Superb Plug-In Hybrid Will Begin Skoda’s Electrification Programme

More plug-in hybrids will follow the launch of the Superb plug-in hybrid which will ultimately lead to the launch of a battery electric car based on the Volkswagen Group technology by 2020.

Bernhard Maier, CEO of Skoda said the plug-in hybrid will use the underpinnings of the Volkswagen Passat GTE and other models including the Skoda Kodiaq will go on sale using the same technology.

He added that they will start with the Superb as it has a strong following in China which is were Skoda is anticipating the greatest demand coming from.

Some might say that they are late to the market, but actually, they see 2019 as being the point where demand for such cars will actually start to build to a level that is strong enough to bring the cost down.

He further said that as a brand, Skoda does not need to be the first in the market - it needs to offer technology people want at a price they can afford.

Skoda's electrification programme will sit within the VW Group's ambitious electrification strategy that was highlighted by the VW ID concept at the Paris Motor Show.

Maier said that the design of the car will be unique to Skoda and is expected to sit on the carmaker's MEB platform.

"I cannot tell you much, but I promise this all-new car will be awesome," he said. "The advantages of lots of space in a smaller footprint play to Skoda's strengths for offering good value."