In a first for the Volkswagen Group, a new model has had its global debut in India. The Skoda Rapid, a rival for the Hyundai Verna, was unveiled earlier on 7 October, with production then commencing at the Chakan plant in the state of Maharashtra.

Skoda has only released a minimum of details concerning the new car, a four-door sedan which sits in the brand’s local market range above the Fabia and below the Laura (Octavia). It is closely related to the existing Volkswagen Vento, a long wheelbase Polo sedan.

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VW Group’s two-year old Chakan plant moved to a second shift with the start of Vento production in 2010. It is a full production factory with press, body and paint shops feeding through to final assembly and has maximum annual capacity of 110,000 vehicles.

Author: Glenn Brooks

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