come with strong-hybrid powertrains.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta hybrid launch on the horizon — Top 5 things to know

Currently, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are the only carmakers offering hybrid SUVs in this segment with the Grand Vitara and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. On the sedan front, the VW and Skoda hybrids will go up against the Honda City e:HEV, which remains the only strong-hybrid affordable sedan on sale in the country for now.

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