ŠKODA AUTO India introduces the RAPID RIDER PLUS at INR 7.99 lacs

›       Distinctive black and silver design elements underline the assertive and dynamic appearance of the RIDER PLUS

›       The exteriors are accentuated by the black facade of the ŠKODA signature grille, decorative side foils, glossy black décor on the B pillars, complementary trunk lip garnish as well as tasteful new window chrome garnish

›       Plush dual-tone ebony sand interiors, with ivory slate upholstery, stainless steel scuff plates with RAPID inscription

›       ‘Drive’ - the state of the art 16.51 cm colour touchscreen central infotainment system with SmartLink™ technology that is compatible with MirrorLink®, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

›       The revolutionary Climatronic technology along with dust and pollen filter adds to the comfort and convenience

›       The 1.0 TSI engine, introduced with new RAPID, is central to ŠKODA's BS VI powertrain and fuel strategy

›       It offers exceptional power output (110 PS) and excellent fuel economy (18.97 kmpl): 23% increase in fuel efficiency, 14% rise in torque and 5% upsurge in power over the outgoing MPI engine

›       Uncompromised safety and security with dual airbags, anti-lock braking system, engine immobilizer with floating code system, rough road package, Parktronic rear parking sensors, etc.

›       The RIDER PLUS is available in Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, and Toffee Brown colour options

New Delhi, 15 July 2020: ŠKODA AUTO India unveiled the RIDER PLUS, a new variant of its much celebrated vehicle: the RAPID TSI, at an introductory ex-showroom price of INR 7.99 lacs nationwide taking forward the ‘One Nation, One Price’ philosophy. The new ŠKODA AUTO offering exhibits a perfect blend of the brand’s timeless design ideals, unbending performance, superior build quality, exemplary ‘value for money’ proposition, and enhanced safety and security. The RAPID RIDER PLUS will be available in four colour options, Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver and Toffee Brown, across all authorized ŠKODA AUTO dealership facilities in the country.

Commenting on the introduction of the new ŠKODA RAPID RIDER PLUS, Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India said, “ŠKODA AUTO India recently introduced the new RAPID TSI range of products that now boasts state of the art 1.0 TSI petrol engine offering exceptional power output and excellent fuel economy. An overwhelming response from brand loyalists and auto enthusiasts from across the nation has obligated the Czech marque to push the yardstick further and broaden the RAPID range. The RIDER PLUS offers a compelling combination of the brand’s emotive design, exquisite interiors and class leading safety features, at a very competitive price point. It is deemed to be a best seller setting the benchmark for functionality, practicality and spaciousness in its segment.”

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The RAPID RIDER PLUS sports a modern crystalline appearance synonymous with the brand’s signature design language and legacy. The distinctive black and silver design elements underline the RAPID RIDER PLUS’s assertive and dynamic appearance. The black facade of the ŠKODA signature grille is perfectly complemented by decorative side foils, glossy black décor on the B pillars, complementary trunk lip garnish as well as the tasteful new window chrome garnish. The all new dual-tone ebony sand interior, with premium ivory slate upholstery, is a befitting combination of the Czech heritage and modern technology. The stainless steel scuff plates with ‘RAPID’ inscription further add to the captivating aesthetics.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

‘Drive’ - the new 16.51 cm colour touchscreen central infotainment system in the ŠKODA RAPID RIDER PLUS. It comes equipped with SmartLink™ technology which will help one control selected apps like navigation straight on the infotainment screen and ensure seamless connectivity with a smartphone to keep one connected on the go, while also supporting USB/Aux-in/Bluetooth options. All the installed applications are certified as safe for vehicles and are compatible with MirrorLink®, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The plethora of features doesn’t end here. The revolutionary Climatronic technology along with dust and pollen filter, adjustable dual rear AC vents, 12 V power socket in front and rear centre console, height and length adjustable multifunction steering wheel, adjustable headrests, foldable armrests, central locking system with remote control, multi-functional display, numerous ‘Simply Clever’ storage solutions, etc. make the RAPID RIDER PLUS even more compelling.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

At the heart of the ŠKODA RAPID RIDER PLUS is an incredible new TSI mill. Displacing 999 cm³, the three cylinder 1.0 TSI petrol engine fosters an astounding 110 PS (81 kW) of power and 175 Nm of torque. The state of the art drivetrain has been tuned to offer refinement and sets the yardstick in its segment.

The fuel efficiency too is exemplary. The new RIDER PLUS, with the six speed manual transmission, offers 18.97 kmpl under standard test conditions. When compared with the outgoing 1.6 MPI engine, the new ŠKODA RAPID RIDER PLUS offers a 5% upsurge in power and a 14% rise in torque output. At the same time, the new RAPID RIDER PLUS offers a 23% increase in fuel efficiency against the previous motor. The new RIDER PLUS is calibrated for refinement, efficiency as well as performance, and perfectly fits the urbane lifestyle of the ŠKODA AUTO patrons.

ENHANCED SAFETY AND SECURITY

At ŠKODA, safety is a priority and not an option. Which is why ŠKODA AUTO offers essential safety features like dual airbags and anti-lock braking system as standard across its product portfolio. The safety and security equipment on the RAPID RIDER PLUS includes a wide range of features, such as the Parktronic rear parking sensors, anti-glare interior rear view mirror, rear windscreen defogger with timer, height adjustable three-point seatbelts at the front, rough road package, fuel supply cut off in a crash, and engine immobilizer with floating code system.

‘PEACE OF MIND’ COMES STANDARD WITH A ŠKODA

The ŠKODA Shield Plus ensures 6 years of hassle free ownership experience and utmost 'PEACE OF MIND'. It incorporates motor insurance, 24 x 7 road side assistance, and an extended warranty. ŠKODA AUTO had previously introduced India’s first 4 year service care programme (4 year warranty, 4 year road side assistance, and an optional 4 year maintenance package).

THE ŠKODA RAPID RIDER PLUS PRICE SUMMARY

MODEL	PRICE (EX-SHOWROOM, INDIA)
1.0 TSI, Manual Transmission	INR 7,99,000

ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India provides its Mobile Health Clinic to Karanjvihire Primary Healthcare Centre

› The company is also contributing medicines and some medical devices/equipment worth INR 14 lacs like oxygen cylinders, stethoscope, BP monitors and other essentials to the 1400 bed Mahalunge Covid Care Centre

› Karanjvihire Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) serves around 12 villages, including ŠAVW plant area in Pune

› The van will also be used transfer patients requiring hospitalization as well as provide medical consultation in the villages they visit

New Delhi, 08 July, 2020: ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India today handed its  Mobile Health Clinic Van to the Karanjvihire Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) that will help the medical staff medical consultation to around 12 villages including the including ŠAVW plant area in Pune. The same was handed over by Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd to Khed Taluka Medical officials at the company’s corporate headquarter in Pune. The Mobile Health Clinic Van will be provided for a period of six months, as an interim replacement for the 15 year old in-use ambulance, and will be utilized exclusively to transfer pregnant women to the Healthcare Centre to ensure a sanitized environment, and avoid mixing with regular patients.

In addition to the van, SAVWIPL is donating medicines and essential medical equipment worth INR 14 lakhs to the Mahalunge Covid Care Centre in Pune.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd said, “At ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India, we are strongly committed towards our community and its well-being. We are humbled to be a part of such humanitarian initiatives and contribute to the society. As defined in our community charter, we will continue to support healthcare as one of the key pillars of our CSR initiatives.”

Dr. Baliram Gadhave, Taluka Health Officer-Khed commended SAVW’s efforts to support  healthcare institutions in Pune district and other parts of the State and was particularly appreciative of the  support extended to the Mahalunge Covid Care Centre.

Dr. Jayshree Mahajan, Medical Officer, Karanjvihire Primary Healthcare Centre commented, “I would like take this opportunity to thank ŠAVW for their contribution in ensuring the continuity of the Mobile Health clinic for the numerous beneficiaries residing in and around Karanjvihire. The support of establishments like SKODA Auto Volkswagen India enables essential healthcare access to the rural community and the general wellbeing of the society at large.”

Earlier, ŠAVWIPL had pledged financial support of INR 1 crore for the 1100-bed dedicated COVID-19 facility at Sassoon General Hospital in Pune and donated medicines worth INR 22.34 lakhs. The company’s employees in Aurangabad, Mumbai and Pune supported by the labor unions in Pune and Aurangabad also contributed a day’s salary to raise over INR 1.2 crore to fund 15 full featured ventilators, monitors and PPE kits to Covid facilities in Aurangabad, Pune and Mumbai. Furthermore, ŠAVWIPL also produced and donated over 15,000 reusable Face Shields to hospitals in Aurangabad, Pune, Latur and Beed. The company also produced  Automatic AMBU Bags, Intubation boxes and 3D printed retro fitted filtered Oxygen Masks to aid healthcare providers treating Covid-19 patients.

ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab hosts online ‘COVID-19 Mobility Race’ hackathon to benefit the automotive industry

›   International hackathon of ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab and ŠKODA AUTO held online for the first time, under the theme ‘COVID-19 Mobility Race’

›   25 independent IT teams and 27 high-tech companies from 19 countries worked on innovative digital solutions for the car trade

›   2 teams from India won top prizes at the global Covid Mobility Race

›   ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab supports the winners in developing their project ideas and offers the prospect of collaboration

New Delhi/Mladá Boleslav, 8 June 2020 – ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab has played host to the global online ‘COVID-19 Mobility Race’ hackathon. The theme of this year’s ideas competition, which took place from 4 to 7 June 2020, set the tone: the event was dedicated to the current challenges facing the automotive industry as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. How can a vehicle be bought and delivered whilst following stringent social distancing measures? What options are there for car buyers to virtually view their dream car? And what role will digital mobility services play in the future? 25 independent teams and 27 high-tech companies from 19 countries came up with surprising and innovative answers to these questions. While the team from Israeli high-tech company Matter beat its competitors with 3D virtual showroom technology in the main track, Indian firm Xenon Automotive India won the region specific track for their product NEXO which is suite of an apps that helps dealers and OEM’s to offer the best purchasing experience to their customers in post Covid world, that includes demo and test drive, ensuring optimal utilization of test drive fleet utilization and will now be supported by ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab and have a chance for further collaboration with experts from the innovation lab.

Another Indian team Ctrl+Alt_Covid, consisting of 2nd year students from IIT Guwahati, presented an innovative idea for creating a new normal in post COVID world. Their solution uses deep learning and image processing algorithms to provide the user with the count of people at the given location at that time. Their product goal is to create a safe space and promote social distancing.

All around the globe, the past few weeks and months have been marked by measures taken to prevent the coronavirus from spreading further. Of course, this also affected the automotive industry and in particular car dealerships. The ‘COVID-19 Mobility Race’ hackathon organised by ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab and ŠKODA AUTO therefore asked the question of how innovative concepts can be integrated into everyday working life and how these can benefit ŠKODA and its worldwide sales and service network.

Andre Wehner, ŠKODA AUTO Chief Digital Officer, stated, “The current situation has shown that many areas of our lives, both on a private as well as a professional level, can be carried out much more digitally. For us, the current crisis therefore also presents an opportunity. We would like to make the most of what we have just learned and make use of the existing technical possibilities in order to cater to the needs of our customers even more specifically. This year’s international online hackathon has delivered exciting new approaches and innovative concepts. And the participants’ response has demonstrated that the potential is far from exhausted.”

IT teams and high-tech companies from all over the world took part in ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab’s four-day international hackathon, including teams from Europe as well as from China, India and Israel, where the DigiLab spin-offs are based. ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab awarded a separate winner for a special category dedicated to IT solutions for the Indian market. There was also a special focus on the IT hotspot Israel, where the winner is from: ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab Israel Ltd supported the tech companies from Tel Aviv throughout the competition.

For four days and nights, the teams programmed, discussed and optimised their proposals. The spectrum of projects ranged from online viewing of new and used vehicles, innovative disinfection options, shared mobility, logistics and infrastructure concepts, to new business models in relation to social distancing. The panel of experts including ŠKODA AUTO Chief Digital Officer, Andre Wehner, and ŠKODA AUTO DigiLabs’ Managing Director, Jarmila Plachá, as well as other specialists voted Israeli company Matter’s project on a virtual showroom to be the best from the ‘COVID-19 Mobility Race’. They favoured this concept as it is interactive, can be presented very realistically and can be implemented flexibly. The victorious team will now be supported by ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab, enabling them to further develop their project. Furthermore, ŠKODA AUTO will investigate whether and how the project can be put into practice.

This year’s event was ŠKODA AUTO DigiLab’s fourth hackathon. Since its debut in 2017, the ideas competition has also attracted a great deal of attention in the tech and IT start-up scene because of the exciting and innovative contributions the teams have made, presenting ŠKODA AUTO as an attractive employer for young IT talent.